If you have a sweet tooth but want something delightfully refreshing and not too complicated, this Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a crunchy graham cracker base and bursts of fresh strawberry goodness. The result is a luscious, frozen treat that’s as stunning as it is simple—ideal for summer gatherings, quick weeknight desserts, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss.

Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert come alive. Each element plays a crucial role: the graham cracker crumbs provide a buttery, crunchy foundation; cream cheese adds creamy richness; and the strawberries bring that vibrant, natural sweetness and bright color.

3 cups graham cracker crumbs: Use about 22 full sheet graham crackers crushed finely for the perfect crust texture.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the crust together while adding a rich buttery flavor.
6 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens and enhances the crust’s flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth, creamy base that balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cream cheese blend smoothly.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Brings luscious sweetness and creaminess to the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens and deepens the overall flavor.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to add lightness and airy texture.
1 cup diced strawberries: Adds fresh bursts of strawberry in every bite.
2 1/2 cups whole strawberries: Pureed to flavor the filling with fresh strawberry essence and vibrant color.

How to Make Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by spraying a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter until thoroughly combined. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even, dense crust layer. Save the remaining crumbs for later to add a crunchy topping that seals in all the flavors perfectly.

Step 2: Puree the Whole Strawberries

Place the 2 1/2 cups of whole strawberries in a blender. Puree until completely smooth, which should take about one to two minutes. This puree will infuse the dessert with vibrant strawberry flavor and that gorgeous pink hue that makes the dish so inviting. Set it aside while you move on to the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with a mixer on low speed for about one minute, then increase to high speed until stiff peaks form. This typically takes about four minutes. Properly whipped cream will fold gently into the filling mixture, creating a soft, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crust.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar on low speed until creamy and smooth. Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and the pureed strawberries. Beat everything together until the ingredients are fully combined and creamy. This luscious base is what makes the dessert irresistible.

Step 5: Combine and Fold

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry cream cheese mixture. Folding rather than beating preserves the light and fluffy texture provided by the whipped cream. Once blended, gently fold in the diced strawberries for little pops of freshness throughout the dessert.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill

Spread the creamy strawberry mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in your pan. Finally, sprinkle the saved graham cracker crumbs over the top to add a bit of crunch. Cover the dessert and place it in the freezer for several hours until firm and frozen. This chilling step transforms everything into the delightful, cool Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert you can’t wait to dive into.

How to Serve Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert

Garnishes

Garnishing this dessert is where you can let your creativity shine. Fresh whole or sliced strawberries on top add a natural visual appeal and extra fruity burst. A sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant finish that guests will appreciate.

Side Dishes

While this dessert stands perfectly on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce can elevate the experience further. For a lighter option, serve alongside fresh fruit salad to keep the strawberry theme vibrant and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert in clear individual glasses or small jars for an elegant touch at parties. Layer the components with extra strawberry slices between layers, or use decorative glass dishes to showcase the contrasting bright red and creamy pink layers. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert should be kept covered in the freezer to preserve freshness and prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface. Stored correctly, it will maintain its texture and flavor for up to a week, making it a convenient make-ahead treat.

Freezing

This dessert freezes wonderfully. Just be sure to cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw for about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly, ensuring the perfect scoopable texture.

Reheating

Since this is a frozen dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, just let it sit at room temperature for a short time to soften if it feels too firm straight out of the freezer. This way, you retain the luscious cooling effect that defines this dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture which can affect the texture of the dessert.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Traditional graham crackers contain gluten, so if you need a gluten-free Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert, opt for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs instead.

How long should I let the dessert freeze?

Plan on freezing the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and firmness.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese, but keep in mind the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

What’s the best way to slice and serve this dessert?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts to maintain neat portions.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Frozen Strawberry Dessert is a true winner when it comes to simple ingredients delivering wildly delicious results. Whether you’re craving something cool and creamy, or need a quick dessert to wow your friends, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and see just how delightful frozen strawberries can be!