Introduction
When it comes to indulging in a sweet treat while sticking to a low-carb or keto lifestyle, it can often feel like a challenge. Fortunately, the Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake offers a delicious and satisfying solution. This easy-to-make dessert combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries, all while being low in carbohydrates, high in flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, this keto-friendly dessert is sure to impress without compromising on your dietary goals.
The beauty of this icebox cake lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a rich, decadent dessert that fits into your ketogenic lifestyle while still offering the creamy, fruity indulgence you crave. The cake layers are made from keto-friendly ingredients, and there’s no baking required, making it the perfect hassle-free dessert.
In this guide, we’ll break down the recipe in detail, from the ingredients and instructions to nutritional information and SmartPoints breakdown. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to prepare a delicious, low-carb, and keto-approved Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Servings)
For this Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake, we’ll use keto-friendly ingredients that keep the carb count low but the flavor high. Here’s everything you need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour (for a nutty, low-carb base)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon erythritol (or any keto-friendly sweetener of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened, full-fat for best flavor and texture)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (unsweetened, full-fat)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or sweetener of choice, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a rich, sweet aroma)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the strawberry flavor)
- Optional: A few drops of stevia or another sweetener for additional sweetness, depending on your taste preference
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream (unsweetened, for serving)
- Fresh mint leaves (for decoration)
- Shredded unsweetened coconut (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Flour Crust
Start by making the crust for the icebox cake. This simple, no-bake crust is made with almond flour, a staple in keto baking, which gives a rich texture and keeps the carbs low.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of erythritol, and a pinch of salt. If you’d like, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to give the crust a hint of sweetness and fragrance.
Mix all the ingredients until they are fully combined and the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized dish of your choice) to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the crust firmly.
Once the crust is pressed into place, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes to set. This will help it firm up and provide a solid base for the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust is setting in the refrigerator, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a velvety, lump-free texture.
Next, add the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered erythritol, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until fully incorporated. The heavy cream will help give the filling a rich, creamy texture, while the erythritol provides sweetness without the carbs.
To enhance the flavor and provide a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and mix again. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more erythritol or a few drops of stevia, depending on your preference. The goal is to have a creamy, smooth filling that’s sweet and well-balanced.
Step 3: Assemble the Icebox Cake
Now that the crust and cheesecake filling are prepared, it’s time to assemble your icebox cake.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the almond flour crust, using a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Try to ensure the filling covers the entire crust, leaving no gaps.
Once the cheesecake layer is spread evenly, cover the cake with a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and place it back in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results). Chilling the cake allows the filling to firm up and gives the dessert a dense, decadent texture that’s reminiscent of a traditional cheesecake.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
While the icebox cake is chilling, prepare the fresh strawberry topping. This fresh strawberry layer will give the cake its signature fruity burst, balancing the richness of the cheesecake.
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of fresh strawberries (sliced), 2 tablespoons of powdered erythritol, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the strawberries have softened and the syrup has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat. Allow the strawberry mixture to cool down to room temperature.
If you’d like a smoother topping, you can mash the strawberries with a fork or blend them lightly with an immersion blender, depending on the texture you prefer.
Step 5: Top the Cake with Strawberries
Once the cheesecake and crust have had time to chill, and the strawberry mixture has cooled, remove the cake from the refrigerator. Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.
The natural sweetness and acidity of the strawberries will complement the rich, creamy filling beautifully. If you have leftover strawberries, you can slice them thinly and arrange them decoratively on top of the cake for a more vibrant presentation.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Return the cake to the refrigerator and let it chill for an additional 1-2 hours to allow the strawberry topping to firm up. This final chill will help everything set together and allow the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, cut the icebox cake into squares, and if desired, top each serving with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a few fresh mint leaves for garnish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake is an indulgent yet low-carb dessert that you can enjoy without the guilt. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (1/8th of the cake):
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sugar: 3g (from the strawberries and erythritol)
- Calcium: 75mg (from the cream cheese and heavy cream)
SmartPoints (WW Points)
For those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, this keto-friendly dessert is a great option that’s low in SmartPoints, especially when using a sugar substitute and full-fat ingredients. Here’s the approximate SmartPoints breakdown per serving:
- SmartPoints (Green): 7 points
- SmartPoints (Blue): 6 points
- SmartPoints (Purple): 5 points
Note: The SmartPoints may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use (such as the sweetener or the type of cream cheese).
Tips and Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free: To make this dessert dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese option (such as cashew-based cream cheese) and use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. Make sure to check the nutritional values to maintain the keto profile.
- Add a Chocolate Layer: For a twist on the classic, add a thin layer of keto-friendly chocolate ganache or cocoa powder to the crust before adding the cheesecake filling. This will create a delicious chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
- Change the Berries: While strawberries are classic in this recipe, you can swap them out for other berries like raspberries or blackberries, depending on your preference.
- Increase the Sweetness: If you like your desserts sweeter, feel free to increase the amount of erythritol or other sweeteners in the cheesecake filling or strawberry topping. Adjusting the sweetness is a great way to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for meal prep or making ahead. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great option for a make-ahead dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This recipe is designed specifically to be keto-friendly, with only 3g of net carbs per serving, making it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- No Baking Required: The no-bake nature of this dessert makes it a breeze to prepare, especially for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
- Fresh and Fruity: The fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of sweetness and flavor, balancing out the richness of the cheesecake filling for the perfect bite every time.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, family dinner, or as a personal treat, this dessert is highly customizable, ensuring it suits any occasion.
Conclusion
The Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking to enjoy a low-carb treat. It combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries, all while keeping the carbs low and the taste high. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving a refreshing dessert, this cake offers the perfect solution. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, this dessert is sure to become a regular favorite in your low-carb recipe collection.
So, grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious dessert, and indulge in a guilt-free, keto-friendly treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and keeps you on track with your health goals!