Introduction

If you are following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, finding dessert options that satisfy your sweet cravings without busting your SmartPoints can be a challenge. But the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is here to solve that problem! This dessert is a delicious, easy-to-make treat that combines the rich and creamy flavor of cream cheese with the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries. Plus, it’s a no-bake cake, meaning it’s incredibly simple and requires minimal effort.

What makes this dessert even more appealing is that it’s a low SmartPoints option, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a dessert while still staying within their daily points limit. It’s also versatile—whether you want to enjoy it as a weeknight treat or serve it at a family gathering, this icebox cake is a crowd-pleaser.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the full WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake recipe with ingredients, instructions, nutritional breakdown, SmartPoints information, and tips for customizing it. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

1. Deliciously Creamy and Light

This icebox cake offers the rich flavor of cream cheese paired with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, resulting in a creamy, smooth dessert that’s still light and refreshing. The contrast between the creamy filling and the fresh fruit creates a balance of textures that is irresistible.

2. Low SmartPoints and Keto-Friendly

Following the WW program or a low-carb lifestyle? This dessert is the perfect fit! With only a few simple ingredients, this cake can be made to align with your goals without compromising on flavor. Not only is it low in SmartPoints, but it’s also low in sugar and low in carbs.

3. Easy to Make

This cake is a no-bake dessert, which means it requires minimal prep work. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dessert ready in no time. The hardest part will be waiting for it to set in the refrigerator!

4. Perfect for Meal Prepping and Parties

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is ideal for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge for several days. You can also make it ahead of time for parties, barbecues, or gatherings. It serves as a great light alternative to other heavier desserts and will impress your guests.

5. Versatile and Customizable

This dessert can be customized in a variety of ways. You can substitute the strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sweetener.

Ingredients for WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

The ingredients for this cake are simple, and many of them are likely staples you already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cake Layers:

  1. 1 package of sugar-free vanilla wafer cookies – These serve as the base layer of the icebox cake. The vanilla cookies add a light, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
  2. 1/4 cup water – This is used to moisten the vanilla wafer cookies slightly, giving them the ideal texture.
  3. 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped – Fresh strawberries are essential for this dessert, providing natural sweetness and a burst of fresh flavor. They will be layered throughout the cake.

Cream Cheese Filling:

  1. 1 package (8 oz) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened – The cream cheese is the heart of the filling, giving it that smooth, creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy cookies.
  2. 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt helps create a creamy, tangy filling while keeping it light and lower in fat. It also adds protein to the dessert.
  3. 1/2 cup sugar-free whipped topping – The whipped topping lightens the filling and adds a fluffy texture.
  4. 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener (such as Swerve or Stevia) – This is used to sweeten the filling. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your desserts.
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds a rich, sweet flavor to the filling.
  6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Lemon juice enhances the flavor of the cream cheese and yogurt, giving the filling a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.

Optional Garnish:

  • Additional chopped strawberries – For extra garnish and a fresh, colorful topping.
  • Mint leaves – For a touch of freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions for WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Cut them into small pieces or slices, depending on your preference. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Wafer Cookies

In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup of water. Take the sugar-free vanilla wafer cookies and dip each cookie lightly into the water. Don’t let them soak too long—just a quick dip to moisten them slightly is enough. This will help the cookies soften up in the refrigerator and form the perfect texture when layered.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. Once smooth, gently fold in the sugar-free whipped topping, making sure not to deflate it. The whipped topping should stay light and fluffy to keep the filling airy.

Step 4: Assemble the Icebox Cake

In a medium-sized baking dish or 9×9-inch square pan, layer the ingredients. Start by placing a layer of the moistened vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of the cream cheese filling, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover the cookies. Then add a layer of the chopped strawberries. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream cheese filling on top.

Step 5: Chill the Cake

Once the cake is assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After the cake has chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Top the cake with additional fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a fresh, vibrant presentation. Slice it into portions and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of the WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake (assuming you make 9 servings):

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Net Carbs: 12g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Potassium: 180mg
  • Calcium: 10% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

WW SmartPoints Breakdown (Per Serving)

For Weight Watchers (WW) users, the SmartPoints values are as follows:

  • Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints
  • Blue Plan: 3 SmartPoints
  • Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints

These SmartPoints values are based on the ingredients used in the recipe. If you make adjustments (such as using different sweeteners or whipped toppings), the SmartPoints may vary slightly.

Tips for Customizing Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

  1. Berries: If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The cake will still be delicious and refreshing with any of these fruit options.
  2. Cookie Substitutes: For a different texture or flavor, you can swap the vanilla wafer cookies for low-carb graham crackers or a Keto-friendly biscuit.
  3. Sugar-Free Variations: You can adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste by adding more or less sugar substitute. Just be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
  4. Extra Layers: For more texture, consider adding a thin layer of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts between the cream cheese filling layers for a bit of crunch.
  5. Freezing Option: This dessert can also be frozen if you want to make it ahead of time. Simply freeze it for 1-2 hours before serving. You’ll get a semi-frozen treat with a more firm consistency, like an ice cream cake!

Conclusion

The WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone following the Weight Watchers program or trying to stay on track with their health goals. This cake is a crowd-pleaser, full of fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and a slight crunch from the cookies, all while being low in SmartPoints and rich in flavor. It’s a great option for meal prep, gatherings, or just enjoying a refreshing treat on a warm day.

With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and the flexibility to customize to your liking, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake will soon become a regular addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with this delicious, low SmartPoints dessert!