Introduction to the WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

If you’re craving a delicious, refreshing dessert that is both indulgent and low in SmartPoints, the WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth. This dessert is light, creamy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re following the WW (Weight Watchers) program or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, this cake fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

The beauty of this icebox cake lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. With minimal cooking involved, it allows you to enjoy a delectable dessert without the fuss. Plus, it’s designed with low SmartPoints in mind, so you can indulge without feeling guilty. Each bite is filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and whipped topping, complemented by the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries. It’s a dessert that will leave you craving more, yet aligned with your wellness goals.

This recipe is ideal for anyone following a low-calorie, lower-fat, or healthier dessert plan. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this WW-friendly Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, including all the measurements, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients for WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

To create this delicious, WW-friendly Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

  • Graham crackers: 10 full sheets (about 5-6 oz) – you can use reduced-fat or whole wheat graham crackers to make this even healthier.
  • Fresh strawberries: 2 cups (sliced thinly) – look for ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon – for an added tang that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • Water: 1 tablespoon – helps the strawberries release their juices.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • Light cream cheese: 8 oz (softened) – using light cream cheese helps to reduce the calorie and fat content while maintaining the rich flavor.
  • Fat-free whipped topping: 8 oz – provides the lightness and airiness to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – for added depth of flavor.
  • Powdered sugar: 3 tablespoons – helps sweeten the cream cheese mixture while keeping it smooth.
  • Non-fat Greek yogurt: ¼ cup – adds tanginess and smoothness to the cream cheese layer while keeping it lighter than traditional cream cheese-based frosting.

For the Strawberry Topping:

  • Fresh strawberries: 1 cup (sliced thinly) – a fresh topping of strawberries to give this cake a bright, sweet finish.
  • Sugar substitute (optional): 1-2 teaspoons – for added sweetness, if desired. You can also use monk fruit sweetener or stevia as a low-calorie substitute.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 5 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 3 grams
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 17 grams
    • Fiber: 1 gram
    • Sugars: 10 grams
  • Protein: 3 grams
  • Vitamin A: 4% of Daily Value
  • Vitamin C: 25% of Daily Value
  • Calcium: 6% of Daily Value
  • Iron: 2% of Daily Value

WW SmartPoints (Green, Blue, Purple Plans): 3 SmartPoints per serving (1 slice).

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

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and slicing the strawberries. Slice them thinly and place them in a small bowl. Add the lemon juice and water to help release the strawberry juices. Gently toss them to ensure even coating. Let the strawberries sit for about 10 minutes to macerate, allowing the natural sweetness and juices to develop.

2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Layers

While the strawberries are macerating, take your graham crackers and break them into halves. Lay the graham cracker pieces in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, forming a single layer. If necessary, break the crackers into smaller pieces to cover the entire base of the dish. These will form the first layer of your icebox cake.

3. Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the macerated strawberries (with their juice) to the cream cheese mixture. Beat everything together until fully incorporated.

Next, fold in the fat-free whipped topping. This will give the cream cheese mixture a light and airy texture. Make sure everything is thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps in the cream cheese layer.

4. Assemble the Cake Layers

Once the graham crackers are in place, spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it evenly over the crackers. Ensure that the entire surface is covered. Repeat the process by layering graham crackers, followed by more cream cheese mixture, and then graham crackers again. Aim for at least three layers of graham crackers and cream cheese.

Top the final layer with the remaining macerated strawberries and any remaining juice. Spread them evenly over the top of the cake, creating a vibrant and flavorful topping. This is where the natural sweetness of the strawberries shines, providing a fresh and fruity contrast to the creamy base.

5. Chill the Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but ideally, overnight. The longer the cake chills, the more the flavors meld together, and the graham crackers will soften, creating a more cake-like texture.

6. Serving the Cake

After chilling, remove the cake from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into individual servings. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce for an extra touch, if desired.

7. Enjoy!

Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, strawberry-infused flavors of this low-calorie, WW-friendly dessert. It’s the perfect treat for summer gatherings, family dinners, or as an easy-to-make dessert when you’re craving something sweet.

Tips for Perfecting Your WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake

  • Use a baking dish with a lid: If you plan to store the cake overnight, ensure your baking dish has a lid, or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from affecting the cake.
  • Substitute low-fat graham crackers: For an even lower-fat version, use reduced-fat or whole wheat graham crackers. You can also try other low-carb biscuits to suit your dietary needs.
  • Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, adjust the amount of powdered sugar or opt for a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to keep it in line with WW SmartPoints.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for WW (Weight Watchers)

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is not only delicious but also optimized for those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program. Each serving is low in calories and SmartPoints, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The use of light cream cheese and fat-free whipped topping reduces the fat and calorie content, allowing you to enjoy a rich dessert without compromising on flavor.

At 3 SmartPoints per serving, this dessert can fit into any WW plan, whether you’re on the Green, Blue, or Purple program. The use of fresh fruit (strawberries) provides a natural sweetness, and with only 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it’s a fantastic choice for those watching their carb intake.

This dessert can easily be portioned into smaller slices for even fewer SmartPoints per serving. Plus, it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings without going overboard on calories or fat. If you’re hosting a gathering, this cake will also impress your guests with its freshness and flavor, all while keeping your WW SmartPoints in check.

Variations and Customization

While this recipe is already WW-friendly, you can easily make it your own with the following suggestions:

  1. Berry Variations: If strawberries aren’t your favorite, you can swap them out for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but still provide a refreshing sweetness.
  2. Chocolate Lovers: If you love chocolate, try adding a layer of sugar-free chocolate pudding mix in between the cream cheese layers, or sprinkle some unsweetened cocoa powder on top before serving.
  3. Nuts and Crunch: For a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling crushed almonds or walnuts between the layers of graham crackers. This will add texture to the dessert while still keeping it low in SmartPoints.

Final Thoughts

This WW Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone on the WW program or anyone who wants a delicious, lighter dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its low-calorie, low-SmartPoints profile and fresh strawberry flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Try making this dessert for your next family gathering, holiday, or just as a weeknight treat, and enjoy a delicious, healthy dessert that you can feel good about eating!