This No-Bake Strawberry Cake is a light, fruity, and delicious dessert that requires no oven! Made with layers of ladyfingers dipped in strawberry syrup, creamy mascarpone filling, and fresh strawberries, this cake is effortless yet impressive. Perfect for spring, summer, or any special occasion, it’s a refreshing, easy-to-make treat that will wow your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Jam:

1 lb (450g) sliced strawberries
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
4 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Mascarpone Filling:

2 cups (450g) mascarpone cheese
½ cup (65g) confectioner sugar, divided
3 tablespoons lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups (425ml) heavy whipping cream, very cold

To Assemble:

1 lb (450g) sliced strawberries
28 ladyfinger cookies

Directions

Make the Strawberry Jam: In a saucepan, cook the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and simmer until the jam thickens and darkens slightly.
Strain & Chill: Use a fine mesh strainer to separate the syrup from the jam. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using.
Prepare the Mascarpone Filling: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with ¼ cup confectioner sugar, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with the remaining ¼ cup confectioner sugar until slightly stiff peaks form.
Combine the Cream & Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture with a spatula.
Assemble the Cake:
- Dip each ladyfinger into the chilled strawberry syrup and place them in a 13×13-inch baking pan in a single layer.
- Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers.
- Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries over the filling.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone filling.
- Finish with a final layer of sliced strawberries on top.
Chill & Serve: Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results). Before serving, brush the top strawberries with any remaining strawberry syrup for extra shine. Enjoy! ❤️🍓

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 120mg

This No-Bake Strawberry Cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert—light, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor! Ideal for summer picnics, parties, or an elegant treat anytime. 🍓✨

Strawberries: The Star Ingredient

Strawberries are undoubtedly the star of this no-bake cake. These vibrant red berries provide a burst of natural sweetness and fresh flavor that takes this dessert to the next level. Not only do they add a delicious taste, but they’re also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and supports healthy skin. Strawberries are also a great source of manganese and folate, both of which are important for maintaining healthy bodily functions.

For this cake, fresh strawberries are used to create both the strawberry jam and the garnish. The sweet, syrupy jam adds depth and richness to the cake, while the fresh slices of strawberry on top provide a refreshing bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. The combination of these two preparations ensures that every bite is packed with strawberry goodness.

Mascarpone Cheese: A Creamy Base

The mascarpone cheese used in this recipe contributes to the cake’s creamy texture, giving it a smooth and velvety consistency that pairs perfectly with the crisp ladyfingers. Mascarpone, a soft Italian cheese, is often used in desserts like tiramisu due to its rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. When combined with heavy cream, sugar, and lime zest, mascarpone provides the ideal filling for this no-bake cake.

Mascarpone is a great source of fat and provides some protein, but what makes it special in this recipe is its ability to create a rich yet light filling that doesn’t feel too heavy or dense. It creates a luscious contrast with the more neutral-flavored ladyfingers and balances out the sweetness of the strawberry jam. The addition of lime zest also helps to brighten the filling, adding a refreshing citrus element that cuts through the richness.

Ladyfingers: The Perfect Texture

Ladyfingers are light, airy biscuits that have a delicate sweetness, making them the perfect foundation for this no-bake strawberry cake. When dipped in the homemade strawberry syrup, they absorb the liquid while retaining their structure, resulting in a soft, spongy layer that provides texture without being soggy.

The light crunch and airy texture of the ladyfingers help balance out the creamy filling and juicy strawberries, making each bite enjoyable and easy to eat. Ladyfingers are often used in layered desserts like tiramisu, where they act as a sponge for the liquid, and in this recipe, they do the same, absorbing the strawberry syrup and creating a moist yet sturdy layer within the cake.

The Homemade Strawberry Jam: Adding Sweetness and Depth

While store-bought jams are convenient, making your own strawberry jam adds a personal touch and deepens the flavor of the cake. The homemade jam in this recipe is made by cooking down fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, allowing the natural sweetness of the strawberries to intensify while the acidity of the lemon adds brightness and balances out the sugar.

The strawberry jam is not only used in the layers of the cake but also brushed over the top strawberries for an added gloss, giving the cake a beautiful, shiny finish. This jam adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dessert that elevates the entire dish. The slight tang of the lemon juice in the jam also contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

A Make-Ahead Dessert for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this No-Bake Strawberry Cake is that it can be prepared in advance. Since it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours (and preferably overnight), it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert. This allows the flavors to meld together and the layers to set properly, ensuring that the cake is firm enough to cut into clean slices without falling apart.

Not only does preparing this cake in advance free up time on the day of your event, but it also ensures that you have a cool and refreshing dessert ready to serve when it’s time to eat. The absence of any cooking or baking means there’s no heat to contend with, which is especially beneficial on hot days when you want a light dessert without the added warmth of an oven.

Nutritional Benefits of the No-Bake Strawberry Cake

While this No-Bake Strawberry Cake is indulgent and flavorful, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The cake is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. The strawberries, both fresh and in the jam, provide a good amount of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and promoting healthy digestion. The mascarpone cheese and heavy cream contribute to a rich source of healthy fats, which are essential for energy production and supporting the body’s cellular function.

Despite its rich and creamy texture, this dessert offers a refreshing, lighter option compared to traditional cakes that are often loaded with sugar, butter, and heavy frosting. The use of fresh fruits and the absence of excessive sugar or refined ingredients makes this cake a relatively healthier dessert choice that still satisfies sweet cravings.

Customizing Your No-Bake Strawberry Cake

While the base recipe is absolutely delicious, there are many ways to customize this No-Bake Strawberry Cake to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

Vegan Option: To make this cake entirely vegan, swap out the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. You can also substitute the honey in the jam for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Flavor Variations: While strawberry is the star of this cake, you can experiment with other fruits as well. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version, or incorporate tropical fruits like pineapple or mango for a refreshing twist.
Add a Crunch: For added texture, consider adding a layer of crushed nuts or granola between the ladyfingers and mascarpone filling. This will provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth cream and soft ladyfingers.
Alternative Sweeteners: If you prefer a lower-sugar version, you can substitute the sugar in the jam and mascarpone filling with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. These alternatives can help reduce the overall sugar content without compromising flavor.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Impressive Dessert

The No-Bake Strawberry Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a light and refreshing option that is both easy to make and impressive to serve. The combination of creamy mascarpone, sweet homemade strawberry jam, and light ladyfingers creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply looking for a treat to enjoy during the warmer months, this cake is sure to please everyone at the table.

With its vibrant flavor, creamy texture, and refreshing fruitiness, this dessert provides a guilt-free indulgence that is full of healthful ingredients. Plus, its make-ahead nature makes it a convenient option for busy hosts. Try this No-Bake Strawberry Cake today and impress your guests with a simple yet stunning dessert that’s both nutritious and indulgent!

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