Strawberry Walnut Icebox Delight
Indulge in the lusciousness of our Strawberry Walnut Icebox Delight, a refreshing frozen dessert that perfectly balances the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries with the nutty goodness of walnuts. This delightful treat features a buttery shortbread crust, complemented by a light and airy strawberry mousse filling. Ideal for entertaining or as a special family dessert, it's a make-ahead dish that freezes beautifully and offers a stunning presentation. Drizzle with rich chocolate just before serving for an elegant touch that will impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (Sifted)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (Crushed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Egg whites
2 (Separated from yolks)
Granulated sugar
2/3 cup (None)
Strawberries
15 ounces (Fresh or frozen)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Heavy whipping cream
1 cup (Chilled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of crushed walnuts. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted butter and mix until crumbly.
3
Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of two 8-inch springform pans (or one 13 x 9-inch pan). Set aside the remaining crumbs for topping.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool.
5
While the crust cools, whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Set aside.
6
In a food processor, blend 2 egg whites, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 15 ounces of strawberries, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until the mixture becomes frothy, about 5 minutes.
7
Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until well combined.
8
Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top as needed. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the filling.
9
Cover the pans with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm.
10
For an eye-catching presentation, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Walnut Icebox Delight?
Strawberry Walnut Icebox Delight is a refreshing frozen dessert featuring a buttery walnut shortbread crust and a light, airy strawberry mousse filling.
What type of crust does this dessert use?
The dessert uses a baked shortbread crust made from flour, brown sugar, crushed walnuts, and melted butter.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the crust.
How long should the crust be baked?
Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden.
What pan sizes are recommended for this recipe?
You can use two 8-inch springform pans or one 13 x 9-inch pan for this recipe.
How do I prepare the walnuts for the crust?
The walnuts should be crushed before being mixed with the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this delight?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen strawberries for the filling.
How do I make the strawberry filling mixture?
Combine 2 egg whites, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 15 ounces of strawberries, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a food processor and blend until frothy.
How long should I blend the strawberry mixture in the food processor?
Blend the mixture for about 5 minutes until it reaches a frothy consistency.
What preparation is needed for the heavy cream?
Whip 1 cup of chilled heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
How do I combine the whipped cream and strawberry mixture?
Gently fold the whipped cream into the blended strawberry mixture until they are well combined.
Should all the crumb mixture be used for the base?
No, press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom for the crust and reserve the remaining 1/3 for the topping.
How long does the dessert need to freeze?
The dessert must be frozen for at least 6 hours or until it is firm.
How should I serve the Strawberry Walnut Icebox Delight?
Serve it frozen, and for an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top just before serving.
Is this a good recipe for making in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it requires several hours of freezing time.
What type of sugar is used in the crust?
The crust requires 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What role does the lemon juice play in the recipe?
Lemon juice adds a hint of brightness and balances the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
Can I use granulated sugar in the filling?
Yes, the filling uses 2/3 cup of granulated sugar blended with the egg whites and fruit.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is a light and airy strawberry mousse made by folding whipped cream into a frothy fruit mixture.
How many egg whites are needed?
You will need 2 egg whites, separated from the yolks.
Do I need to cool the crust before adding the filling?
Yes, allow the baked crust to cool completely before pouring the filling over it.
Is this dessert considered a 'no-bake' treat?
While the filling is no-bake and the dish is frozen, the crust does require about 10-12 minutes of baking.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
While the recipe specifies walnuts, pecans would make a suitable substitute for a similar nutty flavor.
How should I store any leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in the freezer, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
What makes this dessert suitable for entertaining?
Its elegant presentation, ability to be made ahead, and refreshing frozen texture make it perfect for dinner parties or summer gatherings.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be melted before being mixed into the flour, sugar, and walnuts.
How much strawberry content is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of strawberries.
What is an icebox cake?
An icebox cake is a type of dessert that is set or 'cooked' by chilling or freezing in a refrigerator (historically an icebox) rather than baking the entire dish.
How do I prevent the top from getting freezer burn?
Ensure you cover the pans tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.