Introduction

Discover the magic of a No-Bake Strawberry Galaxy Mirror Cake—a stunning dessert that looks like a swirling cosmic masterpiece. With a creamy strawberry cheesecake base and a shiny, colorful mirror glaze, this cake is perfect for celebrations, summer treats, or whenever you want to amaze your guests without turning on the oven.

A round cheesecake with three distinct layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly, golden-brown crust. Above it is a smooth, creamy white middle cheesecake layer. The top layer is a glossy swirl of deep blue and purple shades with shimmering flecks that give a galaxy-like effect. On top, halved bright red strawberries, small golden chunks, and drizzles of dark chocolate sauce decorate one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups crushed graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)
½ cup melted unsalted butter
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup strawberry purée (fresh or thawed frozen strawberries)
½ cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
½ cup water, divided
1 tbsp powdered gelatin
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
4 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
Gel food coloring: black, purple, pink, blue
Optional: edible silver shimmer dust

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to set.
Step 2: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Stir in the strawberry purée until uniform. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold it into the strawberry mixture. Spread this filling evenly over the chilled crust. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until solid.
Step 3: Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over ¼ cup of cold water; let sit for 5–10 minutes until spongy. In a saucepan, heat the remaining ¼ cup water with sugar and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat until warm and sugar dissolves (avoid boiling). Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Step 4: Pour the warm mixture over the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk gently until smooth and silky. Strain the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve and let cool to about 90°F (32°C), which feels like warm bath water.
Step 5: Divide the glaze into 4-5 small bowls and color each with a different gel food coloring: black, purple, pink, blue, and leave one pale or white. Remove the frozen cake from the freezer and place it on a rack over a tray to catch drips. Quickly pour the various colored glazes randomly over the cake surface. Swirl gently once or twice with a skewer to create a marbled galaxy effect. Optionally, flick edible silver shimmer dust over the glaze for starry sparkles. Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
Step 6: Run a warm knife around the pan edges and carefully remove the springform ring. Use a hot, clean knife (wiped between slices) to cut and serve your dazzling strawberry galaxy cake.

Tips & Variations

Make sure the cake is fully frozen before glazing to prevent melting or sogginess.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors; liquid colors will thin out the glaze.
Try swapping strawberry purée for mixed berries, lemon curd, or cocoa powder for different flavor galaxies.
For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, whipped coconut cream, and vegan white chocolate.
Serve slices on dark plates and add fresh whipped cream or strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

Storage

Store any unglazed, frozen cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After glazing, keep the cake refrigerated and consume within 3 days. Reheat glaze gently if it thickens before pouring. For best texture, serve slightly chilled.

How to Serve

A round cake with three layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust. The middle layer is smooth and creamy off-white. The top layer is a shiny, colorful galaxy glaze with deep blues, purples, and bright spots like stars. On top, there are halved red strawberries, small chopped nuts, and dark chocolate drizzle that slightly runs down the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

My glaze is lumpy! What did I do wrong?

Lumps usually mean the gelatin did not fully dissolve or the white chocolate seized. Make sure to bloom the gelatin properly in cold water and add the warm syrup slowly over the white chocolate, letting it sit before whisking. Straining the glaze before use ensures smoothness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The cheesecake base can be made and frozen unglazed for up to 2 weeks. Prepare and pour the mirror glaze on the day you plan to serve. Once glazed, store the cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.