Description
This Easy Berry Icebox Cake is a no-bake layered dessert featuring fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and crispy graham crackers. Perfect for a refreshing treat, this dessert requires only a few ingredients and chilling time to set. It’s creamy, fruity, and delightfully simple to prepare, making it ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet and light dessert.
Ingredients
Whipped Cream Mixture
- 3 cups (720ml) cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup (40g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
Layers
- 20–21 full-sheet graham crackers
- 2 cups (380g) sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup (140g) fresh blueberries
Optional Garnish
- Additional berries
- Star sprinkles
Instructions
- Preliminary Notes: Understand that the dessert will have 3 layers of graham crackers, 3 layers of whipped cream, and 2 layers of berries in between, plus topping if desired. Each graham cracker layer uses about 7 full sheets, broken as needed to fit in the pan.
- Whip the Cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and almond extract together on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, approximately 4 minutes. This creates about 6 cups of whipped cream.
- Prepare Bottom Layer: Spread a very thin layer (a few tablespoons) of whipped cream on the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan. This helps the first layer of graham crackers adhere.
- First Layer of Crackers: Layer about 7 graham crackers on top of the thin cream layer, breaking to fit evenly as needed.
- Add Whipped Cream and Strawberries: Spread about 2 cups of whipped cream evenly over the graham crackers, then layer sliced strawberries on top.
- Second Layer of Crackers: Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries.
- Second Whipped Cream and Blueberries: Spread 2 more cups of whipped cream over the graham crackers, then layer fresh blueberries on top.
- Final Cracker and Cream Layers: Add the last layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining whipped cream spread evenly on top.
- Chill: Cover the assembled cake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, allowing the layers to meld and the crackers to soften. You may chill up to 48 hours for best results.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional berries and star sprinkles if desired. Cut into slices using a small narrow serving spatula to help remove pieces cleanly. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use cold heavy cream for better whipping results.
- Allowing the cake to chill several hours softens the graham crackers to a perfect cake-like texture.
- You can substitute berries with others like raspberries or blackberries based on preference.
- For a nut-free version, ensure the almond extract is processed in a nut-free facility or omit if allergies exist.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce confectioners’ sugar slightly.
- Best served cold and within 2 days of assembling for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American