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Easy No-Bake Mixed Berry Icebox Cake: Best Summer Dessert

no-bake mixed berry icebox cake - featured image
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A creamy, berry-packed no-bake dessert made with fresh berries, cream cheese, and graham crackers. Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (at least 36% milk fat)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 24 full sheets graham crackers (honey or cinnamon)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Extra berries for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the berries: Wash and dry all berries gently. Hull and slice strawberries into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Leave blueberries and blackberries whole. In a medium bowl, combine berries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Make the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides halfway through.
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, pour cold heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Do not over-whip.
  4. Fold it together: Add one-third of whipped cream to cream cheese mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula. Add remaining whipped cream and fold until no white streaks remain.
  5. Layer the cake: Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of cream mixture on bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking as needed. Spoon about one-third of berry mixture over crackers, spreading evenly. Dollop about one-quarter of remaining cream mixture over berries and spread gently. Repeat layers (graham crackers, berries, cream mixture) until ingredients are used, ending with a cream layer. Aim for 4-5 layers total.
  6. Finish and chill: Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but overnight (12-24 hours) is best.
  7. Garnish and serve: Before serving, top with reserved fresh berries and mint leaves if desired. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

Do not skip macerating the berries. Use full-fat dairy for best results. Whip cream to stiff peaks. Plan ahead for serving; cake needs a full night in the fridge. Keep cold when serving. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, icebox cake, mixed berry, summer dessert, easy dessert, no oven, berry cake, graham cracker dessert

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-no-bake-mixed-berry-icebox-cake-best-summer-dessert/