Berry Icebox Cake
Berry Icebox Cake is a refreshing no-bake summer dessert featuring layers of fresh mixed berries, fluffy whipped cream, and crispy cookies. This chilled treat offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness, light creaminess, and satisfying crunch, making it ideal for hot days and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free if gluten-free cookies are used; dairy-free options available
Ingredients
Scale
Mixed Berries
- 1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cookies & Other
- 2–3 cups graham crackers or wafer cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the Berries: Wash and dry the mixed berries carefully. In a bowl, gently toss the berries with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and lemon zest if using. This step helps draw out their natural juices and enhances their flavor.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream together with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The whipped cream should be light, fluffy, and stable to create smooth layers.
- Layer the Cake: Using a square or rectangular dish, spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom. Arrange a layer of graham crackers or wafer cookies on top. Spoon a generous portion of the sugared berries over the cookies, then spread more whipped cream. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream topped with fresh berries for a lovely presentation.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the cookies to soften by absorbing moisture from the cream and berries, forming a cake-like texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish with additional fresh berries or a sprinkle of lemon zest. Use a sharp knife to slice gently so layers remain intact and enjoy your perfect summer dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality berries for the best flavor impact.
- Don’t skip the chilling time to ensure proper texture and flavor melding.
- Distribute cream and berries evenly between layers to avoid soggy cookies.
- Choose crisp, sturdy cookies like graham crackers or wafers to maintain structure.
- Keep the mixing bowl and beaters cold for more stable whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Berry Icebox Cake, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, berries, whipped cream, layered cake, chilled dessert, gluten-free option
Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/berry-icebox-cake/