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No bake berry icebox cake

No Bake Berry Ice Box Cake

A vibrant, nostalgic summer dessert packed with layers of crisp graham crackers, luscious vanilla whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and plump blueberries. No baking required, making it the ultimate stress-free treat for your 4th of July or summer backyard barbecues.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 29 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch glass baking dish
  • 1 Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Offset spatula
  • 1 Chef’s knife

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 14 oz whole graham crackers
  • 1.5 cups fresh strawberries hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups fresh blueberries washed and dried

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps keep the graham crackers in place.
  • Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the whipped cream, breaking crackers as needed to cover the bottom evenly.
  • Spread about one-third of the whipped cream over the graham crackers using an offset spatula.
  • Top with about one-third of the sliced strawberries and blueberries, distributing them evenly.
  • Repeat the layers two more times in this order: graham crackers, whipped cream, and berries.
  • Finish with a final layer of whipped cream. Decorate the top with the remaining strawberries and blueberries in any pattern you like for a festive red, white, and blue presentation.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.
  • Slice into squares and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

For clean, bakery-style slices, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between each cut. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days — the texture actually improves on day two as the layers continue to soften. For the freshest look, add the final berry garnish just before serving.
 
Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
Calories: 290 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Sugar: 18g
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