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No-Bake Red White and Blueberry Icebox Cake

no-bake red white and blueberry icebox cake - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, cream cheese filling, and fresh berries. Perfect for patriotic holidays like Fourth of July and Memorial Day.

Ingredients

  • Graham crackers (about 2 full boxes or 24-30 full sheets)
  • Heavy cream (2 cups, cold)
  • Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced)
  • Fresh blueberries (2 cups)
  • Fresh raspberries (1 cup, optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the berries: Wash and dry the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin, even slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Set the berries aside in separate bowls. If your strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
  2. Make the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat for another minute until the mixture is light and creamy.
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate large bowl, pour the cold heavy cream. Using clean beaters, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. You will know it is ready when you lift the beaters and the cream holds a peak that does not flop over. Be careful not to over-whip, or you will end up with butter.
  4. Combine the fillings: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Start with about one-third of the whipped cream, folding until just combined, then add the rest. Fold gently—you want to keep the mixture light and airy. Do not stir vigorously or you will deflate the cream.
  5. Layer the graham crackers: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish. You will need to break some crackers to fit the edges. Do not overlap them—they should sit flat in a single layer. It is okay if there are small gaps; the filling will fill them in.
  6. Add the first filling layer: Spread about one-third of the cream mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to smooth it out to the edges. Do not press too hard or you will crush the crackers.
  7. Add the strawberry layer: Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream layer. Press them gently into the cream so they stay in place. If you are using raspberries, scatter them over the strawberries now.
  8. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries. Spread another third of the cream mixture over them. Top with the blueberries, spreading them evenly across the surface.
  9. Final layers: Add a third layer of graham crackers. Spread the remaining cream mixture over the top, smoothing it out to the edges. This top layer should be thick and even. If you have any leftover berries, arrange them on top for decoration. I like to create a pattern with alternating strawberries and blueberries for a festive look.
  10. Chill the cake: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. The graham crackers need time to soften and absorb the cream. If you rush this step, the cake will be crunchy and dry instead of tender and luscious.
  11. Serve: Remove the cake from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving. Slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve cold.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Chill your bowl and beaters for fluffier whipped cream. Do not skimp on chilling time—overnight is best for the graham crackers to soften properly. Pat berries dry to prevent a watery cake. Use a sharp knife for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, icebox cake, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, summer dessert, berry dessert, graham cracker cake, easy dessert, patriotic dessert

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/no-bake-red-white-and-blueberry-icebox-cake-the-best-easy-dessert/