Berry Icebox Cake
In short: Layers of whipped cream, crisp graham crackers and fresh berries that soften overnight into a sliceable no-bake cake. About 25 minutes of work. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 9 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 6 h
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 9
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
An icebox cake is a layered dessert that needs no baking: crisp crackers or biscuits are stacked with whipped cream, and a night in the refrigerator softens them until the whole thing tastes and slices like a cake. Fresh berries add acidity that balances the cream. It is a good make-ahead dessert for warm weather and takes about 25 minutes of work. The longer it rests, the softer and more cake-like it becomes.
Instructions
- Whip the cold cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it holds stiff peaks.
- Spread a thin layer of cream over the bottom of a 20 cm (8 in) square dish. This anchors the first layer of crackers.
- Cover the cream with a single layer of crackers, breaking them to fit snugly. Spread one-third of the remaining cream over the crackers and scatter over one-third of the berries.
- Repeat to make two more layers of crackers, cream and berries, finishing with a smooth layer of cream and the last of the berries.
- Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until the crackers have softened and the cake slices cleanly.
- Cut into 9 squares with a sharp knife and serve cold.
Tips
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks. Soft cream weeps into the crackers and makes the layers slide. Beating in 2 tablespoons of mascarpone makes it extra stable.
- Try chocolate wafer biscuits with cherries, or sliced bananas with a drizzle of caramel sauce, in place of the graham crackers and berries.
Questions and answers
How long does icebox cake need to chill?
At least 6 hours, and overnight is better. The crackers need that time to absorb moisture and soften into cake-like layers.
Can I make icebox cake ahead of time?
Yes, up to 2 days in the fridge. Berries release juice as they sit, so add the final layer of fruit just before serving.
Can I freeze icebox cake?
Yes, for up to 1 month. Slice it from frozen and let it stand for 30 minutes; the texture is similar to an ice cream cake.
How long does it take to make Berry Icebox Cake?
About 25 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Berry Icebox Cake?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
