No Bake Berry Icebox Cake
A refreshing and easy No Bake Berry Icebox Cake featuring layers of fresh berries, creamy whipped filling, and crisp cookies. Perfect for warm days and any occasion, this vibrant dessert requires no oven, making it quick and effortless to prepare while delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free cookies option)
Fresh Berries
- Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed selection (quantity as desired, about 2-3 cups total)
Whipped Cream Filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cookies
- Graham crackers or shortbread cookies, about 2-3 sleeves (around 40-50 cookies)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate (for chocolate layer, optional)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds (optional)
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling: Gently whip the cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a silky, luscious filling that will hold the cake layers together.
- Rinse and Slice the Berries: Thoroughly wash all berries. Slice larger berries, such as strawberries, into thin pieces to ensure even layering and balanced bites.
- Layer the Cake: In a glass dish or cake pan, start with a layer of graham crackers or cookies. Spread an even layer of whipped cream over the cookies, then scatter berries uniformly on top. Repeat layering with cookies, cream, and berries until ingredients are used, finishing with a final cream layer topped decoratively with berries.
- Chill in the Refrigerator: Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld into a unified dessert.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled cake and serve cold, savoring the blend of creamy, juicy, and crunchy textures.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients for the best whipped cream texture.
- Distribute berries and cream evenly for balanced flavors in every slice.
- Choose fresh, ripe berries for optimal taste.
- Allow sufficient chilling time for ideal texture and flavor fusion.
- Make the cake a day ahead to save time and enhance flavors.
- For dairy-free versions, substitute coconut cream or plant-based whipped toppings.
- Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies to accommodate dietary needs.
- Thaw and drain frozen berries well before use to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: No Bake, Berry Icebox Cake, Fresh Berries, Whipped Cream, Easy Dessert, Summer Dessert, Gluten-Free Option, Vegan Option