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Easy No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake: Best Summer Dessert

easy no-bake berry icebox cake - featured image

A cool, creamy, berry-filled no-bake dessert perfect for hot summer days. Layers of graham crackers, mascarpone whipped cream, and fresh and frozen berries come together in the fridge for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese
  • 24 full sheets graham crackers
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen mixed berries, thawed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan or 8×8-inch dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving overhang. Thaw frozen berries in a fine-mesh strainer for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until soft peaks form (3-4 minutes).
  3. Add mascarpone cheese and beat on low speed just until combined. Alternatively, fold in by hand with a spatula.
  4. Break graham cracker sheets into pieces that fit your pan (e.g., 4 rectangles per sheet for a loaf pan).
  5. Spread a thin layer of cream mixture on the bottom of the lined pan. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the cream.
  6. Spread about 1/3 of the remaining cream over the crackers. Scatter some fresh strawberries, blueberries, and drained frozen berries over the cream, pressing them in gently.
  7. Repeat layers: graham crackers, 1/3 cream, more berries. Repeat one more time, ending with a final layer of graham crackers. Spread the last of the cream over the top, covering completely.
  8. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. To serve, lift cake out using the overhang, place on a serving plate, and peel away wrap. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping blade clean between cuts. Garnish with extra fresh berries and mint if desired.

Notes

Chill your bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before whipping cream for best results. Drain frozen berries thoroughly to prevent a watery cream. For clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe between cuts. The cake improves after 24 hours in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, icebox cake, berry dessert, summer dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker cake, no-bake berry cake