Imagine a dessert so creamy, so effortlessly delicious, that it requires zero baking and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. This No-Bake Berries and Cream Cake is the ultimate summer treat that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Perfect for those sweltering days when turning on the oven feels like torture, this dessert combines the lusciousness of cream cheese, the lightness of whipped cream, and the burst of fresh berries in a show-stopping no-bake masterpiece that's as easy to make as it is beautiful.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 package of graham crackers
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- In a separate clean bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated filling.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed berries, then slice larger berries like strawberries into smaller, uniform pieces.
- Create the first layer by arranging graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, breaking them as needed to fit perfectly.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle half of the mixed berries over the cream layer, distributing them evenly.
- Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture.
- Top the final layer with the remaining mixed berries, creating an attractive and colorful presentation.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cake to set and flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, lift the cake out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and slice into squares.
- Optionally, garnish with additional fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving chilled.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- When whipping cream, use a chilled bowl and beaters for the fluffiest results.
- Pat your berries completely dry after washing to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
- For the cleanest layers, use an offset spatula to spread the cream mixture evenly.
- Refrigeration is key - allow at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for the cake to set properly.
- For a more stable cake, you can use slightly frozen berries to help the layers set.
- If you want to make this ahead of time, it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- For a more decorative touch, reserve some whole berries and whipped cream for garnishing just before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different berry combinations or even try seasonal fruits.
- Use graham crackers at room temperature to prevent them from breaking when layering.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 75mg
