No-Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake

5 stars from 1 review

Summer Berry Icebox Cake is surely a crowd-pleaser. It is an easy summer dessert recipe that is so simple, but looks like you spent hours making it!

Servings:

Prep Time20

Chill Time4

Total Time4 20

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
8 ounces cream cheese softened
12 graham crackers
2 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries divided (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries)

WHIP: the cream. Add 2 cups heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl. Beat on medium high until soft peaks form. Add ⅓ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Beat again just until stiff peaks form. Do not overmix. Reserve ½ cup whipped cream for the topping.
BEAT: the cream cheese. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. FOLD: the remaining whipped cream into the cream cheese until fully combined.
ASSEMBLE: the first layer. Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture into the bottom of an 8 by 8 inch pan. Add 3 graham crackers in a single layer. Break 1 or 2 more crackers as needed to fill the gaps.
ADD: half of the cream mixture over the graham layer. TOP with about ⅓ of the mixed berries.
REPEAT: the layers. Add a second layer of graham crackers, the remaining cream mixture, and another ⅓ of the berries.
TOP: with the final graham cracker layer. Spread the reserved ½ cup whipped cream evenly over the top.
FINISH: with the remaining berries. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs if desired.
CHILL: for at least 4 hours or overnight, until the graham crackers have softened and the cake slices cleanly.

Make Ahead: This icebox cake is even better the next day after the crackers fully soften.

Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Tip: Use the freshest, sweetest berries you can find. Pat berries dry so the cream layers stay thick.

Variation: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or chocolate grahams for a fun twist.