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Perfect Red White and Blue Layered Icebox Cake: Easy 4th Dessert

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A no-bake, make-ahead dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, cream cheese whipped cream, and fresh strawberries and blueberries. Perfect for Fourth of July or any summer celebration, this cake is simple to assemble and always impresses.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for macerating berries)
  • 1 box (about 14 ounces) graham crackers (about 3 sleeves)
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your berries first. Wash and dry the strawberries and blueberries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and slice them into even 1/8-inch thick pieces. Set the blueberries aside. If your berries seem tart, toss them with 1 tablespoon of sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain off any released liquid.
  2. Make the cream cheese base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula halfway through.
  3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Mix until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for another minute until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl again.
  4. Whip the cream separately. In a separate clean, cold bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using clean beaters, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form—about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
  5. Fold the two mixtures together. Add about one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and fold gently with a spatula until combined. Add the remaining whipped cream and fold gently until no white streaks remain. The final mixture should be smooth, airy, and hold its shape.
  6. Start layering. Spread a thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of the cream mixture on the bottom of your 9×13 dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking pieces as needed to fill gaps.
  7. Add the first cream and berry layer. Spread about one-third of the remaining cream mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream, followed by a layer of blueberries. Press the berries gently into the cream.
  8. Repeat the layers. Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the berries. Press down gently. Spread another third of the cream mixture, then add another layer of berries. Repeat one more time: graham crackers, remaining cream, and the last of the berries on top. You should have three layers of graham crackers and three layers of cream and berries, ending with a top layer of cream and berries.
  9. Finish with a decorative top. For the final layer, spread the remaining cream smoothly over the top. Arrange the remaining strawberries, blueberries, and optional raspberries in a decorative pattern. Add fresh mint leaves if desired.
  10. Cover and chill. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight.
  11. Slice and serve. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for the prettiest presentation. Serve cold straight from the fridge.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending. Heavy cream must be ice cold for best whipping. Do not use frozen berries as they release too much liquid. The cake needs at least 6 hours of chilling, but overnight is ideal for the graham crackers to soften fully. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: icebox cake, no-bake dessert, Fourth of July, red white and blue, summer dessert, berry dessert, graham cracker cake

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-layered-icebox-cake-easy-4th-dessert/