Imagine a dessert so creamy, so luscious, and so effortlessly elegant that it looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen - but the secret is, you haven't! This Fruit and Cream Icebox Cake with Mango and Raspberries is your ticket to becoming an instant dessert hero, combining the lusciousness of whipped cream, the sweetness of fresh fruits, and the simplicity of no-bake magic. Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package graham crackers
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits by washing the raspberries and peeling the mangoes. Dice the mangoes into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer or whisk, begin whipping the cream at medium-high speed until soft peaks start to form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipping cream. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat, which could turn the cream into butter.
- Select a rectangular or square serving dish that will accommodate layering of graham crackers and cream.
- Create the first layer by arranging graham crackers to cover the bottom of the dish completely. Break crackers as needed to fit precisely.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the graham crackers, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle diced mangoes and raspberries evenly across the cream layer, creating a colorful fruit distribution.
- Repeat the layering process: graham crackers, whipped cream, and fruits, creating 2-3 total layers.
- For the final top layer, garnish with additional fresh raspberries and mango pieces for visual appeal.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and crackers to soften.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose ripe, high-quality fruits for the most vibrant flavor and presentation.
- Ensure your whipping cream is very cold before beating for the best volume and texture.
- When whipping cream, stop just as stiff peaks form to avoid turning it into butter.
- For a more stable cream, you can add a stabilizer like gelatin or cream cheese.
- Let the icebox cake rest in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture - the graham crackers will soften beautifully.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations based on seasonal availability.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth slices when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
