Are you craving a refreshing, show-stopping dessert that requires zero oven time and maximum flavor? Look no further than this Summer Fruit Icebox Cake - the ultimate cool-down treat that's about to become your new warm-weather obsession! With layers of cloud-like whipped cream, crisp graham crackers, and a rainbow of juicy summer fruits, this dessert is like a delicious postcard from summer itself. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this icebox cake is so simple to make yet looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box graham crackers
- 2 cups mixed summer fruits (berries, peaches, etc.)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare your fruits by washing and carefully slicing them into thin, uniform pieces. For berries, keep them whole if small, or halve larger berries.
- In a 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish, begin layering the dessert by spreading a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the cream, breaking them to fit if necessary to cover the entire surface.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the graham crackers, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute a layer of mixed summer fruits evenly over the whipped cream, pressing them gently into the cream.
- Repeat the layering process: graham crackers, whipped cream, and fruits, creating 2-3 total layers.
- Finish the top layer with a decorative arrangement of fruits and a final layer of whipped cream.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with additional fresh fruits and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
- Whip Your Cream to Perfection: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping, and use a chilled mixing bowl for the fluffiest, most stable whipped cream.
- Fruit Selection Matters: Choose ripe but firm fruits that aren't too watery. A mix of berries, peaches, and nectarines works wonderfully.
- Chill is Key: The longer you let the icebox cake rest in the refrigerator, the more the graham crackers will absorb the cream and become deliciously cake-like.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dessert actually gets better after 4-6 hours of chilling, making it perfect for advance preparation.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to experiment with different graham cracker flavors or swap in different fruits based on what's in season.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
