Description
Berry Icebox Cake with Vanilla Layers is a no-bake, refreshing dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, whipped cream, crisp cookies, and fresh mixed berries. Perfect for warm days or elegant summer gatherings, this easy-to-make treat combines vibrant flavors and soft textures for a crowd-pleasing finish.
Ingredients
Fruit
- Fresh Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) – quantity to preference (about 3 cups)
- Sugar (optional, for lightly sweetening berries) – 1-2 tablespoons
Vanilla Layers
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – 1 package (3.4 oz)
- Milk – 2 cups (cold, for pudding mix)
- Whipped Cream – 1 cup (fresh or store-bought)
Cookies
- Graham Crackers or Vanilla Wafers – 2 to 3 sleeves (about 8-10 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vanilla Pudding: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk according to package instructions until the pudding thickens. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a smooth, light vanilla layer ideal for assembling the cake.
- Wash and Prepare Berries: Rinse the mixed berries thoroughly and pat them dry. Chop any larger berries into bite-sized pieces to ensure an even distribution of fruit in each bite.
- Layer the Cake: In a rectangular or square dish, spread a thin layer of the vanilla pudding mixture. Cover with a layer of graham crackers or vanilla wafers. Add a generous layer of mixed berries, then more pudding. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding layer topped with scattered berries.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the assembled cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the cookies to soften and all flavors to meld into one delicious dessert.
Notes
- Use fully chilled milk and whipped cream to help the pudding set properly and keep the dessert fresh longer.
- Fold pudding and whipped cream gently to retain light, airy layers instead of dense mixtures.
- Layer ingredients evenly to guarantee balanced flavor and texture in every slice.
- Choose fresh, ripe berries for the best taste and visual appeal.
- For optimum flavor, chill the cake overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of the cake)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: no-bake, icebox cake, vanilla pudding, mixed berries, summer dessert, easy dessert, layered cake, gluten-free option
