Description
A refreshing, no-bake summer dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, whipped cream, and macerated berries. This easy recipe requires only five ingredients and minimal active time, resulting in a cake-like texture after chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (30-40 cookies) vanilla wafers
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, cold
- ½ cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves or extra berries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the berries: Wash and dry fresh berries (hull and halve/quarter strawberries). If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid. Toss berries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice; let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
- Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the first layer: Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish, breaking cookies as needed to fit edges.
- Add the cream: Spread half of the whipped cream over the wafers, smoothing it to the edges.
- Add the berries: Scatter half of the sugared berries over the cream layer.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of wafers, followed by the remaining whipped cream. Top with the remaining berries, pressing them gently into the cream.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, until the wafers soften.
- Serve: Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve cold.
Notes
Keep all ingredients cold, especially the cream, to ensure it whips properly. If using frozen berries, ensure they are thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy cake. The cake improves with time, so making it the night before is recommended. Do not freeze, as the texture may become watery upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no bake dessert, summer dessert, berry icebox cake, easy dessert, no oven dessert, vanilla wafer cake, whipped cream dessert