Mixed-Berry Icebox Cake

This simple icebox cake is perfect for lovers of savory-sweet combinations. A generous serving of berry-infused whipped cream is complemented by salty buttery round crackers (like the classic, scalloped-edged Ritz) and accented with strawberry jam. The intricately layered method of layering the cream, crackers, and jam not only ensures each cracker yields into cake-like submission, it also makes for pretty, striped slices. Pro tip: You can discard the berry solids as directed in the recipe, or refrigerate them to add to a smoothie for tomorrow’s breakfast.

Mixed-Berry Icebox Cake Recipe
Photo: Greg DuPree
Hands On Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 30 mins
Yield:
8 serves

Ingredients

  • 4 cups heavy whipping cream

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided

  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (from about 6 strawberries), plus more for serving

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus more for serving

  • ½ cup fresh blackberries, plus more for serving

  • 3 sleeves buttery round crackers (from a 13.7-oz. pkg.), such as Ritz

  • ¾ cup strawberry or raspberry jam

Directions

  1. Beat whipping cream, vanilla, and ½ cup sugar with an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.

  2. Combine strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl. Mash berries with a fork until very few clumps remain. Let sit until juicy, about 5 minutes. Press berry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to equal about ¾ cup juice; discard solids or save for another use. Fold berry juice into whipped cream until well blended.

  3. Spread ¼ cup whipped cream mixture in a 6-inch circle in center of a serving plate. Arrange 7 crackers in a circle on top of cream. Place 1 more cracker in center of circle. Spoon ¾ cup whipped cream mixture on top of crackers, spreading to edges of circle. Top with 8 more crackers in same pattern. Top with another ¾ cup whipped cream mixture and 8 more crackers. Spoon ¼ cup jam over third cracker layer. Top jam with another layer of crackers. Repeat layering until you have 11 layers of crackers, spreading jam over every third cracker layer. Spread remaining whipped cream mixture on top and sides of cake.

  4. Refrigerate, uncovered, until firm, about 4 hours. Top with more berries just before serving.

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