Easy Summer Dessert – No Bake Berry Cake (Use Seasonal Fruit To Dress It Up)!
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If you need a quick, easy and affordable recipe for a potluck, gathering, or just to have around the house, try this no bake cake. Bet part is that you can use whatever fresh berries or fruit is on sale that week (or even thawed frozen berries). Best part is that you can make this ahead of time (the night before), making it really easy to use for entertaining.
This is an old stand by recipe, that is not exact, and has many variations. Play around with it a little and find out what your family likes best, and add it to your recipe file.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 Package Graham Crackers
- 1 Lrg. Box of Instant Vanilla Pudding (5.1oz)
- 1 Tub (8oz) Whipped Topping, thawed
- 3 Cups Milk
- 1/4 Cup Chocolate Syrup (you can make it from scratch, use Hersheys syrup, or microwave chocolate frosting for 30 seconds until it has an icing consistency)
- Fruit of your choice (I used 2lbs fresh strawberries, stems removed and washed, in photo above)
Directions:
(Note – its generally best to make this a day ahead so the graham cracker layers can get to a cake consistency. My husband happens to like it when there is still a little crunch to the graham crackers so we sometimes make it just ahead of dinner. I think most people prefer that it sit overnight though).
1) Make instant pudding according to directions on the package (ie mix milk and pudding together with a wire whisk until all lumps are removed). Refrigerate for 5 minutes. (I like to cut back a little on the milk, for a stronger vanilla flavor).
2) Once pudding has thickened (about 5 minutes), add the tub of cool whip and fold into the pudding (its about a 50/50 mix of pudding to whipped topping).
3) Add a layer of graham crackers to the bottom of an 8×11 cake dish.
4) Spoon 1/3 of the pudding/whipped topping mixture onto the graham crackers and top with thinly sliced strawberries or fruit of your choice (bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or other berries would all be good).
5) Repeat layering process two more times (total of three layers).
6) Microwave frosting for 10 seconds. Stir well until melted. Drizzle onto the top layer of strawberries.
7) Refrigerate overnight so graham crackers soften to a cake like consistency.
Remember that it is best to let it sit overnight for a “cake” consistency. If you eat soon after making the graham crackers will still be crunchy, and taste more like a pie with a graham cracker crust.
The last time I made this I used coupons for all of the items needed and bought the berries on sale. I paid well under $5 for the entire dessert, so its a great option for potlucks and more!
Printable Recipe for Summer No Bake Berry Cake:
Easy Summer Dessert – No Bake Berry Cake (Use Seasonal Fruit To Dress It Up)!
Description
This No Bake Berry Cake is just right for summer. Easy and refreshing!
Ingredients
- 1 Package Graham Crackers
- 1 Lrg. Box of Instant Vanilla Pudding (5.1oz)
- 1 Tub (8oz) Whipped Topping, thawed
- 3 Cups Milk
- 1/4 Cup Chocolate Syrup (you can make it from scratch, use Hersheys syrup, or microwave chocolate frosting for 30 seconds until it has an icing consistency)
- Fruit of your choice (I used 2lbs fresh strawberries, stems removed and washed, in photo above)
Instructions
Make instant pudding according to directions on the package (ie mix milk and pudding together with a wire whisk until all lumps are removed). Refrigerate for 5 minutes. Once pudding has thickened (about 5 minutes), add the tub of cool whip and fold into the pudding (its about a 50/50 mix of pudding to whipped topping). Add a layer of graham crackers to the bottom of an 8×11 cake dish.Spoon 1/3 of the pudding/whipped topping mixture onto the graham crackers and top with thinly sliced strawberries or fruit of your choice.Repeat layering process two more times (total of three layers).Microwave frosting for 10 seconds. Stir well until melted. Drizzle onto the top layer of strawberries.It is best to let it sit overnight for a “cake” consistency.
Notes
(Note – its generally best to make this a day ahead so the graham cracker layers can get to a cake consistency. My husband happens to like it when there is still a little crunch to the graham crackers so we sometimes make it just ahead of dinner. I think most people prefer that it sit overnight though).
I just made this for my daughter’s graduation from college and big hit!!! plus easy:)