Yummy No Bake Strawberry Dessert
I think it’s time for another fun and easy recipe from the web that I can’t stop craving. I’m not sure about your summers but mine are always filled with some sort of get-together, birthday party or anniversary and with this no bake strawberry icebox cake even if your summers aren’t as hectic as mine, you will be thanking me later for saving you so much time! This recipe is easy and the outcome is DELICIOUS so it’s time to use up those strawberries while they’re still in season.
No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake (adapted from The Kitchn)
2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed
3 1/2 cups whipping cream, divided
1/3 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
4 sleeves (about 19 ounces, or 24 to 28 whole crackers) graham crackers
4 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
Take out a few of the best-looking strawberries and set them aside for the garnish. Hull the remainder of the strawberries and slice each berry into thin slices.
With a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, whip 3 cups of cream until it just holds stiff peaks.
Add the confectioners sugar, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and whip to combine.
Spread a small spoonful of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan, or a similarly-sized platter. Lay down six graham crackers. Lightly cover the top of the graham crackers with a thin layer of whipped cream, and then a single layer of strawberries. Repeat three more times, until you have four layers of graham crackers. Spread the last of the whipped cream over the top and swirl it lightly with a spoon. Add a few more strawberries.
To make the ganache, heat the remaining cream until bubbles form around the edges, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let it stand for a few minutes, then whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Drizzle this over the layered dessert with a spoon, or transfer to a squeeze bottle and use that to drizzle.
Refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the crackers have softened completely. Garnish with additional berries.