No Bake Cake
A delightful no bake cake that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. Perfect for hot summer days or as a quick dessert for any gathering, this cake combines a creamy filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust and a fruity topping. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious treat!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 210mg
Why Make This No Bake Cake
This no bake cake is a crowd-pleaser that suits all kinds of occasions, from family get-togethers to celebratory parties. Its creamy texture combined with the sweetness of the fruit topping delivers a refreshing treat without the hassle of baking. Additionally, it can be made ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about when preparing for your meals or events. Plus, who can resist the light yet rich flavor of cream cheese complemented by fruity goodness?
How to Make No Bake Cake
Making a no bake cake is incredibly straightforward. It involves preparing the crust, mixing up the delightful filling, and letting it chill to perfection. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed success!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can of fruit pie filling (e.g., cherry or blueberry)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a round cake pan to form the crust.
Step 2: Mixing
In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
Step 3: Whipping
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 4: Finishing
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust evenly. Top with the fruit pie filling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before serving.
How to Serve No Bake Cake
Slice the no bake cake into generous pieces and serve chilled. It’s perfect on its own, but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh fruit for added elegance. Serve it at family gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing dessert after dinner.
How to Store No Bake Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you know you won’t finish it within that timeframe, consider slicing it and freezing individual pieces. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to a month. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect No Bake Cake
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- For a crunchier crust, try adding a bit of sugar to the graham cracker mixture or incorporating finely chopped nuts.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit pie fillings like peach or apple for varying flavors.
- To make the dessert lighter, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Allow the cake to chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Indulgence: Substitute the fruit topping with a chocolate ganache or ruin and sprinkle with grated chocolate.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts or crushed cookies to the crust for extra crunch.
- Berry Blast: Use fresh berries mixed with a bit of sugar instead of pie filling for a healthier, fresher taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy cream cheese and coconut cream to whip instead of heavy cream. -
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the graham cracker mixture is well pressed into the pan to make a sturdy crust. Consider chilling it briefly before adding the filling. -
Can I use a different type of filling?
Absolutely! You can use any kind of fruit filling, or try fresh fruit coupled with a glaze. -
How long does it take for the cake to set?
It generally takes at least 4 hours to set in the fridge, but overnight chill is ideal for the best texture. -
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Adjust the chilling time if necessary.
Conclusion
This no bake cake is an ideal dessert that combines simplicity with deliciousness. It’s perfect for those warm days when you want a sweet treat without the fuss. You’ll appreciate the fresh flavors, creamy texture, and the joy of not having to preheat the oven! So grab your ingredients and indulge in this easy yet delightful cake—the smiles it brings will be well worth the effort!
Print
No Bake Cake
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no bake cake with a creamy filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and fruity topping, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can of fruit pie filling (e.g., cherry or blueberry)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a round cake pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust evenly. Top with the fruit pie filling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before serving.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. You can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
