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Wonderful Cake! No-Bake Four-Layer Fruit Dessert: A Refreshing and Easy Treat
When the weather heats up and you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven, a No-Bake Four-Layer Fruit Dessert is the perfect solution! This wonderful cake is a refreshing, fruity, and indulgent treat that requires no baking, making it an ideal option for hot summer days, potlucks, or any time you need a quick and delicious dessert. It’s light, creamy, and packed with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit.
This dessert features four distinct layers: a crisp, buttery base, a smooth and creamy filling, a vibrant layer of fresh fruit, and a sweet glaze to tie everything together. The result is a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also full of flavor and textures. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this mouthwatering No-Bake Four-Layer Fruit Dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled (for whipping)
For the Fruit Layer:
- 2 cups fresh mixed fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, or your favorite fruits)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent fruit from browning)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup fruit juice (from the fruit you used, or orange juice)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by making the graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square baking dish (or similar-sized dish). Use the back of a spoon to firmly pack the crumbs into an even layer. Once the crust is pressed down, place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the dessert. Chilling the crust helps it set and become firm.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
In a separate chilled bowl, use the hand mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This is key for creating a fluffy, light filling. Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The result should be a smooth, airy, and creamy filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Once the graham cracker crust has chilled and firmed up, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s level.
Next, arrange your fresh mixed fruit on top of the cream cheese filling. You can use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, or whatever fruit is in season. For an extra touch, lightly drizzle lemon juice over the fruit to help keep it fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the fruit juice (you can use the juice from the berries or orange juice) and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Once the mixture starts to come to a simmer, whisk in the cornstarch to thicken the glaze. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the glaze has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling it over the fruit layer. The glaze adds a beautiful shine to the fruit and helps keep it in place.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Once the glaze has been added, refrigerate the dessert for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s fully chilled and set. This allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing easier.
