No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake

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The method to make this is very similar to the No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert I posted a little bit back. Except, this no-bake cake uses real whipped cream laced with a touch of almond extract (soooooo good!) instead of Cool Whip between the graham cracker layers. I love Cool Whip, don't get me wrong ... but I really need to whip up the real stuff more often. Real whipped cream is such a little bite of heaven!

So, whip up some whipped cream. Then layer it with graham crackers and sliced fresh strawberries.
from thekitchenismyplayground

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, washed and sliced into thin slices
  • 3 1/2 c. whipping cream, divided
  • 1/3 c. confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 1 box graham crackers (about 24 to 28 whole graham crackers)
  • 4 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped

Preparation

Step 1

1. With an electric mixer, whip 3 cups of the whipping cream until it just holds stiff peaks. Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and whip to combine.


2. Spread a small spoonful of whipped cream in the bottom of a 9x13" dish. Place down a layer of graham crackers. Spread on a thin layer of the whipped cream over the graham crackers, and then top with a single layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat with two more layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and strawberries; then top with the last of the whipped cream.


3. To make the ganache, heat the remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream until bubbles just begin to form around the edges in the pan. Immediately pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let stand for a couple of minutes, and then whisk until combined and smooth. Drizzle over the top of the layered cake.


4. Refrigerate over night.


Notes:
- This recipe can easily be halved and prepared in an 8x8" pan, which is what I did.
- The almond extract is optional, but it makes the whipped cream so delicious! I highly recommend including it.
- I used Dove dark chocolate.
- This is best eaten the day after it is made. While it was still good on the second day, the strawberries do start to 'wilt' and lose some of their 'perkiness.'
I can't really speak for the 3rd day. :-)

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