A simple, refreshing, and colorful no-bake fruit cake perfect for any occasion. It’s customizable with your favorite fruits and requires no oven!
Ingredients:
- Base Layer:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- ½ cup melted butter (unsalted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional, if you like it sweeter)
- Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fruit Topping (Customize with your favorites!):
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup sliced kiwi
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1 cup raspberries
- Optional: other fruits such as grapes, banana, mango, etc.
- Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves
- Fruit preserves, warmed and brushed over the fruit.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a 9-inch pie plate. Ensure an even layer.
- Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Arrange the sliced fruits on top of the cream cheese filling in a decorative pattern. Be creative!
- Chill and Set:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
- Serve:
- Before serving, carefully remove the springform pan ring (if using).
- Garnish with whipped cream and mint leaves, if desired.
- Optional: gently brush warmed fruit preserves over the fruit to give it a nice shine.
- Slice and enjoy your refreshing no-bake fruit cake!
Tips and Variations:
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to substitute any of your favorite fruits. Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor.
- Crust Variations: try using chocolate graham crackers, or oreo crumbs for a different flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Gelatin: if you want a firmer filling, you can add a bloomed gelatin to the cream cheese mixture. Follow the gelatin packages directions.
- Individual Servings: You can also make this recipe in individual dessert cups or small mason jars.
Enjoy your delicious no-bake fruit cake!