Strawberry Icebox Cake
This was a big hit! 5 of us polished off the 9x13 by 8 p.m. last night!
I made modifications to the original recipe found at http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/09/no-bake-strawberry-ice-box-cake.html
The crunchiness of the crackers was perfect between the 4 and 8 hour time frame... no data gathered after that :)
There was some room on the edges so when I piped the ganache onto the top I let it drizzle over the side. It was really pretty and SUPER SUPER easy!
Photo courtesy of: http://www.sixsistersstuff.com
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, sliced thinly (leaving a few for garnish)
1 pint whipping cream, whipped
1/3 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-16 oz tub fat free Cool Whip whipped topping
3 sleeves (24 whole) graham crackers
8 ounces semi sweet chips or dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 T milk
1 T butter
Preparation
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 9x13 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 adding whipped topping as well , 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, melt the chocolate in the microwave with a TBSP of milk and TBSP of butter. Whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Fill zip-lock sandwich bag with chocolate, cut a small hole in corner of the bag and pipe chocolate over the layered dessert.
Refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the crackers have softened completely. Garnish with additional berries.