What's better than a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day? This Cake Ice Box with Fruit and Whipped Cream is a perfect dessert option for those who want to indulge in something sweet yet satisfying. With a total of 1700 calories, it can be a treat for a special occasion.

This dessert combines the goodness of fresh fruits, creamy whipped cream and a crispy cake base, making it a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

In this article, we'll explore the history, ingredients needed, step by step procedure to make the dessert, different variations, and helpful tips to serve and store the Cake Ice Box with Fruit and Whipped Cream. Let's get started!

History of Ice Box Cake

Ice box cakes originated in America in the early 20th century when refrigerators were becoming popular. The dessert was made by layering cookies or cake with whipped cream and chilled overnight in a refrigerator or an icebox. It was popularized during World War II when it became a go-to dessert for housewives as it requires no baking, minimal preparation, and can feed many people. Over the years, numerous variations of the dessert have been made, and now it has become a classic dessert in American cuisine. Today, people add different fruits, nuts, and flavors to create a new twist to this old classic.

Ingredients Needed for Cake Ice Box

To make Cake Ice Box with Fruit and Whipped Cream, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 sponge cake
• 1 cup diced fresh fruits of your choice
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Make sure that you have all the ingredients before you start making the dessert.

How to Make the Cake Base

To make the cake base, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cut the sponge cake into 1/4 inch thick slices and arrange them in a single layer in a 9x9 inch square pan, trimming the slices if needed to fit the pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and salt to combine. Add in the egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until fully combined.
5. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the milk mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the mixture over the sponge cake and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm.

The cake base can be made a day ahead to save you time.

How to Add Fruits to the Cake

To add fruits to the cake, follow these steps:

1. Cut fresh fruits of your choice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Once the cake base is chilled and firm, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving dish.
3. Arrange the fruits on top of the cake and press them down gently so that they adhere to the cake.

You can use any fruits that you like, such as berries, peaches, mangoes, or kiwis.

Whipped Cream: Making and Adding to the Cake

To make whipped cream and add it to the cake, follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spoon the whipped cream over the fruits and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
3. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Whipped cream can be customized by adding flavorings like cocoa powder, liqueurs, or spices.

Using Different Fruits in Cake Ice Box

You can use different fruits in the Cake Ice Box to give it a different flavor profile. Some popular fruits that work well include:

• Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a combination of them.
• Stone fruits: peaches, apricots, nectarines or plums.
• Tropical fruits: kiwis, pineapples, mangoes or papayas.
• Exotic fruits: dragonfruits, lychees or persimmons.

Experiment with different fruits to find your own signature combination.

Tips for Serving and Storing the Cake

Here are some tips to serve and store the Cake Ice Box:

• The cake can be made a day ahead and chilled in the refrigerator.
• Before serving, decorate it with fresh fruits and whipped cream.
• Keep the cake chilled until ready to serve.

The dessert tastes best when cold.

Healthy Alternatives to Cake Ice Box

If you are looking for a healthier option, you can replace the cake base and whipped cream with healthier ingredients such as:

• Angel food cake: It's light and airy, making it a healthier option than sponge cake.
• Yogurt: You can use Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt to add creaminess and tanginess.
• Coconut whipped cream: It's a vegan alternative to regular whipped cream and is made from coconut cream.
• Fresh fruits: Cut fresh fruits and serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.

These alternatives offer great taste without compromising on health.

Cake Ice Box Variations

Here are some variations to the Cake Ice Box that you can try:

• Iced Coffee Cake Ice Box: Replace the sponge cake with coffee-flavored cookies or use a mix of espresso and milk to flavor the cake base.
• Chocolate and Salted Caramel Cake Ice Box: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cake base, add some salted caramel sauce and whipped cream.
• Banana Pudding Ice Box: Use vanilla wafers instead of sponge cake, layer with banana slices and vanilla pudding.
• Lemon and Blueberry Cake Ice Box: Add lemon zest to the cake base, top with blueberries and lemon whipped cream.

These variations are just a few of the endless possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few commonly asked questions about Cake Ice Box:

• Can I freeze the Cake Ice Box? It is not recommended to freeze the Cake Ice Box as it contains fruits and whipped cream that may not freeze well.
• Can I use store-bought whipped cream? You can use store-bought whipped cream, but homemade whipped cream is fresher, healthier, and tastes better.
• How long does the Cake Ice Box last? The Cake Ice Box will last for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

If you have any more questions about Cake Ice Box, feel free to ask in the comments below!