Description
Enjoy all the festive flavors of a birthday cake without turning on the oven! This no-bake delight layers a crunchy, buttery graham cracker base with a creamy, cake-flavored filling and a light whipped topping, all finished with colorful sprinkles for that extra celebratory touch. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any day that calls for a little sweetness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1/2 cup yellow cake mix
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Sprinkles (rainbow or your choice)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or similar size) dish to form an even layer. Set aside.
-
Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and yellow cake mix until fully combined and smooth.
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Assemble the Dessert:
- Spread the filling evenly over the prepared base.
- Gently fold the whipped topping into the filling layer or spread it directly on top as a distinct layer.
- Sprinkle generously with your favorite sprinkles and, if using, chopped maraschino cherries.
-
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
- Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider letting the cake mix sit in the filling for 10 minutes before stirring in the whipped topping.
- This dessert is best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- You can swap out the cake mix for a different flavor (like chocolate or red velvet) for a fun twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: ~150 mg
- Fat: ~18 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~25 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg