1-First Step: Gather and chill your ingredients Start by measuring all your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Make sure the heavy cream is very cold, since cold cream whips better and faster. If you have time, chill your mixing bowl and beaters too. That small step helps the cream thicken more smoothly. Wash the strawberries and blueberries, then dry them well. Slice the strawberries so they layer easily. Keep the berries fresh, since frozen berries release too much liquid and can make the dessert soggy.

2-Second Step: Whip the cream mixture In a large bowl, beat the 3 cups cold heavy cream with the 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, and 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract. Beat until medium peaks form. The cream should look fluffy and hold its shape, but still stay soft and smooth. Do not overbeat, because that can make the cream grainy. Medium peaks are just right for layering. This whipped cream is the heart of the dessert, so take your time here.

3-Third Step: Build the first layer Spread a thin layer of whipped cream across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. This helps the graham crackers stay in place. Lay down a full layer of 20 to 21 full-sheet graham crackers, breaking them only if needed to fit the pan. Next, spread about 2 cups whipped cream over the crackers. Add the 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries on top, making sure they are spread out evenly. The berries will add color, freshness, and juicy sweetness to the first layer.

4-Fourth Step: Add the middle layers Place another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries. Spread on 2 more cups whipped cream, then add the 1 cup fresh blueberries. Try to keep the fruit in a fairly even layer so each slice has a little bit of everything. This middle layer gives the cake its signature look and taste. The cream softens the crackers as the dessert chills, and the berries add little bursts of flavor in each bite. If you enjoy berry desserts, you might also like our homestyle banana bread recipe for another cozy make-ahead bake.

5-Fifth Step: Finish the top layer Top the cake with a final layer of graham crackers. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. You can make the top look rustic and swirled, or smooth it flat for a cleaner finish. If you want a more decorated look, save a few berries for later. This dessert is lovely as-is, but extra berries make it feel even more special when guests arrive.

6-Final Step: Chill and serve Cover the pan and refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours. This chilling time is important because it lets the layers set and the graham crackers soften into that soft cake-like texture. If you can wait a little longer, the dessert will slice even more cleanly. Before serving, garnish with additional berries if you like. Cut into squares and serve cold. The finished dessert is creamy, fruity, and so satisfying on a warm day. For more about the rich texture of cream in desserts, you can also visit Verywell Fit’s guide to heavy cream.