The 5-Ingredient No-Bake Dessert I’m Making All Summer Long

While an Oregon summer comes with plenty of time spent splashing in mountain lakes and afternoons lounging under shady trees in the grass, we still get plenty of high-temperature days. Those are the days the oven stays off in my house in an attempt to keep things cool, but that doesn’t mean dessert isn’t on the menu.

A no-bake dessert is always a favorite for me, and it’s even better when that dessert only requires five ingredients. Throw together these no-bake berry bars in no time for the ideal layered summer treat highlighting the season’s freshest berries. 

Ingredient Tips for No-Bake Berry Bars

• Choose instant pudding: The custard-like layer of these bars all starts with a box of instant pudding mix. Choose instant rather than cook-and-serve pudding for the proper texture. 
• Heavy cream is key: While instant pudding calls for milk on the box, we’re making this mixture with heavy cream instead. The cream helps to thicken the mixture and results in a luscious texture. 
• Use your favorite berries: I love a mixture of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for an excellent combo of color and flavor here. However, you can choose to use just one type of berry if you prefer, which will give the bars a more uniform look.

How To Make My 5-Ingredient No-Bake Berry Bars  

To make 9 large or 16 small bars, you’ll need: 

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 14 whole graham crackers 
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix 
• 2 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups fresh berries

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on opposite sides to form a sling. Grease the pan and parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. 

Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until broken down into fine crumbs (you should have 2 cups). Pour the melted butter over the crumbs in the food processor and pulse until moistened. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Freeze for 15 minutes. 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla instant pudding mix and heavy cream until smooth. Spread the mixture over the chilled crust and top evenly with the berries. Chill the bars in the fridge until firm, at least 45 minutes. 

When ready to serve, grasp the ends of the parchment paper, pull the bars out of the baking pan, and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares, rinsing and drying the knife between cuts for the cleanest slices, and serve. Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Easy Recipe Variations

• Mix up the fruit: Add sliced peaches or diced cherries to the mix with the berries, or even top the bars with a berry sauce instead of fresh fruit. 
• Try another pudding: The vanilla custard layer gives these bars a classic flavor, but you can choose any other favorite flavor of pudding. Cheesecake, coconut, lemon, or white chocolate instant pudding mix would all be great choices here. 
• Add more toppings: Garnish the bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra fancy touch. You could also finish them with a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs or crushed nuts for some crunch.