No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake

Recipe View 5 mins In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, cocoa powder, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 35 mins Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9x11-inch baking dish. Press firmly and evenly onto the bottom of the dish to create a smooth, compact crust. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the crust to set. (35 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mascarpone cheese. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well incorporated. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 7 mins In a separate chilled metal or glass bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and 1/3 cup sugar using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. (7 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The filling should be light, airy, and homogenous. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 hrs Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Gently tap the pan on a work surface several times to help the filling settle and release any trapped air. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set completely. (3 hours)

Recipe View 15 mins Once the cheesecake is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Starting at the bottom long edge of the cake, arrange halved strawberries in a horizontal line, with the pointed ends facing to the right. Create a second stripe of strawberries at the top right of the cake, approximately 2/3 of the length of the cake, again with the pointed ends facing right. (15 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Continue making strawberry stripes, spacing them about 3/4 inch apart and extending the full length of the cake. Create one more line of strawberries beneath the short stripe to leave a square space for the blueberry 'stars'. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Fill the upper left square space with blueberries, arranging them in neat rows with the blossom ends facing up. Continue laying down blueberries, touching the previous row, until the entire square is filled. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Carefully cut the cake into squares to serve. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and the patriotic presentation! (5 minutes)