The majority of travelers spend most of their time in the RV during the summer. In most cases, this is coincidental due to the standard “school” schedule affording the kids a long break during the summer months before they start the next year of their education. Some find this situation regrettable. They fear the increased heat of the summer months and spend a large portion of their vacation time wishing they were traveling in one of the cooler seasons. For those who aren’t doomed to a glass half empty, the summer is actually a great time for RVing. There are far less road hazards. The majority of outdoor recreational activities popular amongst recreational vehicle owners are in full swing in one region or another. The increased time off means the opportunity to take time to enjoy the journey.

The only lingering issue is the heat, but due to the modern conveniences available in today’s RVs, this issue is easily resolved in most cases. For those who are wondering how to deal with the heat when it’s time to bake that famous Pound Cake or double chocolate brownies for dessert, there’s a simple solution. Try a summer dessert that won’t heat up the RV. The sweet tooth will be appeased and the heat will stay outside the recreational vehicle.

Try the No Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake, Serves 8:

2 pounds strawberries (fresh)

3 ¼ cups whipping cream

1/3 cup confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon rosewater (this ingredient is optional)

4 sleeves of graham crackers

2 oz. dark chocolate (chopped fine)

Set a few strawberries aside to be used as garnish when the dessert is completed. Slice the rest of the strawberries fairly thin. Whip 3 cups of cream until stiff peaks form. Then add the confectioners sugar, vanilla and rosewater. Continue to whip until it is combined. Spread one spoonful of the whipped cream along the bottom of your 9×13 baking dish (or since this recipe does not require the oven, use a platter of a similar size). Lay six graham crackers down on top. Add another layer of whipped cream. Add a single layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat this three times. You should end up with four layers of graham crackers. Spread the last of the whipped cream on top and some more strawberries.

Use the remaining cream to make ganache. Heat the cream (microwave will work) until bubbles form around the edges and then pour it over the finely chopped dark chocolate. Let it stand for 2 minutes and then whisk until the mixture is thick. It will also appear glossy. Drizzle the finished ganache over the dessert. Place the entire cake in the refrigerator for at least four hours. The graham crackers should soften completely. Use the last few berries that were set aside in the beginning to garnish the cake prior to serving.

RVing is going to be even lovelier than ever this summer for those who never before realized that worrying about the heat outside didn’t make the temperature any different inside the recreational vehicle. This year, make the most of any summer travels. Plan an outing to a large body of water in the area. Make mud pies have a mud slinging fight. Sneak a horde of water guns on board and attack the first person that complains about the heat of summer. Visit one of the many popular water parks. Stand knee deep in a cool lake for the day and give fly-fishing a heart felt attempt. At the end of the day, no matter what summer activity has been checked off the list, sit down to a beautiful and delicious strawberry cake without even turning on the oven. The summer months have never been so good.