Red, White and Blue Icebox Cake

This Red, White and Blue Icebox Cake is an easy, no bake dessert that’s perfect for a crowd. Filled with a sweet pudding mixture, graham crackers, and fresh berries, this simple treat is perfect to serve for a patriotic occasion or any time!

You’ll also like this no bake chocolate mousse cheesecake, no bake snickers peanut butter bars, and no bake oreo cheesecake!

Icebox desserts have always been a favorite of mine.

I just love the simple ingredients, layered filling, and that it’s a no-bake recipe. It’s perfect for summer or for any time when you don’t feel like using the oven.

And since the 4^th of July is almost here, I thought this red, white and blue icebox cake recipe would be great to share. Much like these firecracker rice krispies treats and strawberry shortcake puffs, this dessert is especially perfect for the holiday because of the patriotic colors.

Of course, this red white and blue dessert is also perfect for hot summer days because it’s ready in no time and requires no oven. And that’s a win-win in my book!

Ingredients in Pudding Icebox Cake:

• Graham crackers: I used the honey-flavored ones, but cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers would also be delicious
• Cream cheese: softened to room temperature
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Cold milk: I used 2%
• Frozen whipped topping: such as Cool Whip, thawed
• Strawberries and blueberries

How to Make Graham Cracker Icebox Cake:

• Mix: in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pudding mixes with an electric mixer until smooth. Slowly add the milk and fold in the whipped topping.
• Layer: in the bottom of a pan, add an even layer of graham crackers, followed by the pudding mixture, and then a layer of berries. Repeat twice more, ending with the remaining berries.
• Refrigerate or freeze: cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours (or preferably overnight) so that the layers firm up. Alternatively, you can freeze and when ready to serve, remove about 15-30 minutes just before serving.

Why is it Called Icebox Cake?

Years ago, icebox cakes were made by layering cookies and whipped cream and then chilling in an icebox chest (now known as refrigerators).

Do You Freeze or Refrigerate Icebox Cake?

You can do both! I personally like to freeze the cake and then remove from the freezer about 15-30 minutes before serving. This way, you get clean, neat slices when you cut into the cake.

However, you can do the opposite and refrigerate, then pop into the freezer for about 30-60 minutes before serving so that you get those clean slices. Or, if you don’t care if the pudding mixture gets messy, you can just refrigerate and skip the freezer entirely.

Can You Make this Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made up to two days in advance. If you do this, you will need to freeze it and then let sit at room temperate for about 15-30 minutes before serving.

Can You Use Frozen Berries?

You can, though fresh is best. If using frozen berries, be sure to thaw completely and then pat dry before adding to the icebox dessert.

How to Store:

Like I mentioned, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. If kept in the refrigerator, it will last up to three days. If frozen, the dessert will last up to two months.

Variations:

There are a lot of different ways to jazz up this recipe! Here are a few of my favorite methods:

• Swap the graham crackers: instead of using plain graham crackers, try vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, Oreo cookies (the golden variety is so tasty), or even chocolate graham crackers.
• Make homemade whipped cream: instead of using frozen whipped topping, make whipped cream by using heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form, and then fold into the cream cheese pudding mixture.
• Use a different flavored pudding mix: chocolate, banana, or butterscotch instant pudding mix would be a delicious swap.
• Try different fruits: swap the strawberries for raspberries or cherries, or add in some blackberries or sliced bananas. You could even use canned pie filling instead of fresh fruit.
• Add some toppings: drizzle some melted peanut butter, chocolate syrup, or add a sprinkling of chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or chocolate candy to the top of the berries. 

Tips for Making the Best Icebox Cake:

• Layering: make sure the graham crackers, pudding mixture, and fruit are added in an even layer so it’s easier to spread and cut once ready to serve.
• Pat the fruit dry: make sure the strawberries and blueberries are dry before adding the cake so that it doesn’t make the pudding mixture watery.
• Whipped cream: if making homemade whipped cream instead of using frozen whipped topping, make sure the heavy whipping cream is very cold. If you have time, chill or freeze your mixing bowl and beaters for about 15-30 minutes, as this will help the cream whip faster.

Looking for More Easy Dessert Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

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• Oreo Pudding Poke Cake
• Easy Chocolate Cobbler