Red White and Blue No-Bake Icebox Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-bake icebox cake is everything you want in a summer dessert: cool, creamy, and packed with fresh fruit. With layers of crunchy graham crackers, whipped cream, and vibrant red and blue berries, it’s a showstopper for your summer gatherings. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it with other fruits or even add a layer of chocolate if you like. Whether it’s for a holiday, BBQ, or a simple get-together, this dessert will be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 quart heavy cream
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar
• 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 sleeves of graham crackers or about 24 graham crackers
• 2 pints blueberries
• 2 pounds strawberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the whipped cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Assemble the layers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, lay down a layer of graham crackers, making sure they cover the bottom of the dish completely. You can break the crackers to fit as needed.
3. Add the whipped cream: Spread a layer of whipped cream over the graham crackers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Add the berries: Place a layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped cream. Add a handful of blueberries as well, spreading them evenly over the strawberries.
5. Repeat the layers: Continue layering graham crackers, whipped cream, and berries until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Aim for at least three layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Chill the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the cake sits, the more the graham crackers will soften and the flavors will meld together.
7. Serve: Before serving, garnish the top with extra strawberries and blueberries for a festive touch. Slice and enjoy your refreshing icebox cake!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
• Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)

Variations

• Other berries: You can mix in or substitute other berries such as raspberries or blackberries for different flavors and colors.
• Chocolate layer: For a decadent twist, drizzle some chocolate syrup or melted chocolate between layers.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers if you need a gluten-free version of this icebox cake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dessert is best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal texture.
• Reheating: Since this cake is served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve!

FAQs

Can I make this icebox cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this cake is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Fresh berries are ideal for this recipe, but if you use frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that might affect the texture of the cake.

What can I substitute for graham crackers?

You can substitute graham crackers with other types of cookies, like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies, for a different flavor.

Can I make this cake in a different pan?

Yes, you can use any similar-sized dish, such as an 8×8-inch square baking pan or a round cake pan, to assemble the icebox cake.

Can I add a layer of chocolate?

Yes, you can spread a thin layer of chocolate pudding, chocolate ganache, or even melted chocolate between the layers for an extra indulgent twist.

How long does this cake need to chill?

For best results, chill the cake for at least 4 hours. However, overnight chilling is ideal for the graham crackers to fully soften and the flavors to meld.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping in place of homemade whipped cream, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can experiment with other sugars, such as granulated sugar or even coconut sugar, but powdered sugar creates the best texture for the whipped cream.

Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This icebox cake is perfect for kids, as it’s light, sweet, and full of fresh berries. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with minimal supervision.

Can I freeze this icebox cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! However, be aware that freezing may alter the texture of the whipped cream slightly. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly and store it in the freezer for up to a month.

Conclusion

This Red White and Blue No-Bake Icebox Cake is the perfect dessert for any summer occasion. With its layers of creamy whipped cream, fresh berries, and crunchy graham crackers, it’s a delicious and refreshing treat that will delight your guests. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and with no baking required, it’s a great way to keep your kitchen cool during the warm months. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a summer day, this icebox cake is sure to be a hit!

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