Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Karen
This no-bake Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake is made with 5 simple ingredients, and is a patriotic dessert perfect for Memorial Day or Fourth of July!
Summer is just around the corner. Between Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, there’s plenty of occasions to enjoy the warm weather and celebrate with good food. These patriotic American holidays are the perfect reason to have a barbecue, cookout, or picnic! Along with all the usual hot dogs, burgers, and potato salad, I always like to serve up some tasty, festive desserts.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet and simple, try this Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake. I love to make this no-bake summer dessert for potlucks, cookouts and gathering. It takes no time and is easy to transport. All you have to do is assemble the dessert in a pan, layered with graham crackers, whipped topping and cream cheese mixture, and fresh berries. This is a fun, delicious dessert that kids and adults will love!
What is icebox cake?
Icebox cakes have been around since the 1940s and quite popular for years. An icebox cake is simply a no-bake dessert with alternating layers of graham crackers or cookies, whipped cream or pudding, and sometimes fruit. After the cake is assembled, it is then left to chill in the fridge for several hours. After it is set, the graham crackers become soft and cake-like, with all the flavors come together for a cool, light, and creamy treat.
Occasions for this Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake
An icebox cake is the perfect dessert for summer, because there is no baking involved. This simple quick no-bake dessert recipe is also a festive, patriotic dessert that showcases red, white, and blue colors, the colors of our flag. It’s perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, as well as summer potlucks, picnics, cookouts, and gathering.
Here are the ingredients needed to make this No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake:
– Graham crackers: A 14 oz box of graham crackers is needed for this recipe.
– Whipped topping: Cool Whip or Cool Whip Lite both work well for this recipe. Make sure it’s thawed before using in this recipe. You can also use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping (whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form).
– Berries: We use strawberries and blueberries for the red and blue colors. You’ll want to use fresh berries. Frozen and thawed berries give out too much liquid so the cake will turn out soggy instead of having a cake-like texture.
How to make Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake
This layered dessert is super easy to make! Here’s all you need to do:
1. Mix the whipped topping and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9 x 13″ pan, breaking the crackers as needed to fill the gaps.
3. Spread a third of the cream cheese mixture in an even layer over the graham crackers and top with a layer of berries.
4. Repeat the layers two more times, until you have three layers each of graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries. Decorate the top layer by placing the berries all over in a pattern (like American flag pattern) or anything you like.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Do you see how the graham crackers become cake-like in texture? That’s the magic of icebox cake!
How much in advance should I make this cake?
You can make this the day before, but I wouldn’t make it out farther than one day. Just make sure you let it set for at least 4 hours before serving. This will allow all the flavors to come together and for the graham crackers to soak up the moisture so it turns cake-like.
How long does this cake last?
Once prepared, this cake will keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Do note that the longer it sits in the fridge, the more the berries will release their juices, and the texture will change, so try to enjoy this icebox cake as soon as possible.
Can you freeze this icebox cake?
No, the berries in the cake will freeze solid and will turn the cake soggy once thawed.
How many layers does this cake have?
I was able to get three layers each of graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and berries using a 9x 13 pan, but you can also use a large springform pan or trifle dish. The layers will depend on the serving dish you use.
Can you make this No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can make a gluten-free version by substituting regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
What are some variations to this No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake?
This cake is layered with graham crackers, berries, and whipped topping. You can change some of the ingredients to whatever you want. Here are a few examples of how you swap some of the layers to your liking:
– Use vanilla pudding or homemade custard instead of regular whipped topping
– Use Nilla wafers instead of graham crackers
– Use cherries instead of berries
– Go a tropical route with coconut pudding (instead of cream cheese), and diced pineapple and mango.
Other no-bake recipes you’ll love:
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz tub whipped topping thawed
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese room temperature
- 1 14 oz box graham crackers
- 2 cups strawberries sliced
- 2 cups blueberries
Instructions
- Combine whipped topping and cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9 x 13" pan, breaking the crackers as needed to fill the gaps.
- Spread a third of the cream cheese mixture in an even layer over the graham crackers. Arrange a third of the berries over the cream cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers two more times. Decorate the top layer with berries if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
