The layers of Red White and Blue Icebox Cake look stunning. Family and friends will love this dessert with fresh berries. The pudding mixture is so decadent but not heavy at all. It is the perfect Summertime treat.
Did you grow up eating ice box cake? I did and now the kids love this no bake dessert too. The entire dessert is so quick and easy with lots of luscious layers. This is the perfect 4th of July dessert to make along with 4th of July Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
Fresh berries make this recipe even better. We love to make this for our annual 4th of July cookout and Memorial Day get together. 4th of July icebox cake has layers of delicious and is made with simple ingredients.
What is an Icebox Cake?
An Icebox cake is layers of graham crackers, cream filling and fruit. These layers are placed in a baking dish and placed in the refrigerator to set. This no bake dessert is easy to make and the ingredients can be changed.
It is an easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese. This is easier to combine if softened at room temperature.
- Heavy Whipping Cream. Make sure this is cold. Don’t remove from fridge until ready to use.
- Vanilla. Pure vanilla is best.
- Graham Crackers. We used honey graham crackers, but you can try chocolate or cinnamon.
Find the complete ingredients for this recipe at the bottom of the page.
Variations and Additions
- Pudding Mixes – You can easily use vanilla pudding mixes to mix into this as a variation.
- Cool Whip – Mix cool whip with the pudding mix to make a creamy and delicious layer.
How to Make Red White and Blue Icebox Cake
Step 1. First, get a large bowl and mix the cream cheese and sugar together. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2. Next, add the heavy cream and vanilla to the mixture. Beat until it starts to thicken, and you see soft stiff peaks.
Step 3. Add the graham crackers to the bottom of the 9×13 pan.
Step 4. Spread part of the cream cheese mixture all over the graham crackers. You can use an offset spatula to spread this out to make sure each graham cracker is covered.
Step 5. Now, start layering with the fruit. Top the cream cheese mixture with blueberries and strawberries.
Step 6. Continue with an even layer. Keep repeating the layers two more times.
Step 7. Finally, decorate the top berry layer by placing strawberries and blueberries all over. You can do a pattern or anything you prefer. I think an American Flag would be cute with stripes.
Step 8. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. This will allow the layers time to settle and the flavors to blend.
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead – I made this a few hours before serving and it was delicious. However, I do prefer to make this the night before. The extra time really allows all the flavors to come together.
- Cream Cheese – Before mixing the cream cheese with the sugar, we recommend softening the cream cheese. This helps for it to blend more easily without any lumps.
- Mixing Ingredients – We recommend mixing ingredients with a stand mixer or a hand held mixer. This allows for the ingredients to combine completely.
- Fruit – Make sure you are using fresh strawberries and blueberries for the best consistency.
Storage
Store icebox cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. We like to make the night before serving as the ingredients really marinate together.
How Long Does Icebox Cake Last?
We recommend serving within 2 to 3 days. If stored too long, the graham crackers become too mushy.
More Red White and Blue Desserts
- 4th of July Ice Cream Sandwich recipe
- Red White and Blue Bark Recipe
- How to make Red, White, and Blue Jello
- 4th of July Fruit Kabobs
- Red White and Blue Crinkle Cake Mix Cookies
- 4th of July Poke Cake
Make this easy patriotic dessert today for the Fourth of July. Once you try it, leave a comment and star rating.
Red White and Blue Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 1 8- ounce package cream cheese
- 3 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 14- ounce box graham crackers
- 2 cups blueberries divided
- 3 cups strawberries thinly sliced divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl cream the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and beat until mixture begins to thicken and forms soft peaks. Set aside.
- On the bottom of a 9×13 pan, place a single layer of graham crackers.
- Next, place one-third of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers spreading gently.
- Top this layer with ½ cup blueberries, and one cup thin sliced strawberries. Repeat this layering process twice more.
- For the top berry layer place the strawberries and blueberries sprinkled throughout (or however you want to decorate the top)
- Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours before serving so that the layers can “settle” into each other.
