Description
This Red White Blue Icebox Cake is a refreshing no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding mixed with cream cheese and whipped topping, and topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal patriotic dessert for summer gatherings or any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 22-24 graham crackers (approximately)
Filling
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese
- 2 (3.4 ounce / 96.4 grams each) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold 2% milk
- 2 (8 ounce / 227 grams each) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed
Fruit Topping
- 3 cups (approximately 450 grams) sliced strawberries
- 2 cups (approximately 300 grams) blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Lay a single layer of graham crackers snugly at the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. This creates a firm foundation for the cake and helps it stay stable when slicing.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and instant vanilla pudding mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth to avoid lumps, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the cold milk while continuing to beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until no streaks remain, creating a light and airy filling ready to layer.
- Layer the Cake: Spoon about one-third of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker base. Add one-third of the sliced strawberries and one-third of the blueberries on top. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with fruit on top.
- Refrigerate: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to let the layers set and meld flavors. For best texture and taste, refrigerate overnight.
- Freeze Before Serving: To achieve cleaner slices, freeze the cake for 30-45 minutes prior to serving. This firms the layers and reduces crumbly edges.
- Serve: Carefully slice with a sharp knife and optionally garnish with extra fresh strawberries, blueberries, or mint leaves for visual appeal.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to make slicing easier and cleaner.
- Make sure the whipped topping is fully thawed for smooth folding.
- Overlapping graham crackers slightly is acceptable to cover the whole base evenly.
- This dessert is best served chilled and does not freeze well long-term beyond the brief chilling step before serving.
- Substitute with gluten-free graham crackers for gluten-free diet accommodations.
