Easy No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake: Quick, Delicious Summer Dessert!

This no-bake berry icebox cake featuring fresh strawberries and blueberries is the perfect easy dessert for summer and a colorful treat for the 4th of July. Comprising layers of graham crackers, a smooth vanilla cream, and juicy berries, this dessert is refreshing, light, and simple to put together—no cooking involved, just some refrigeration!

Great for a summer barbecue or a festive fireworks gathering, this cake is ideal for any patriotic celebration. Also explore these other red, white, and blue themed desserts that require no baking: No Bake Summer Berry Lasagna, Very Berry Dessert Lasagna, Summer Berry Jello Lasagna, and No Bake Berry Cheesecake Lasagna.

Reasons to Adore This No-Bake 4th of July Dessert:

• Festive and Patriotic – This dessert’s vibrant layers of red, white, and blue make it a perfect choice for celebrating Independence Day.
• No Oven Required – Keep cool during summer by skipping the oven and assembling this cake in just 15 minutes.
• Make Ahead – Easily prepare this treat the day before and let it set overnight in the fridge.
• Portable– Constructed in a casserole dish, it’s designed for easy transport to potlucks and parties.
• Refreshing and Popular – A delightful blend of whipped cream, cream cheese, and vanilla pudding interspersed with fresh berries and graham crackers appeals to all ages at any gathering.

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 cups (720 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 8 oz. (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 (3.4 oz.) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) cold milk
• 14 oz. (400 grams) graham crackers
• 2 lb. (900 grams) fresh strawberries
• Approximately 3 cups (400 grams) fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Steps to Create No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake:

Step 1: Whip the Cream

• Whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve stiff peaks. Alternatively, use 16 oz of thawed Cool Whip.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling:

• Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a large bowl, then mix in the pudding mix and milk until well combined.
• Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Cake:

• Start with a thin layer of the cream filling at the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to anchor the graham crackers. Add a single layer of crackers, then a third of the cream filling.
• Add a layer of sliced strawberries and a scattering of blueberries.
• Repeat layering with graham crackers, cream filling, strawberries, and blueberries.
• Add the final layer of graham crackers and the last third of the cream filling on top.
• Decorate with halved strawberries and whole blueberries.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate over the assembled cake.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
• Keep stored in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I omit the cream cheese?

  • Yes, but note that the filling will be less thick and creamy.

• Is it possible to prepare this cake ahead of time?

  • Absolutely, it’s best when left to chill overnight in the fridge.

• How long can this cake be stored?

  • It remains fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• Can I freeze the No-bake Berry Icebox Cake?

  • While freezing is possible, it may slightly alter the texture. For optimal results, serve it fresh or briefly freeze before transporting.

• What if Graham crackers aren’t available?

  • Substitute with Speculas, Biscoff cookies, or digestive biscuits, adjusting the quantity to fit each layer.

• Can I use frozen berries?

  • It’s not recommended as they tend to release excess moisture which could make the cake soggy and difficult to slice neatly.

My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert Recipe Featuring Fresh Berries:

1. Strawberry Jello Lasagna
2. Lemon Blueberry Lasagna
3. White Chocolate Blueberry Lasagna
4. No-Bake Strawberry Jello Lasagna
5. Strawberry Lemonade Lasagna