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Easy No-Bake Red White Blue Icebox Cake: Best 4th Dessert

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This easy no-bake icebox cake layers creamy vanilla, juicy strawberries, and sweet blueberries between softened graham crackers for a patriotic, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires no oven time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sleeves (about 24 full sheets) graham crackers
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (about 150 g) fresh blueberries
  • Optional: extra berries, mint leaves, or powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Whip the cream: Pour cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Do not over-whip.
  2. Make the cream cheese base: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides.
  3. Fold it together: Stir about one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream using a spatula, using slow sweeping motions.
  4. Prep the berries: Rinse blueberries and pat dry. Hull strawberries and slice into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick).
  5. Start layering: Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of cream mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the cream, breaking as needed.
  6. Add cream and berries: Spread about one-third of the remaining cream mixture over the graham crackers. Scatter a handful of sliced strawberries and blueberries over the cream.
  7. Repeat layers: Add another layer of graham crackers, then another third of the cream, then more berries. Repeat one more time, ending with a final layer of graham crackers topped with the last of the cream mixture. Smooth the top.
  8. Decorate the top: Arrange remaining berries on top in a pattern (e.g., rows to mimic the American flag).
  9. Cover and chill: Tightly cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Serve cold: Slice into squares and serve straight from the fridge. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Chill time is crucial—at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture. Keep all ingredients cold. Pat berries dry to avoid excess moisture. Use a serrated knife for clean slices. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake icebox cake, red white blue dessert, Fourth of July dessert, patriotic dessert, easy summer dessert, no-bake dessert, graham cracker cake, berry icebox cake

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-no-bake-red-white-blue-icebox-cake-best-4th-dessert/