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Easy Red White and Blueberry Icebox Cake: Best 4th of July Dessert

red white and blueberry icebox cake - featured image

This no-bake icebox cake layers creamy homemade whipped cream, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and soft graham crackers into a cool, patriotic dessert perfect for summer gatherings. It’s simple to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 standard box graham crackers (about 1416 full sheets)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 6 ounces fresh blueberries
  • Lemon zest (optional, from 1 lemon)

Instructions

  1. Make the cream layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, pour in the cold heavy cream. Beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form — about 3 to 4 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently. Don’t overmix; a few streaks are fine.
  3. Prepare the berries: Wash and dry the strawberries, then slice them into even rounds about ¼-inch thick. Leave the blueberries whole. Pat everything dry with a paper towel.
  4. Layer the base: Spread a thin layer of cream mixture (about ½ cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking them to fit as needed.
  5. Add the first cream and fruit layer: Spread about one-third of the remaining cream mixture over the crackers. Sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries and half of the blueberries evenly on top. Press them in gently.
  6. Repeat the layers: Place another layer of graham crackers on top of the fruit. Spread another third of the cream mixture, then the remaining strawberries and blueberries. Add a final layer of graham crackers.
  7. Top it off: Spread the remaining cream mixture over the top layer of crackers. Make sure it reaches the edges so no crackers peek out. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is better.
  9. Garnish and serve: Before serving, top with extra berries if desired. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, chill overnight. Pat berries dry to prevent runny cream. Use a serrated knife for clean slices. Can be made up to 24 hours ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: icebox cake, no-bake dessert, 4th of July dessert, red white and blue dessert, summer dessert, berry dessert, graham cracker cake