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Easy No-Bake Patriotic Icebox Cake: Best 4th of July Dessert

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This easy no-bake patriotic icebox cake is a cool, creamy, and stunning dessert perfect for the 4th of July. With layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and fresh berries, it requires no oven and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 tub (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box (14.4 ounces) graham crackers (about 36 full sheets)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional berries for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine both boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups of cold whole milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes or use a hand mixer on low speed. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set up.
  2. Add the thawed whipped topping and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. Fold together gently with a spatula until smooth and creamy.
  3. Wash and dry the berries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). Pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on top, breaking to fit as needed.
  5. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the cream mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Scatter about 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries and 1/3 cup of blueberries over the cream. Press them in gently.
  6. Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the berries. Press down gently. Spread another 1 1/2 cups of cream mixture over the crackers, then add more berries. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cream mixture on top.
  7. For the final layer, spread the remaining cream mixture over the top graham crackers. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over the top of the cake.
  8. Arrange remaining berries on top in a patriotic pattern. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the cream. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Use a serrated knife to slice, wiping the knife clean between cuts.

Notes

Don’t rush the chilling time; overnight is best for clean slices. Keep graham crackers dry—do not pre-soak. Use a serrated knife to slice. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free whipped topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, icebox cake, 4th of July, patriotic, summer dessert, graham cracker, berry, vanilla pudding

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-no-bake-patriotic-icebox-cake-best-4th-of-july-dessert/