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4th of July Icebox Cake is the perfect no bake, festive and no-fuss dessert! It is made with layers of cream cheese, fruit and more for all your summer parties. The show-stopping red, white and blue treat is easy to make and so delicious.

Photo of slice of 4th of July icebox cake on a plate
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Delicious layers of strawberries and blueberries with cream cheese and graham crackers combine for one of our favorite desserts. This often makes an appearance at our annual Memorial Day cookout and 4th of July celebration. Check out Everyone always asks about it and looks forward to it year after year.

It is perfect for hot Summer days when you want something sweet but not too heavy. The whipped cream and cream cheese make this dish so creamy and one bite is never enough. This is one of our favorite 4th of July Cakes, Memorial Day Food Ideas and Memorial Day Desserts.

What is an Icebox Cake?

Icebox cake is a simple no bake dessert. Normally only has a few ingredients such as cream cheese or cool whip, fresh berries and graham crackers or cookies. This no bake summer berry icebox cake is so simple to make and just require the fridge or “icebox” to set it.

No oven is required all you need to do is layer the ingredients in a baking dish and chill for the perfect summer dessert recipe. Another delicious no bake recipe that we love is this Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipe with store-bought ice cream sandwiches.

Ingredients

Picture of ingredients: heavy whipping cream, vanilla, cream cheese, sugar, graham crackers, blueberries, strawberries.
  • Cream Cheese – Start with softened cream cheese for a creamy texture
  • Heavy Whipping Cream – You can also use whipped topping
  • Graham Crackers – Try vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even layers of sponge cake.
  • Fresh Fruit – For the best red, white and blue dessert we like using Fresh Blueberries and Fresh Strawberries. Raspberries and blackberries are another great option.

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

How to Make 4th of July Icebox Cake

Cream cheese and sugar mixed together in a bowl with a small bowl of heavy cream on the side

Step 1 – Combine cream cheese and sugars – First, get out a large mixing bowl. Mix the cream cheese and sugar together with electric mixer or whisk together by hand. Cream this until smooth.

Heavy cream and vanilla extract added to the cream cheese mixture in a bowl

Step 2 – Add cream and vanilla – Second, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it thickens and forms peaks with the whisk attachment. Set this aside for later.

Graham Crackers placed in a glass baking dish with a graham crackers on the side

Step 3 – Add Graham Crackers – You will need a 9×13 pan. Line graham crackers on the bottom of the pan in a single layer.

Spreading the cream layer on the graham crackers in the baking dish with a bowl of cream cheese mixture

Step 4 – Top with cream cheese – Now add part of the cream cheese mixture all over the graham crackers. Be careful spreading and make sure to do so gently. You can use a spatula or back of a spoon to help spread it out.

Strawberries and blueberries topped on the cream layer in the baking dish with small bowls of blueberries and strawberries on the side

Step 5 – Top with Berries – Once the mixture is spread out, add a portion of the blueberries and strawberries.

Graham crackers topped the on the cream layer in the baking dish

Step 6 – Final layer of graham crackers – Keep repeating the layers two more times.

  • Step 7 – Top with more berries – Finally, on the top layer, add strawberries and blueberries all over. You can sprinkle them or make a pattern on top. Just make it your own! Let the kids help decorate and see what fun ideas they come up with.
  • Step 8 – Rest Cake – Put the cake in the fridge covered in plastic wrap. Let it set for a couple of hours. Normally, 2 to 4 hours will do the trick. You just want the layers to settle into each other for the best flavor.

Tips for Berry Icebox Cake

  • Pan Size – Make sure you have a nice 9×13 pan. If you are taking this to a potluck or cookout. The disposable pans are so handy because you can just toss it.
  • Rest Overnight – While 2-4 hours in the fridge is sufficient, I prefer to make this cake the night before. I think the extra time really allows all the flavors to come together and chill.
  • Mixing Ingredients – You can use a hand mixer. But I prefer my stand mixer to cream the sugar and cream cheese together. Mix until stiff peaks form in a large bowl.
  • Knife – To easily cut the icebox cake, we recommend using a serrated knife so the slices have clean lines.

Patriotic Dessert Variations

  • Cream Layer – You can easily change the cream layer to a instant pudding mixture. Mix vanilla pudding mix or cheesecake pudding mix as directed on the package with beaters for a delicious layer.
  • Cookies – You can layer the cake with vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers.
  • Lemon Zest – Feel free to add in lemon zest or lemon juice to the cream layer for a light and refreshing taste.
Closeup photo of slice of 4th of July icebox cake

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Red White and Blue Icebox Cake

This Fourth of July cake needs to be kept in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

Can I Make 4th of July Ice Box Cake ahead of time?

We prefer to make this dessert the night before serving. This allows for the graham crackers to softened and everything sets perfectly together. You can let cake rest for 2-4 hours or overnight.

Can I Freeze Berry Icebox Cake?

We do not recommend placing this cake in the freezer. When it thaw the texture of the crust and berries will be mushy.

slice of 4th of July icebox cake on a plate

More Easy Icebox Cakes

More 4th of July Desserts

If you make this Berry Icebox Cake Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.

4th of July Icebox Cake

5 from 15 votes
4th of July icebox cake is the perfect no bake treat with tasty layers of cream cheese, fruit and more. The red, white and blue is festive.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Refrigerate 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 540

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large bowl cream the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
  • Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and beat until mixture begins to thicken and forms soft peaks. Set aside.
  • On the bottom of a 9×13 pan, place a single layer of graham crackers.
  • Next, place one-third of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers spreading gently.
  • Top this layer with ½ cup blueberries, and one cup thin sliced strawberries. Repeat this layering process twice more.
  • For the top berry layer place the strawberries and blueberries sprinkled throughout (or however you want to decorate the top)
  • Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours before serving so that the layers can “settle” into each other.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 540kcal, Carbohydrates 49g, Protein 6g, Fat 37g, Saturated Fat 21g, Cholesterol 118mg, Sodium 329mg, Potassium 220mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 26g, Vitamin A 1324IU, Vitamin C 24mg, Calcium 101mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, Iโ€™m Carrie Barnard โ€” a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families โ€” without the stress.

5 from 15 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Janel Sonichsen says:

    5 stars
    I swear Iโ€™ve been looking for this recipe for the last 15 years! I havenโ€™t tried it yet, I just made it, but I already know it is going to be so delicious. I was looking for a beautiful Fourth of July dessert that did not require Jell-O pudding, but rather simple homemade ingredients. I can already tell I will be making this for years to come! Thank you!

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing!