You’ll love my graham cracker icebox cake! It is effortlessly delicious and incredibly refreshing, with the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and the fresh flavors of strawberries and blueberries. Made with graham crackers, fluffy whipped cream, fresh fruit, and a splash of vanilla, this dessert comes together in minutes! Simply layer the ingredients, chill in the fridge, and serve for a perfect fresh berry treat.

Why You Will Love This Icebox Cake

There is no baking required! Just assemble the icebox cake and chill it in the fridge.
It is layered with graham crackers, fresh fruit, and whipped cream.
The sweet and juicy fresh fruit pairs wonderfully with the fluffy whipped topping.
It is a light, airy, and delicious dessert!
This icebox cake is easy to make and comes together quickly in about 10 minutes. Also, no hand mixer or stand mixer is required.
All you need is five simple ingredients.
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan using Coco Whip and can be made gluten-free.

What Is A Graham Cracker Icebox Cake?

There is no coincidence that the icebox cake has been around since the 1920s! Also commonly referred to as whipped cream cake, fridge cake, or refrigerator cake, this classic dessert remains a beloved favorite for its simplicity and taste! A graham cracker icebox cake is a classic no-bake dessert made with layers of graham crackers, fresh fruit, and whipped cream. The graham crackers provide structure and layers. Once assembled, the icebox cake is chilled in the refrigerator, which allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the filling, which creates a cake-like texture.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for graham cracker icebox cake

Whipped Cream: Use your whipped cream of choice or a non-dairy whipped cream. Some great options are Coco Whip, TruWhip, fat-free Cool Whip, or your favorite.
Vanilla: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for another layer of flavor.
Graham Crackers: Use six full graham crackers, which is twelve individual graham cracker squares.
Strawberries: Hull and slice the fresh strawberries. Use one pound of strawberries.
Blueberries: Wash and dry the fresh blueberries. Use half a pint of blueberries.

How To Make Graham Cracker Icebox Cake

Step 1: Wash and dry the fresh strawberries and blueberries. Hull the strawberries and then slice them lengthwise.

Hulled and sliced strawberries on cutting board

Step 2: Break each graham cracker in half so you have twelve individual graham cracker squares.

Step 3: Add the vanilla extract to the whipped cream of choice. Then, thoroughly mix.

Step 4: Assemble this icebox cake in a 9-inch loaf pan. Add three graham cracker squares to the bottom of the loaf pan.

Add some whipped cream to the bottom of each graham cracker to help keep them in place.

Step 5: For the next layer, add whipped cream. Spread the whipped cream over the graham crackers.

Step 6: Next, add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream.

Step 7: Repeat another layer of graham crackers and whipped cream.

Then, add the fresh blueberries.

Step 8: Continue layering graham crackers, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries for the final layer.

Step 9: Once assembled, place the lid on the loaf pan or cover it with foil and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the icebox cake for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

After chilling this icebox cake, when ready to serve, cut it in the loaf pan and serve it on a plate. As an option, top with more fresh berries, chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Keep leftovers stored in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Let It Chill: Make sure to let this icebox cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the flavors.
Use Ripe Fruit: Use ripe fresh fruit for the best flavor.
Evenly Slice: Thinly and evenly slice the fresh strawberries for layering.
Add Whipped Cream To The Bottom: Add some whipped cream to the bottom of the graham cracker squares before placing them in the loaf pan so they don’t move around when you add a layer of whipped cream.

Storage Instructions

Store this icebox cake in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed the day you make it after it has been chilled for a few hours.

Icebox Cake Variations

Make It Gluten-Free: To make this icebox cake gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers.
Swap The Fruit: We made this icebox cake with fresh strawberries and blueberries. You can swap them for raspberries, blackberries, sliced peaches, banana slices, or your favorite fruit.
Add-Ins: You can top with or add a layer of unsweetened coconut flakes or chopped nuts for crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Flavor: To add chocolate flavor to this icebox cake, use chocolate graham crackers or add layers of chocolate pudding in addition to the whipped cream.
Add Pudding: If you want, you can add a few layers of vanilla pudding in addition to the whipped cream for even more indulgence. Use vanilla instant pudding mix and your milk of choice. To keep this recipe vegan and dairy-free use non-dairy milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Icebox Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make this graham cracker icebox cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It is best to make it a few hours ahead of time since it needs to be refrigerated before serving. However, we recommend enjoying it fresh the day you make it.

Why Do They Call It An Icebox Cake?

It is called an icebox cake because, in the 1920s, ice boxes were used before the modern refrigerator. The cake is layered and then chilled in an icebox, or refrigerator, before serving, not baked. This caused the dessert to be known as an icebox cake.

Do You Freeze Or Refrigerate An Icebox Cake?

You should refrigerate an icebox cake rather than freeze it. Refrigerating allows the layers of graham crackers and whipped cream to set and meld together, which creates a creamy and delicious dessert.

How Long Do I Have To Chill This Icebox Cake?

Chill this assembled icebox cake for two to four hours. It allows the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like consistency.

Is This Icebox Cake Vegan?

To ensure this icebox cake is vegan and dairy-free use a vegan whipped cream, such as Coco Whip. Also, use vegan graham crackers. Not all graham crackers are vegan as some contain honey.

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