An easy, chilled cake made with whipped topping, berries, and graham crackers.
Summertime means cookouts, pool days, and ice cream cake! This Easy Berry Icebox Cake is the perfect dessert for summer nights when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make – no oven required! Simply layer whipped cream and berries in a jar or container and put in the fridge to set. Your family will love this delicious and refreshing no-bake dessert!
We love this cake because it is seriously simple and as an added bonus it is lower in calories than many other desserts per slice. It is always a hit at summer cookouts and is typically kept in the fridge or a cooler with ice until enjoyed.
What is an Icebox Cake?
Do you know why an icebox cake is called an icebox cake? Me either, until I did some research. Turns out, the name comes from the days before refrigerators, when people would store their cakes in an icebox. Back then, an icebox was a common household appliance that people used to keep food cold. Cakes stored in the icebox would stay fresh for longer than those that weren’t. And voila, the Icebox Cake was born!
Berry Icebox Cake Ingredients
When it comes to this chilled dessert, you can use any berries you prefer and even heavy whipping cream if it fits your budget. At the time of this post, cream didn’t fit ours! It would have cost me $17 for just the heavy whipping cream as opposed to the $3 whipped topping. The berries were all on sale thanks to Memorial Day sales, otherwise I would have most likely just used strawberries. Graham crackers are typically priced right and you just need 14 which is about 1 1/2 sleeves!
How to Make Icebox Cake
Line the bottom of a 9 x 9 cake pan with graham crackers.
Spread a thin layer of whipped topping (about 3/4 of the tub) over the graham crackers.
Add an even amount of berries to the whipped topping.
Add another layer of graham crackers, and whipped topping; add another layer of berries.
Repeat the above steps with the last layer. You may choose to make a design if you please. Add optional sprinkles.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. You can reduce this by half by using the freezer to set it quicker.
Icebox Cake Variations
There are many ways to make an icebox cake, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to try:
- Use different flavors of dry pudding folded into the whipped topping . Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and pistachio all work well.
- Mix and match different kinds of cookies. graham crackers, Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, etc.
- Get fancy with your toppings! Try crushed candy canes, nuts, chocolate shavings, or even marshmallows.
- Use real whipped cream made with heavy whipping cream. This will however cost a ton with the grocery prices these days!
- Use a mix of berries or just one type that are on sale!
Have fun experimenting until you find your perfect icebox cake recipe!
Storage
Stored in the refrigerator, covered, an icebox cake will last for 2-3 days for best taste and flavor.
More Fun Summer Desserts
Easy Berry Icebox Cake
Equipment
- cutting board & knife
- 9 x 9 cake pan
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 14 whole Graham Crackers (1 ½ packs)
- 16 ounces whipped topping
- 16 ounces strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- ¾ cup red raspberries optional
- patriotic sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 9 x 9 cake pan with graham crackers.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped topping (about 3/4 of the tub) over the graham crackers.
- Add an even amount of berries to the whipped topping.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, and whipped topping; add another layer of berries.
- Repeat the above steps with the last layer. You may choose to make a design if you please. Add optional sprinkles.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. To speed up the process, consider freezing the cake.
- If cake is frozen, thaw for 5 minutes before serving-enjoy!
Kris says
Pinned to make with my kids this July. Can’t wait! :)
Angela says
What a delicious and beautiful cake! This is so perfect for Memorial Day. Thanks for the easy and tasty recipe!
Anjali says
This cake is gorgeous and looks perfect for the 4th of July! Can’t wait to try it soon!
kushigalu says
WOW! I am totally in love with this icebox cake. Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Kate says
What a wonderful cake! I already did a test-bake and everyone was asking for second helpings! I can’t wait to make it again.