Description
A refreshing and colorful Red White Blue Icebox Cake featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping, alternated with fresh strawberries and blueberries, all nestled between crispy graham crackers. This no-bake dessert is perfect for patriotic celebrations or any occasion that calls for a light, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 22-24 graham crackers, approximately
Filling
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese
- 2 (3.4 ounce / 96.4 grams each) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold 2% milk
- 2 (8 ounce / 227 grams each) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed
Fruit Toppings
- 3 cups (approximately 450 grams) sliced strawberries
- 2 cups (approximately 300 grams) blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Lay a single layer of graham crackers snugly at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the cake’s base and keep the dessert stable during slicing.
- Make the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth, about 2 minutes to avoid lumps. Slowly add the cold milk while continuing to beat until fully combined and the texture is even.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until no visible streaks remain, ensuring a light and airy filling.
- Layer the Cake: Spoon about one-third of the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer. Top with one-third of the sliced strawberries and one-third of the blueberries. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining fruit on top.
- Refrigerate to Set: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together, ideally chilling overnight for best results.
- Freeze Before Serving: Freeze the cake for 30 to 45 minutes before serving to firm up the layers and create cleaner slices, minimizing crumbling when cutting.
- Serve: Carefully slice the cake with a sharp knife. Arrange extra fresh strawberries, blueberries, or mint leaves on the serving platter for added visual appeal and a festive presentation.
Notes
- Using cold milk ensures the pudding sets properly and the texture remains smooth.
- Gently folding in the whipped topping preserves its fluffiness and prevents deflating the mixture.
- Refrigerate overnight if possible to enhance flavor melding and texture.
- Freezing slightly before slicing helps maintain clean pieces and reduces mess.
- Substitute fresh or frozen fruit depending on availability, but thaw and drain frozen fruit to avoid excess moisture.
