Old Fashioned Summer Berry Icebox Cake

As the warm weather approaches, I’m craving all the refreshing desserts! This Summer Berry Icebox Cake hits all the right notes – it’s a cool and creamy treat that requires no baking. With layers of graham crackers, creamy filling, and fresh berries, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dessert.

This delicious dessert is a twist on the classic icebox cake recipe. It has a light and fluffy texture and the fresh berries add a burst of flavor and color to the dessert. And let’s not forget the graham crackers – they soften up for a delicious cake-like layer.

I love old fashioned no-bake desserts, like this Eclair Cake. They’re super easy to prepare and require simple ingredients that I usually have in my pantry or can easily purchase at the grocery store.

Most of the no bake cake recipes are versatile so you can change ingredients based on what you have on hand or to your tastes. You can use different types of fruit or cookies or even add in other ingredients like chocolate chips. And you don’t even need to turn on your oven, making them perfect for hot summer days.

Summer Berry Icebox Cake Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream – make sure it’s well chilled
• Powdered sugar – also known as confectioner’s sugar
• Vanilla – use the real stuff (it tastes so much better)
• Graham crackers – name brand or store brand works here
• Mixed berries – I used fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in this recipe

How to Make Old Fashioned Icebox Cake

Place the mixing bowl and mixer beaters in the freezer for about 30 minutes before starting.

Clean the fresh fruit and slice the strawberries while the bowl is chilling. Place berries in a medium mixing bowl and gently stir to combine.

Make the whipped cream – place the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and use an electric hand mixer to beat until stiff peaks form. Divide the whipped cream into four equal portions.

Spread a small amount of whipped cream on the bottom of the 9×13 pan and top with a layer of graham crackers.

Spread 1/4 of the whipped cream mixture on top of the graham crackers, followed by a layer of berries then a small amount of cream to level off the berries.

Top with another layer of graham crackers, gently pressing them into the cream. Repeat layers until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top. 

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. 

Variations of the Icebox Cake Recipe 

One of the reasons I love this recipe is because there is no right or wrong when it comes to making a layered icebox dessert. While I used an assortment of fresh berries and whipped cream today, you can get creative and use different ingredients to give a similar but unique result. 

Different cookies you can use:  

• Sugar cookie dough – baked and crumbled between layers
• Shortbread cookies 
• Vanilla wafers
• Crushed Oreo cookies
• Snickerdoodle cookies crumbled between layers
• Animal crackers
• Ginger snaps

Topping variations: 

• Other fruits like sliced pears, kiwi, bananas, peaches, or oranges
• Use your favorite pie filling in place of the berries
• Add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even mint chocolate chips into the whipped topping layer
• Mix cinnamon or honey into the whipped cream
• Add layers of cookie butter, caramel or Nutella on the graham cracker layer before adding the whipped cream mixture
• Sprinkle the top with coconut shreds (toast them to add texture)
• Add sprinkles or candy bits to the whipped cream mixture or to garnish the top
• For a patriotic version for the 4th of July or Memorial Day, you can arrange red and blue berries on top to mimic the stars and stripes on the flag.

Frequently asked questions about this recipe

Doesn’t icebox cake with graham crackers usually include pudding?

You may be thinking of a trifle recipe or a simple eclair style refrigerated dessert. But, I have added in vanilla pudding to the mixture and had wonderful results. As I mentioned above, there are numerous versions of this recipe floating around. It’s easy to make it your own by adding special ingredients, using homemade or purchased ingredients, or even throwing in something unique in the layers.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream? 

I love the richness of a good homemade whipped cream, and since it’s easy to make, I prefer using it in this recipe. That said, you can definitely use Cool Whip if you prefer or are limited on time. You’ll swap out for an equal amount if you choose to make this substitution. 

Can I use different types of berries?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite fruits or a combination of berries.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this easy dessert recipe can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to serve.

How long is icebox cake good for?

These no bake cakes get a little soggy as the whipped cream and fruits start to break down. Although it will keep for up to 3 days when refrigerator covered properly, I think it tastes best the first couple of days.

How should I store leftover no bake cake?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

This no bake summer berry icebox cake is not only easy and refreshing but also incredibly tasty. The creamy filling, fresh berries, and graham crackers make for the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Plus, with no baking required, it’s a great dessert option for hot summer days. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!