I discovered this no bake berry icebox cake during one of those sweltering New Orleans summers when turning on my oven felt like pure punishment. My kids were begging for something sweet and cool, and I had a basket of gorgeous strawberries calling my name. Trust me, this layered beauty saved the day – it’s creamy, refreshing, and gets even better sitting in the fridge overnight!
Ultimate 5-Layer No Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake
Refreshing layered dessert with cream cheese pudding, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and graham crackers that soften into cake-like layers.
Ingredients
- 19 oz graham crackers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages vanilla instant pudding
- 2-1/2 cups cold milk
- 12 oz Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 oz white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat softened cream cheese and dry pudding mixes together until blended.
- Gradually add cold milk and mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip, saving ½ cup for later.
- Spread thin layer of reserved Cool Whip in bottom of 9x13 pan.
- Layer 5 graham crackers across center, add 2 more around edges, breaking to fit.
- Spread pudding mixture over crackers, add generous layer of berries.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, more pudding, and berries.
- Repeat layering process one more time for three total layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, melt white chocolate and drizzle over top.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Make ahead: Tastes even better after overnight chilling.
- Try frozen berries if fresh aren't available - just thaw and drain first.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 330mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 3gSugar: 28gProtein: 7g
Nutrition info is an estimate based on typical ingredients and portions - I calculate these to give you a helpful starting point! For specific dietary needs or accurate counts, I recommend double-checking with your favorite nutrition app or talking to a health professional. You can read more about my approach to nutrition info at notetherecipe.com/disclaimer
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this refreshing summer treat:
- 19 oz graham crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2-1/2 cups cold milk
- 12 oz Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 oz white chocolate chips
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
Detailed Cooking Instructions
Time needed: 20 minutes
Easy no-bake layered dessert with cream cheese pudding and fresh summer berries.
- Make pudding mixture
Beat softened cream cheese and dry pudding mixes together with electric mixer until well blended and smooth.
- Add milk and whipped topping
Gradually add cold milk and mix until smooth, then gently fold in Cool Whip, saving ½ cup for the pan.
- Prepare pan and first layer
Spread thin layer of reserved Cool Whip in 9×13 pan, then arrange graham crackers to cover bottom completely.
- Add pudding and berries
Spread pudding mixture over crackers, then add generous layer of sliced strawberries and blueberries.
- Create remaining layers
Repeat layering with graham crackers, pudding mixture, and berries two more times for three total layers.
- Chill and serve
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, then drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- I’ve learned the hard way – let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. It makes mixing so much easier!
- Don’t skip that overnight chill time. I know it’s tempting, but those graham crackers need those hours to work their magic.
- Here’s my favorite trick: use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for that white chocolate drizzle. No fancy tools needed!
- Frozen berries work too if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels first.
- Make this up to two days ahead – it honestly tastes even better after sitting. My kids actually prefer it the next day!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I actually prefer making this the day before. The graham crackers have more time to soften and all the flavors blend together beautifully.
You can absolutely use homemade whipped cream! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold those layers. I’ve also used whipped cream cheese in a pinch.
This cake stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. I cover mine tightly with plastic wrap – learned that lesson when it dried out on me once!
Absolutely! I’ve tried raspberries, blackberries, even sliced peaches. Just use about 4-5 cups of fruit total – that’s the sweet spot I’ve found.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Make it chocolate by using chocolate graham crackers and chocolate pudding mix for a richer dessert.
- Try a tropical version with coconut pudding, pineapple chunks, and mango slices instead of berries.
- For a lighter option, use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping to reduce calories.
- Add a layer of crushed pecans or toasted coconut between the pudding and berries for extra crunch.
- Make individual portions in mason jars for a fun presentation at summer parties.
Dietary Notes
| Diet | Friendly? | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | No | Use gluten-free graham crackers |
| Dairy-Free | No | Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping |
| Vegan | No | Use vegan cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and coconut whipped cream |
| Keto | No | Replace graham crackers with almond flour cookies, use sugar-free pudding |
| Nut-Free | Yes | Already nut-free as written |
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Keeps 3-4 days covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months, though texture may be slightly different when thawed.
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
- Serving: Serve straight from the fridge – no reheating needed for this refreshing dessert.
- Make ahead tip: This tastes even better after sitting overnight, so plan accordingly for parties.
Save This Recipe for Later
This no bake berry icebox cake is perfect for your summer dessert collection. Save it to your Pinterest board or share it with friends who need an easy crowd-pleaser!