Description

Craving a show-stopping dessert for your Fourth of July celebration that doesn’t require heating up the kitchen? Meet the No-Bake 4th of July Icebox Cake! This layered delight combines graham crackers, creamy white chocolate or cheesecake pudding, whipped topping, and vibrant red, white, and blue colors, topped with patriotic sprinkles for extra flair.

Ingredients

The No-Bake 4th of July Icebox Cake comes together with a handful of ingredients that create a creamy, crunchy, and colorful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:

Graham Crackers (2 boxes):
- Form the sturdy, crunchy layers that soften slightly in the freezer, mimicking a cake texture.
- Substitution: Vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits, though graham crackers are classic for icebox cakes.
Cool Whip (2 8-oz. tubes):
- Adds a light, fluffy texture to the filling, making it creamy and easy to spread.
- Substitution: Homemade whipped cream (whip 2 cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar) or dairy-free whipped topping.
White Chocolate or Cheesecake Instant Pudding (2 boxes, prepared):
- Provides a rich, creamy base for the filling with a subtle sweetness that keeps the white layer vibrant.
- Substitution: Vanilla pudding or homemade custard, but instant pudding is quickest.
Red Food Coloring:
- Creates the bold red layer for the patriotic theme.
- Substitution: Gel food coloring for more vibrant color with less liquid.
Blue Food Coloring:
- Colors the frosting for the top blue layer, completing the red, white, and blue look.
- Substitution: Blue gel food coloring for a deeper hue.
White Frosting (2 containers):
- Forms the smooth, blue top layer that sets the cake apart with a glossy finish.
- Substitution: Cream cheese frosting or buttercream, but store-bought white frosting is easiest to color and melt.
Patriotic Sprinkles (optional):
- Add a festive, sparkly touch with red, white, and blue flair.
- Substitution: White non-pareils, star sprinkles, or edible glitter for a different sparkle.

Tip: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant layers with less liquid, and ensure the pudding is fully set before mixing with Cool Whip.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Filling

Prepare the 2 boxes of white chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding according to package directions, using cold milk (typically 4 cups total for 2 boxes).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared pudding with two 8-oz. tubes of Cool Whip. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Divide the mixture evenly between two separate bowls.
Add red food coloring to one bowl, stirring until you achieve your desired red shade. Add more coloring gradually if needed.
- Tip: Start with a few drops of food coloring, as the color deepens as it sits. Gel coloring gives a bolder hue.

Step 2: Layer the Cake

In a 13×9-inch casserole dish (at least 3 quarts), lay an even layer of graham crackers across the bottom. It’s okay if they break; just fit them snugly.
Pour half of the red pudding mixture over the graham crackers and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the red filling.
Pour half of the white (uncolored) pudding mixture over the graham crackers and smooth evenly.
Repeat the process: add another layer of graham crackers, the remaining red pudding mixture, another layer of graham crackers, and the remaining white pudding mixture.
Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
- Tip: Press graham crackers gently to ensure they adhere to the filling, but don’t crush them.

Step 3: Prepare the Blue Frosting

Add about 5 drops of blue food coloring to each of the two containers of white frosting and stir until evenly colored.
Microwave both tubs of frosting for 1 minute, stirring halfway, until pourable but not too runny.
- Tip: If the frosting is too thin after microwaving, let it cool slightly before pouring to avoid soaking the graham crackers.

Step 4: Top and Decorate

Pour 1½ tubs of the blue frosting over the final layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth finish. Discard the remaining half tub or save for another use.
Sprinkle patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles generously over the blue frosting for a festive touch.
- Tip: Add sprinkles immediately after pouring the frosting to ensure they stick.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results, to set the layers.
Remove from the freezer 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier slicing.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
- Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (wipe dry) for clean slices that show off the colorful layers.