Memorial Day Icebox Cake (Printable)

Layered whipped cream, graham crackers and strawberries chilled until set for a cool, patriotic summer dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy & Cream

01 - 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
02 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Cookies & Base

04 - 1 (14-ounce) box graham crackers

→ Fruit

05 - 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

→ Optional Garnish

06 - 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
07 - Fresh mint leaves for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help the cream whip to stiff peaks more efficiently.
02 - In the chilled bowl, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla; beat at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, taking care not to overbeat.
03 - Spread a thin, even layer of whipped cream over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent the crackers from sliding.
04 - Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the whipped cream, breaking pieces as necessary to cover the surface without large gaps.
05 - Spread one-third of the remaining whipped cream over the crackers, then distribute one-third of the sliced strawberries in an even layer.
06 - Repeat the sequence (graham crackers, whipped cream, strawberries) two more times, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream and neatly arranged strawberries on top.
07 - Scatter blueberries and tuck mint leaves across the surface for a festive presentation, then cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
08 - Using a sharp knife, slice chilled portions with a single clean stroke for tidy layers and serve immediately while cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This cake lets you stay out of the heat and delivers applause-worthy results with barely any effort.
  • The creamy layers soak and soften just enough to turn a simple assembly into pure, spoonable bliss.
02 -
  • If you rush the chilling, the layers stay crunchy and messy—patience creates that dreamily soft, cake-like texture.
  • I once forgot the vanilla, and the whole dessert fell oddly flat without its warmth—it’s a tiny touch you don’t want to skip.
03 -
  • The colder your cream and utensils, the fluffier and more stable your whipped topping will be.
  • A quick taste of the cream before layering ensures the perfect level of sweetness every time.
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