Raspberry Icebox Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you’re craving something sweet and fruity. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and features layers of raspberry-flavored jello, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh raspberries, all topped with whipped cream. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Raspberry Icebox Cake, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 (6 oz) box raspberry jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 (8 oz) tubs frozen whipped toppings, divided
- 2 cups fresh raspberries, divided
- Whipped cream and fresh raspberries for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Jello
- Dissolve Jello:
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the raspberry jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water:
- Add 1 cup of cold water to the jello mixture and stir well.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the jello for about 1 hour, or until it begins to thicken but is not fully set.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Mix Cream Cheese and Milk:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and whole milk together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Pudding Mix:
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping:
- Gently fold in one tub (8 oz) of frozen whipped topping until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Icebox Cake
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of fresh raspberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Pour the thickened raspberry jello over the raspberries.
- Add Remaining Layers:
- Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the jello layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of fresh raspberries over the top.
- Top with Whipped Topping:
- Spread the second tub (8 oz) of frozen whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the assembled icebox cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and additional fresh raspberries if desired.
- Slice and enjoy the refreshing Raspberry Icebox Cake.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Jello: Allow the jello to thicken slightly before layering it with the other ingredients to prevent it from soaking into the other layers.
Variations:
- Berry Mix:
- Use a mix of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a more colorful and varied flavor.
- Chocolate Raspberry:
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a chocolatey twist.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Ensure all ingredients used are gluten-free, including the instant pudding mix and whipped toppings.
- Lemon Raspberry:
- Use lemon jello and lemon pudding mix for a tangy variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream in place of the frozen whipped topping. Beat 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover icebox cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert can be made a day ahead. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight helps the flavors meld together even better.
4. What can I serve with Raspberry Icebox Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Can I use different flavors of jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of jello to suit your taste preferences.
Raspberry Icebox Cake is a refreshing and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of raspberry jello, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh raspberries, this no-bake cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, this recipe is simple to follow and full of delightful flavors. Give this Raspberry Icebox Cake a try and enjoy a delicious and cooling treat. Happy baking!
