It is nice to have a special, cooling dessert for these hot summer months. One of my favorite childhood memories is my mom’s father taking all of us grandchildren blueberry picking and it’s pretty rare for any of us to have blueberries without thinking of grandpa and in turn, mom. When thinking of a special dessert for my mom this year I decided to make something with blueberries. This Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake is amazing! It’s perfect for a dinner party or any occasion really. While this classic icebox cake recipe is easy to make, it is still sure to impress your guests, especially on hot summer days!
This delicious icebox cake recipe was first published April 30, 2017. I have have added a printable recipe card and republished it here for my new readers to enjoy.
First, what is an icebox cake?
An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert made by layering cookies or wafers with homemade whipped cream or ice cream. The cake is then refrigerated for several hours or overnight, allowing the layers to soften and meld together into a cake-like texture and consistency. The result is a creamy, sweet dessert that requires minimal effort and no oven. Common variations include using graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or ladyfingers as the cookie layer, and flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fresh fruit can be added to the filling. Some people even like to use cool whip or vanilla pudding in pace of whipping cream.
No-Bake Blueberry Lemon Ice Box Cake Recipe:
Icebox cakes have a nostalgic appeal, as they were popularized in the early to mid-20th century when refrigeration became more common in households. For many, they evoke memories of family gatherings and simpler times. With just 7 simple ingredients, you can whip up this tasty no-bake cake treat.
Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake Ingredients:
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Vanilla Cookies (I used gluten free for my family)
- Blueberry Pie Filling (1 can or make your own.)
- 1 pint Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 3/4- 1 cup of Powdered Sugar
You’ll also need a loaf pan and plastic wrap, and if you’d like, fresh lemon and blueberries for garnish.
How To Make Icebox Cake With Step By Step Instructions And Photos:
Begin by lining your loaf pan with plastic wrap. This will keep the cake from sticking to the pan. Try to smooth the plastic wrap out as much as possible.
Make Icebox Cake Layers
Next place a layer of vanilla cookies into the bottom of your pan. The wafer cookies do not need to completely cover the bottom as the ice cream will fill in the gaps.
In a medium bowl stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into your vanilla ice cream. This will add flavor to your ice cream and will help soften it. The amount of ice cream you use will vary depending on your loaf pan size.
Spread a layer of ice cream over your cookies.
Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 pint of heavy whipping cream. Mix together until creamy.
Add in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3/4 – 1 cup of powdered sugar and continue mixing until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. It should be similar to a cream cheese frosting but not quite as thick.
Spread a layer of this over the ice cream in your loaf pan.
Add a layer of blueberry pie filling.
Be sure to smooth each layer out as you add them to the pan.
Add another layer of cookies and continue repeating the layers until your pan is full.
Freeze
Carefully wrap your plastic wrap over your filled loaf pan and place in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
Make sure that your freezer is very cold and that your icebox cake has had an opportunity to freeze solid. You do not want it to be mushy at all.
Slice & Serve
Once it is frozen solid, unwrap the top and turn it upside down onto a cutting board or other surface. I placed a sheet of parchment paper on my cutting board before turning it out.
Carefully remove the pan and plastic wrap. You may need to run outside of the pan under warm water quickly before turning it upside down to help with release.
Use a very sharp knife to cute this old-fashioned icebox cake into slices.
Serve immediately or place sliced blueberry lemon icebox cake back into freezer and serve to guests when you’re ready! Garnish with fresh lemon and blueberries! Mint also makes a great garish if you have some on hand.
Printable Icebox Cake Recipe Card:
Blueberry Lemon Ice Box Cake
Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream (about a quart)
- Vanilla Cookies (about 2 cups)
- 1 can Blueberry Pie Filling
- 1 pint Whipping Cream
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap.
- Place a layer of vanilla cookies into the bottom of your pan. The cookies do not need to completely cover the bottom as the ice cream will fill in the gaps.
- In a medium bowl stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into your vanilla ice cream. This will add flavor to your ice cream and will help soften it. The amount of ice cream you use will vary depending on your loaf pan size.
- Spread a layer of the softened ice cream over your cookies.
- Using a stand mixer, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 pint of whipping cream. Mix together until creamy. Add in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3/4 - 1 cup of powdered sugar and continue mixing until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. It should be similar to a cream cheese frosting but not quite as thick.
- Spread a layer of this over the ice cream in your loaf pan.
- Add a layer of blueberry pie filling.
- Be sure to smooth each layer out as you add them to the pan.
- Add another layer of cookies and continue repeating the layers until your pan is full.
- Carefully wrap your plastic wrap over your filled loaf pan and place in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
- Make sure that your freezer is very cold and that your icebox cake has had an opportunity to freeze solid. You do not want it to be mushy at all.
- Once it is frozen solid, unwrap the top and turn it upside down onto a cutting board or other surface. I placed a sheet of parchment paper on my cutting board before turning it out.
- Carefully remove the pan and plastic wrap. You may need to run the outside of the pan under warm water quickly before turning it upside down to help with release.
- Use a very sharp knife to cut the cake into slices.
- Serve immediately or place sliced blueberry lemon icebox cake back into freezer and serve to guests when you're ready!
- If you desire, garnish with fresh lemon, blueberries, and/or mint.
Nutrition Facts
Blueberry Lemon Ice Box Cake
Serves: 10
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 slice
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 550.34 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 28.46 g | 43.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 17.21 g | 85% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 101.24 mg | 33.7% | |
| Sodium 149.76 mg | 6.2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 46.03 g | 15.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1.36 g | 4% | |
| Sugars 41.76 g | ||
| Protein 4.42 g | ||
| Vitamin A 31.01 % | Vitamin C 2.28 % | |
| Calcium 13.78 % | Iron 2.82 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Icebox cakes are popular for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: They require no baking and minimal effort, making them accessible to even novice cooks. Simply layer the ingredients and refrigerate—no need for special techniques or equipment.
- Versatility: Icebox cakes can be customized with various flavors, cookies, and fillings. This flexibility allows for endless variations to suit different tastes and occasions.
- Refreshing and Light: The chilled, creamy texture of an icebox cake is refreshing, especially in warmer weather. The dessert feels light and airy, making it a perfect treat for hot days.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Icebox cakes can be made in advance, which is ideal for entertaining. They need time to set in the refrigerator, so you can prepare them the day before and have a ready-to-serve dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of cookies and cream is universally loved, making icebox cakes a hit with people of all ages.
This is such an easy no bake dessert recipe and it is perfect for special occasions. Do you think you will give this Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe a try? Let me know how you like it and tag @familyfocusblog if you share photos! Enjoy this delicious dessert.
Related Posts:
Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe
Lisa says
I love icebox cake recipes. They are so easy and delicious. This fruity icebox cake was just what I wanted. Thanks!
Cutting Edger says
Amazing recipe! I like how you used fresh berries to garnish the plates. I tied it out and the creamy filling was delicious!
Nanajee Travels says
When I was looking for a special dessert to make for my mom this year, I knew I wanted something that featured blueberries. That’s when I came across this Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake, and let me tell you, it’s incredible! This dessert is perfect not just for a dinner party, but for any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s a classic icebox cake—easy to make, yet it has that wow factor. The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon is refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. I appreciate this blog for introducing me to such a delightful recipe, and I know it’s going to be a hit with anyone who tries it!