Creamy Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake Recipe

Zesty No Bake Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake Recipe for Summer

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing icebox lemon raspberry cake that melts in your mouth and cools you down instantly.

Tangy lemons dance with sweet raspberries in this no-bake dessert that requires zero oven time.

Layers of creamy goodness stack up effortlessly, creating a dreamy treat perfect for lazy afternoons.

Graham crackers provide a delightful crunch between smooth, zesty filling that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite delivers a burst of citrusy brightness balanced by luscious raspberry undertones.

Light, elegant, and surprisingly simple, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Whip up this delectable treat and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s Inside No Bake Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake

For Creamy Base:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Icing Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Whip these together to create a luxurious, cloud-like filling that provides structure and dreamy sweetness to the dessert, ensuring a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Curd: Adds vibrant citrusy tang and bright zesty notes, bringing a refreshing punch that cuts through the richness of the cream and provides a sunny, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
For Texture and Freshness:
  • Fresh Raspberries: Burst with juicy, ruby-red sweetness and provide natural tartness, creating delightful pockets of fruity freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy layers.
  • Graham Crackers: Serve as the sturdy, crisp foundation that softens delicately when absorbing moisture, creating tender layers that hold the dessert together with a classic, comforting graham cracker base.

Utensils to Assemble the Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whipping cream and combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Hand Mixer: Perfect for creating soft and stiff whipped cream peaks.
  • 8×8: Ideal for layering and assembling the icebox cake.
  • Rubber Spatula: Great for gently folding lemon curd and creating even layers.
  • Plastic Wrap: Necessary for sealing and refrigerating the dessert.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

Directions for Layering Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake

  • Creamy Foundation Preparation

Whip fresh cream until soft clouds form, capturing air and lightness with gentle mixer movements.

  • Sweet Flavor Boost

Blend sugar and vanilla essence into whipped cream, transforming mixture into silky peaks that stand proudly.

  • Citrus Swirl Integration

Gently fold lemon curd through cream, creating delicate golden ribbons that dance throughout the mixture.

  • Base Layer Construction

Carefully arrange graham cracker foundation across pan, creating solid ground for delectable dessert.

  • First Delicate Layer

Spread half of creamy mixture over crackers, generously scattering fresh raspberries across surface.

  • Crowning Touch

Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients, pressing softly to ensure compact, beautiful structure.

  • Chilling Transformation

Cover dessert completely, allowing refrigerator’s cool embrace to soften crackers and marry flavors overnight.

  • Serving Magic

Remove from refrigerator, slice into dreamy portions revealing stunning layers of summer’s sweet symphony.

Ideas for Enhancing Icebox Cake Flavor

  • Add extra lemon zest directly into the whipped cream for a brighter, more intense citrus punch that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Experiment with mixed berries like strawberries or blueberries to create stunning color variations and complementary fruity flavors.
  • Swap graham crackers with gingersnaps or shortbread cookies for a unique texture and unexpected flavor profile that surprises guests.
  • Before serving, drizzle melted white chocolate or a quick raspberry sauce over the top to elevate the dessert's visual appeal and add extra richness.
  • This dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and allowing flavors to develop even more intensely.

Plating and Serving This No Bake Raspberry Dessert

  • Sunny Summer Picnic Companion: Pack this cool dessert in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for beach days or backyard celebrations where refreshing treats are welcome.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Slice the icebox cake into clean, precise squares and garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional whole raspberries to elevate the visual appeal and add a gourmet touch.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Serve chilled portions alongside a light mimosa or fresh coffee during weekend brunches, creating a delightful sweet complement to savory breakfast dishes that will impress guests with minimal effort.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert one day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and textures to soften, making it an excellent stress-free option for entertaining or family gatherings where preparation time is limited.

Keeping Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake Fresh

  • Fresh Refrigerator Storage: Seal your no-bake icebox cake in an airtight container, keeping it cool and covered in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture. Consume within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and delightful flavor preservation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Craft this delectable dessert one full day before your special event or gathering. Advance preparation allows ingredients to blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall taste profile and saving you precious time during party preparations.
  • Smart Portioning: Cut individual servings before storing to simplify serving and maintain the cake's structural integrity. Use a sharp knife cleaned between slices for clean, precise portions that look as stunning as they taste.
  • Freezing Possibility: Wrap the entire dessert or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for safe freezer storage. Enjoy frozen treats up to 2 months later by thawing slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving, ensuring perfect consistency and flavor retention.
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Creamy Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake Recipe

Creamy Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake


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  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Cool summer desserts shine with this no bake lemon raspberry icebox cake, blending creamy layers and tangy fruit. Graham crackers and luscious cream create elegant slices perfect for gatherings. Chill and enjoy the refreshing results.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (35% fat)
  • ⅓ cup powdered icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 cups fresh raspberries
  • 9 to 10 large graham crackers
  • 1 cup lemon curd

Instructions

  1. Whip Cream Preparation: Using an electric mixer, transform heavy cream into a billowy, cloud-like texture with soft peaks, then gradually blend granulated sugar and vanilla extract until firm, glossy peaks emerge.
  2. Lemon Cream Infusion: Gently fold lemon curd into the whipped cream, creating elegant marbled streaks that promise tantalizing flavor complexity.
  3. Base Layer Construction: Meticulously line an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with graham crackers, ensuring complete and uniform base coverage.
  4. First Cream and Fruit Layer: Spread half the lemon-infused whipped cream evenly across the graham cracker foundation, then generously distribute fresh raspberries in a vibrant, uniform pattern.
  5. Secondary Layer Assembly: Add another graham cracker layer, carefully spread remaining whipped cream mixture, and artfully arrange the remaining raspberries across the surface.
  6. Compaction and Chilling: Gently press layers to eliminate air pockets, cover securely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to harmonize and crackers to soften delicately.
  7. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect texture and temperature for an irresistible dessert experience.

Notes

  • Chill Cream Tools: Refrigerate mixing bowl and whisk before whipping for maximum volume and stability.
  • Layer Carefully: Press graham crackers gently to create smooth, even layers without breaking them.
  • Prevent Soggy Base: Use raspberries at room temperature to minimize excess moisture during refrigeration.
  • Serving Pro Tip: Let cake rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, picture-perfect cuts and optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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