Ever had a dessert so easy it basically makes itself — but still makes your guests think you studied at a French patisserie?
That’s the magic of the Cherry Pistachio Icebox Cake. It’s cool, creamy, nutty, fruity, and nostalgic in all the right ways. And the best part? No oven. Zero sweat.
Just layers of fluffy pistachio pudding, juicy maraschino cherries, whipped topping, and graham crackers get cozy in your fridge.
It’s the kind of dessert that gets devoured in ten minutes but lives in family legend forever. So whether you’re hosting a BBQ, going to a potluck, or just craving something that screams “it’s too hot to bake”, this is your summer dessert superhero.
🌟 Why This Icebox Cake Rules the Summer
Let’s be real: summer is not the time for soufflés or 3-tiered cakes. It’s the time for recipes that make your life easier, not hotter
.Here’s why the cherry pistachio icebox cake is that girl:No-Bake Magic – Your oven can go on vacation.
Only 6 Ingredients – Most of them are already in your pantry. Make-Ahead Friendly – It gets better the longer it chills. Retro Cool – If your grandma made it in the ‘80s, it’s back in style.
Crowd-Pleaser – Even your picky cousin who “doesn’t like pudding” will sneak seconds.
This Cherry Pistachio Icebox Cake Is the No-Bake Legend of Summer (Your Fridge Will Thank You)
Course: 30-Minute Meals4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalHere’s the beauty — you don’t need anything fancy. We’re embracing store-bought shortcuts and turning them into creamy gold
Ingredients
:2 packages (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix3 cups cold milk
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
1 sleeve graham crackers (or more, depending on pan size)
½ cup chopped pistachios (plus extra for topping)
Directions
- 🥄 Step 1: Whip Up the Pistachio PuddingIn a large bowl, mix the two packets of instant pistachio pudding with the cold milk. Whisk until thickened — about 2 minutes. It should be smooth, pale green, and already smelling like sweet heaven.
🥄 Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined. Try not to overmix — we want it light and fluffy.
🥄 Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff
In a 9×13 inch dish, add a single layer of graham crackers. Break them as needed to fit.Spread a third of the pudding mixture over the crackers.
Sprinkle chopped cherries and pistachios over the top. Repeat the layers — crackers, pudding, cherries, nuts — until you run out of pudding (usually three layers)
.🥄 Step 4: Top and Chill
Finish with a final layer of pudding and a sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios and whole cherries for flair.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours or (ideally) overnight.
Notes
- 🍒 Pro Tip:
- The longer it chills, the softer the graham crackers become. They transform into cake-like layers. It’s kitchen sorcery.—
- 📸 How It Looks (and Feels)Cut into it, and you’ll see dreamy pale green pudding layered with bursts of cherry red and golden graham. It’s giving vintage picnic meets Pinterest aesthetic.
- One bite, and it’s:Creamy Nutty Fruity Cool AF.
- It melts in your mouth but not in your hands (unlike that tragic summer fudge you tried last year).—
- 🌈 Variations to Try
- Because once you make this once, you’ll want to remix it 10 different ways.
- 1. Tropical Twist
- Swap cherries for chopped pineapple and add shredded coconut
- .2. Chocolate Pistachio
- Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the pudding layers.
- 3. Mini Trifles
- Assemble in mason jars for individual servings. So cute, so shareable.
- 4. Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free graham crackers or layer with thin gluten-free cookies.
- 5. Vegan-FriendlyUse plant-based pudding mix, almond milk, and dairy-free whipped topping. It works beautifully.
💡 Behind the Blog: Why I Fell in Love With This Dessert
I first met Cherry Pistachio Icebox Cake at a neighborhood Fourth of July potluck. It was sitting unassumingly in a foil-covered casserole dish next to 12 kinds of potato salad
. But the moment I took a bite, it was game over. The crunch of pistachios, the whipped creamy coolness, the nostalgia bomb of maraschino cherries
— it took me straight back to watching cartoons in my grandma’s kitchen while she stirred pudding in a floral apron. And now? I make it every summer.
Sometimes for guests. Sometimes just because I have a leftover jar of cherries and no will to turn on the oven.
Storage:
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Best when served chilled.Allergens: Dairy, Nuts, Gluten—
—💬 Reader Comments
> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I made this for my family reunion and it disappeared in 15 minutes. People were licking the serving spoon. Not kidding.”— Tanya M
.> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Super easy and my kids loved helping me layer the pudding. This one’s going on repeat all summer long.”— Jess G.
> ⭐⭐⭐⭐“I added white chocolate chips between layers and OMG. Dessert heaven.”— Kayla R.—
❓ FAQ:
Cherry Pistachio Icebox CakeCan I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day once the layers have set and the crackers soften.
What if I don’t like cherries?
Swap them for strawberries, raspberries, or even mango chunks. You do you.
Can I freeze it?You can, but the texture changes. It becomes more like an ice cream cake — still delicious, just different.
How long does it keep in the fridge?About 3-4 days, though it rarely lasts that long in our house
Is it kid friendly?
Absolutely! In fact, kids love helping with the layering. It’s like edible Legos.—
🏁 Conclusion: The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Dessert
The Cherry Pistachio Icebox Cake is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration of summer’s chillest moments.
It’s proof that something so simple can taste so incredible. It brings together flavors that feel retro but refreshed.
Whether you’re making it for a potluck, picnic, or Tuesday night craving, it will earn its spot in your recipe hall of fame.
So next time the summer heat waves roll in, ditch the oven, grab a bowl, and layer up the l
P.S. If you try this recipe, leave a comment below!
Or tag us on facebok with your gorgeous green-and-cherry creations. We love seeing your kitchen wins.