Fruit Cocktail Graham Float with delicious layers of sweetened cream, graham crackers, and fruit cocktail is the perfect dessert for all occasions. This refrigerator cake is so easy to make and is sure to be a crowd favorite!

We went on a two-week trip to Northern California last holiday season and I wasn't able to work on Christmas recipes on time. In fact, I posted this fruit cocktail graham float last year a day before Christmas Eve which was, of course, a bit late.
This icebox cake needs a good few hours to set in the refrigerator, I doubt you guys were able to make it in time for Noche Buena. Ugh, such a shame because it's so, so, so yummy!
I am reposting the recipe today with brand new photos to give it the limelight it deserves. With delicious layers of graham crackers, sweetened cream, and fruit cocktail, this fiesta float is an amazing dessert to ring in the holidays.
But although no-bake graham cake is traditionally served on Christmas, it is also the perfect sweet treat to make during hot summer months when you don't care to have the oven on. Don't let the lack of a special holiday keep you from enjoying this scrumptious dessert, it's a fabulous addition to any meal year round!
It's simple to make and with only 4 ingredients, the hardest part of putting it together is waiting for it to set. All the work it takes is whipping the cream to double volume and then layering the ingredients in a baking dish. Easy peasy. 🙂
Tips on How to Make Fruit Cocktail Graham Float:
- Use a square baking dish that is deep enough for the multiple layers plus at least 1 inch of headspace so the top cream layer doesn't stick to the film when covered.
- Make sure to drain the canned fruit very well to keep the extra liquid from seeping into the cake.
- I used Nestle's all-purpose cream but heavy cream will work as well. Make sure the cream has at least 30%milk fat content for sturdy foam and better peaks.
- For maximum volume, chill the cream and condensed milk until very cold. You can also chill the bowl and the beaters in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- You can swap the graham crackers with broas (lady fingers) or digestive biscuits if you like.
- Want to try another fruit? Canned peaches, sliced fresh strawberries or mangoes are delicious alternatives!
This fruit cocktail float is a super easy route to a super yummy dessert but if you're in the mood to go all out, may I suggest this crema de fruta with a from-scratch sponge for your next baking project?
It's almost Christmas, everyone! I hope you'll check back here often as I add more delicious meal ideas for Noche Buena and Media Noche.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15-ounces each) all-purpose cream
- 1 can (14 ounces) condensed milk, very cold
- 18 pieces graham crackers
- 1 can (30 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained well
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose cream and condensed milk. Using a hand mixer at low speed, beat mixture until it begins to thicken. Increase speed to medium and continue to beat for about 8 to 10 minutes or until double in volume.
- Arrange one layer of graham crackers on the bottom of an 8 x 8 dish, breaking pieces as needed to fit sides.
- Spoon ⅓ of cream mixture on graham crackers and spread to cover.
- Arrange fruit cocktail on top of the cream.
- Arrange another layer of graham crackers over the fruit.
- Spoon and spread ⅓ of the cream mixture. Add another layer of fruit.
- Arrange the last layer of graham crackers on top of the fruit. Spoon and spread remaining ⅓ of the cream mixture on top of crackers. Arrange the remaining fruit cocktail on top of the cream.
- Cover tightly with plastic film and refrigerate overnight. Freeze for about 1 hour before serving, if you like.
- To serve, cut into squares.
Video

Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Joseph satera says
I like the food that had been posted, but i want to see like boodle and bone marrow style thanks and God bless.
Gillian says
Very disappointed with how this came out. My canned Nestle cream did not whip at all. It remained flat and runny even though I chilled everything first. Will try adding some cream cheese to give it more body.
Lalaine Manalo says
I'm sorry, and I understand your frustration, but it's not the recipe to blame but the Nestle cream. It will double in volume when whipped but doesn't really as fluffy as heavy cream.
renz says
Wow!! Super!! how long I can keep it on fridge?
AHQ says
If Graham crackers aren't available what makes a good substitute? I remember someone telling me it affected the outcome but not sure in what way!
Luzviminda Pobre says
Love all your recipes I learn a lot Thank you for sharing
Ana Mae says
Ok lng ba gamitin kahit di chilled yung all purpose cream?
Sherry says
I work with someone who makes this for our staff party every year. We all make something from our own country & we have people from everywhere. Soooo good! Never made it myself yet but it sure looks easy. I really enjoy trying foods from around the world.
Arceli Andaya says
I really like all your recipes.. one day I will try to make ...thank you so much for sharing..
Julie Capuno says
Can i used thick cream instead of all purpose cream for the graham float? Thanks!
Lalaine Manalo says
Do you mean heavy cream? I use that, too. 🙂
Racquel M Romero says
More recepie for business
Lalaine says
OK 🙂
Aida Stroud says
I would like to see suman recipe on video if possible and pan de coco. thanks.
Jannette says
How to choose tthe grahams?
Lalaine Manalo says
I am sorry but I don't know what you mean? Any graham crackers will do 🙂
Geraldine says
I like many copy of recipe bcoz I want to learn how to cook
Lalaine Manalo says
Hi Geraldine! We have a lot of them here. Feel free to browse.
Francisco says
Nice and good it helps me alot
Lalaine says
🙂