07/05/2025
July 5 - National Graham Cracker Day
When Sylvester Graham first invented the slightly sweetened cracker, he intended it as a health food. In the early 1800s, the Presbyterian minister developed the cracker as part of his "Graham Diet" program. They were made from whole wheat graham flour with added bran and wheat germs. He believed his snack would curb sinful cravings.
Today, makers use bleached white flour and blend a variety of flavors including honey, cinnamon, and chocolate. They also come in smaller bite-size snacks and fun shapes.
While a delicious snack on their own, they also make terrific ingredients for desserts. Crushed graham crackers blended with butter and pressed into pie tins, or springform pans make excellent crusts when lightly toasted. Graham crackers layered between yogurt and fruit taste delicious in a parfait. When it comes to crumb toppings, oats, brown sugar, butter, and crushed graham crackers blended together and lightly toasted will always satisfy.
Coconut-Lime Icebox Cake
Prep 15 min | Ready in 15 min
Fresh lime and sweet, creamy filling make this lime coconut icebox cake a breath of fresh air.
Ingredients
½ cup (125 mL) sweetened shredded coconut
2 limes
2 pkgs (8 oz./266 g each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (250 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
2 cups (500 mL) heavy cream
⅔ pkg (14 oz./408 g) honey graham crackers (about 16), divided
Optional: Lime zest, lime wedges, or mint
Directions
Evenly spread the coconut onto a large microwave-safe plate. Microwave until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes, stirring after every 30 second interval. Cool completely.
Zest and juice the limes into a medium mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream on medium or high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold in the cream-cheese mixture.
Break half of the graham crackers into pieces and lay them on the bottom of the Rectangular Cool & Serve. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the crackers. Repeat with the remaining crackers and cream-cheese mixture. Top with coconut, and, if you’d like, lime zest, lime wedges, or mint.
Chill, covered, for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
Yield:
12 servings
Nutrients per serving:
U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 310, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 135 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugars 25 g, (includes 17 g of added sugars), Protein 3 g