If there’s one thing that screams happy dessert, it’s these Easy No-Bake Rainbow Sherbet Bars. With pastel colors, a fluffy texture, and a cool, creamy finish, these bars bring major childhood nostalgia with a modern twist. Think of it as part ice cream cake, part rainbow cheesecake, and fully irresistible.
Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash, a spring brunch, or just want something to cool off with after dinner, this treat is your answer. It’s the rainbow glow-up your dessert table needs no oven required.
Why You’ll Love These Easy No-Bake Rainbow Sherbet Bars
- No baking because we love our AC and our sanity.
- Made with light whipped topping for a creamy, dreamy finish.
- A crunchy graham cracker base for that cheesecake rainbow vibe.
- Loaded with color thanks to the sherbet and rainbow sprinkles.
- Just the right amount of chewy and creamy with mini marshmallows.
- Tastes like summer, birthdays, and fun all in one bite.
What You’ll Need
(Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.)
Start with a base of crushed graham crackers and melted butter. That’s your sturdy-but-delicious foundation. The filling is a layered mix of rainbow sherbet, whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and a sprinkle of love (okay, actual rainbow sprinkles).
You can mix in white chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness and creamy texture, or leave them out if you want to keep things light and bright.
How to Make Easy No-Bake Rainbow Sherbet Bars
Step 1: Prep the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8 pan. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Let your rainbow sherbet soften just a bit don’t melt it completely. In a large bowl, gently fold together the sherbet with the whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and white chocolate chips if using. Work fast so the sherbet doesn’t get too runny.
Step 3: Assemble & Freeze
Spread the filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top and decorate with a generous handful of rainbow sprinkles. Cover and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Step 4: Slice & Serve
Once set, use a warm knife to slice into bars. Serve immediately and watch everyone smile. These are sweet, cool, and just the right amount of nostalgic like a bite-sized rainbow sherbet cake that melts in your mouth.
Estimated Nutrition
Per bar (1 of 9):
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 2g
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Pro Tips for the Best Sherbet Bars
- Use a mix of sherbet flavors (lime, raspberry, orange) for a real rainbow effect.
- Want it more like a rainbow cookie cheesecake? Add a thin layer of whipped cream cheese before the sherbet layer.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper it makes lifting and slicing way easier.
- Let bars sit for a minute or two at room temp before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the freezer (they’ll keep for up to 1 week).
How to Serve & Store
These bars are made to impress at parties, picnics, or just an ordinary Tuesday that needs a little color.
Serving Tips:
- Add extra whipped cream or sprinkles on top if you’re feeling festive.
- Serve on chilled plates to keep them from melting too quickly in warm temps.
Storage:
Freeze in a sealed container with parchment between layers to keep them fresh. These treats are best enjoyed within 5–7 days.
A Sweet Story Behind the Swirl
These were born on a hot summer day when I was trying to make something fun that didn’t involve baking or turning the kitchen into a sauna. My daughter saw the sherbet in the freezer and said, “Can we turn this into bars?” The rest is sweet, pastel-colored history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ice cream instead of sherbet?
Yes! Ice cream works, though it’ll be a bit creamier and less fruity. For the best rainbow cheesecake vibe, use colorful sherbet.
How do I get clean slices?
Run a knife under hot water and wipe it between cuts for sharp, neat edges.
Can I make this ahead?
Definitely. These are a perfect make-ahead treat. Just keep them frozen until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
Crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even rainbow cookies if you want a full rainbow cookie cheesecake effect.
Do I have to use mini marshmallows?
Nope but they add a fun texture. You could sub in more white chocolate chips or even chopped candy.
Is whipped topping necessary?
It gives that fluffy texture and helps the filling hold together. Homemade whipped cream can work too, just make sure it’s stable.
Can I use a different pan size?
Sure! 8×8 gives thicker bars, while 9×13 will give thinner ones just adjust freezing time accordingly.
What’s the best sherbet flavor combo?
Lime, raspberry, and orange is a classic. But go wild rainbow is the goal here!
Bring the Rainbow to Your Freezer
These Easy No-Bake Rainbow Sherbet Bars are bright, beautiful, and everything your inner child craves. Whether you call it rainbow sherbet cake, rainbow cheesecake, or just “those happy bars,” one thing’s for sure they’ll disappear fast.
Full recipe with exact ingredient amounts is waiting for you in the recipe card below!
Easy No-Bake Rainbow Sherbet Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- 8×8 Freezer-safe Pan
Ingredients
Base
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
Filling
- 2 cups rainbow sherbet slightly softened
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter until combined. Press into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, fold softened rainbow sherbet with whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and optional white chocolate chips.
- Spread sherbet mixture over chilled crust. Top with rainbow sprinkles. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Slice into bars with a warm knife. Serve immediately and enjoy!