Icebox Cake

This easy Icebox Cake is made with just six simple ingredients and minimal effort. It is always a huge hit with friends and family. Enjoy this no-bake dessert all summer long. On top of that, it is totally customizable, so be sure to read the section on recipe variations.

We don’t always have dessert here, but when we do, we try to make it something special. This cake, Blackberry Cobbler, Coconut Cream Pie, and Apple Brown Betty are just a few of our favorites.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.

• Graham Crackers: You can substitute cinnamon graham crackers, vanilla or chocolate wafers, or gingersnaps for graham crackers.
• Whipped Cream: You can substitute Cool Whip Topping, but we prefer the fresh, natural taste of homemade whipped cream.
• Toppings: For a more elevated cake, you can add fresh berries, toasted nuts, sprinkles, even a caramel drizzle, and so much more. Check below for flavor variations.

How to Make an Icebox Cake

This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
2. Cover the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with graham crackers in a single layer. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the graham crackers.
3. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by whipped cream. Repeat two more times.
4. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or up to overnight, before serving. Top with crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate curls.

Cook’s Tips

• Chill the bowl and beater in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before beating the heavy whipping cream.
• You will not use the full two boxes of graham crackers, but this cake is better with four layers. Use the remaining graham crackers to make Key Lime Pie or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars.
• Reserve several graham crackers for crushing and sprinkling on the top.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, up to overnight, to soften the graham crackers.
• The toppings are best added right before serving to ensure that they do not soak up any excess moisture.

Flavor Variations

• Black Forest Icebox Cake: Use chocolate graham crackers, add some chopped cherries to the layers of whipped cream, top with chocolate curls or shavings, and top each slice with a cherry.
• Lemon Icebox Cake: Use honey graham crackers, fold 1 cup Lemon Curd and 1 tablespoon lemon zest into the whipped cream (after it has been whipped), and top with fresh lemon zest and lemon slices.
• Berry Icebox Cake: Use chocolate or honey graham crackers, add blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cut strawberries, and layer with whipped cream or vanilla pudding. Garnish the top with more fresh berries.
• Chocolate Icebox Cake: Use chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies and chocolate ganache or chocolate pudding for layers of chocolate. Skip the marshmallows and use plenty of chocolate curls and mini chocolate chips.
• Eclair Cake: Use a pudding mix and add a layer of chocolate ganache, vanilla, or lemon pudding.

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