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.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- 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.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by whipped cream. Repeat two more times.
- 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.
More Dessert Recipes
Icebox Cake
Old-fashioned Icebox Cake made with graham crackers and homemade whipped cream. Read the section on recipe variations for fun twists on the old standby. Simplicity never tasted so good.
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Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 391kcal
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (14.4 ounces) graham crackers
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups miniature marshmallows
- Chocolate curls chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips or chocolate nonpareils
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium speed, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium-to-stiff peaks form.
- Cover the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with graham crackers, breaking crackers if needed to cover the bottom. Using an offset spatula, spread ¼ of the whipped cream over the top of the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by whipped cream. Repeat two more times, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours up to overnight before serving. Top with crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate curls.
Notes
- Cover and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 656IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg
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Hayleigh
I have not heard of icebox cake before. It looks like it’s got a lot of texture and a lot of fun for the summer.
Jenny
I have never heard of an ice box cake before. It sounds fun to make – and eat with the family!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Jenny! Enjoy!
Lisa
This is the perfect no-bake dessert for a warm summer day! I love the customization ideas but this time I stuck with the marshmallows and chocolate and the family loved it.l
Beth Pierce
That smores version is my son’s favorite!
Lucy
This icebox cake recipe was so easy to follow delicious. In the future I am going to try some of the variations!
Beth Pierce
They are all deliciouw! Enjoy!
Ben
Chocolatey and ice cold? I can’t think of anything better. I’m going to the store right now. It’s 60 billion degrees outside, and I need this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ben! Enjoy!
Karen
This was easy and so delicious. I made it on Friday for the holiday and everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Karen!
Harold
This icebox cake recipe will surely be delicious and I’ll try it this weekend. Thank you so very much for sharing it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Harold! Enjoy!
Ebony
I made this for my kids today and they loved it! So easy to make and light and airy. Can’t wait to make this again!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you and the kids liked the cake, Ebony!
John
I have to say; the Icebox Cake recipe is truly amazing! It’s one of those desserts you can’t get enough of. After taking my first bite, I knew I had to have more, and I ended up having several slices. The combination of the creamy filling and the chocolate wafers was simply divine. I’m planning on making it again for my birthday in a few weeks, and I can’t wait to share it with my family and friends. This cake is definitely a must-try! Thank you for the delicious recipe! 🙂
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, John! I am so glad that you like the icebox cake. Happy birthday to you!
Catalina
I am drooling over this cake! I must make it tomorrow!