Discover the simplicity and deliciousness of icebox cake recipes—the perfect treat for those lazy summer days!
Things are starting to heat up around here so I am looking for delicious ways to cool off! I know I can enjoy a summer cocktail, or make some no-churn ice cream, which is pretty simple, but an even easier idea is an icebox cake!
What is an icebox cake?
The classic recipe found on the back of Nabisco’s Famous Chocolate Wafers (no longer available) was the easiest and most basic recipe. Here is how it was made:
- Whipped cream: combine freshly whipped cream sweetened with sugar and vanilla.
- Layer: spread a bit of whipped cream on each chocolate wafer and stack them together.
- Frost: turn the stack on its side so it looks like a log and cover it with remaining whip cream.
- Chill: Put the ‘cake’ in the icebox (that is the refrigerator, not freezer) for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Enjoy!
The idea was that layering the crisp wafers with whipped cream would soften them a bit so a cake-like texture was formed. This gave you a cake without having to use your oven on a hot day. Genius!
Obviously, the idea of an icebox cake has taken off in various directions since then, but the main formula is still the same: crisp layer + dairy layer = cake!
What can you use for the crisp layer of an icebox cake?
As I mentioned earlier, Nabisco stopped making their chocolate wafers in 2023. This sent icebox cake lovers into a frenzy looking for alternatives. Here are some ideas that are pretty easy to find in your grocery store:
- Oreo Thins: Use them as is, or scrape off the cream so you just have the crispy cookie. This is probably the closest to the original wafers in taste.
- Graham crackers: Use regular or chocolate graham crackers. It will have a different consistency, but still delicious!
- Thin chocolate chip cookies like the ones from Tate’s Bake Shop.
- Shortbread cookies
- Digestive biscuits
People have also branched off into puff pastry and thin layers of cake, which aren’t really ‘crisp’, but are obviously delicious!
What can you use for the dairy layer of an icebox cake?
The dairy layer is where you can get really creative! Here are some ideas that are easy to find in your local supermarket:
- Flavored whipped cream: add any flavor you like—fruit jam, peanut butter, chocolate, coffee, etc.
- Non-dairy whipped cream: you can find coconut, almond or soy milk whipped cream at the grocery store.
- Pudding: just think of all of the flavor options available!
- Custard
- Cool Whip: the easiest option
- Cream cheese/cheesecake filling: again, tons of flavor ideas here.
Or, you can use combinations of the ideas above—get creative! There are also some recipes that use ice cream, which of course is delicious, but if you are a stickler for the rules, true icebox cakes are chilled in the fridge, not the freezer. Personally, I think this rule can be broken!
Well, I think I’m ready to show you all of the great icebox cake recipes I have found! Any of these recipes will help you sweetly cool off on a hot day. Go ahead and scroll down…
Icebox Cake Recipes
Discover the simplicity and deliciousness of icebox cake recipes—the perfect treat for those lazy summer days!
Old Fashioned Chocolate
Try the traditional icebox cake with only 5-ingredients. It has the chocolate wafers layered with freshly whipped cream.
Cherry
Sweet, grain-free cinnamon cookies with coconut whipped cream and additional layers of homemade cherry pie filling.
Biscoff
Only 4 ingredients needed for this delectable icebox cake! Biscoff cookies are layered with fresh whipped cream and cookie butter.
Pumpkin
Enjoy icebox cakes well into the fall with this 8-ingredient recipe full of fall flavors. Cinnamon graham crackers are layered with a whipped cream, pumpkin, cream cheese full of pumpkin pie spice!
Oreo
Only four ingredients needed for this recipe! You'll layer whole Oreo Thins sandwich cookies with fresh whipped cream.
Lemon
Get a refreshing lemon flavor with a mixture of lemon pudding and Cool Whip layered with graham crackers.
Nutella & Cream
This icebox cake has chocolate wafer cookies layered with chocolate hazelnut spread and sweetened whipped cream for the most refreshing dessert!
Strawberry
This recipe features graham crackers layered with fresh strawberries, dulce de leche, and fresh whipped cream. Only 5 ingredients!
Ritz Cracker Grape Jelly
This recipe is a bit different using Ritz crackers for the crisp layer. You only need 2 more ingredients, grape jelly and Cool Whip, which are combined for the other layers!
S'more
This gluten-free s'more icebox cake uses only 6 ingredients. Layers include a chocolate ganache, marshmallow cream, and gluten-free graham crackers.
Key Lime
Featuring a homemade key lime custard, this icebox cake requires 10 ingredients. You really get the feel of a key lime pie with the custard and graham cracker layers. It is all topped off with a fresh whipped cream and lime zest.
Chocolate
Chocolate lovers rejoice! This icebox cake is for you. Chocolate graham crackers are softened by a chocolate whipped cream and then it is covered in milk and white chocolate shavings.
Peanut Butter Caramel
This icebox cake looks like a big candy bar! You'll alternate layers of peanut butter cream cheese, whipped cream, and chocolate graham crackers. After the cake is chilled, it is topped with a chocolate shell, caramel, and peanuts!
Banana
With only 5 ingredients, this icebox cake is easy and bursting with banana flavor! Graham crackers are layered with fresh cut bananas, and a whipped banana pudding and then topped off with Cool Whip.
Summer Berry
This easy summer berry icebox cake is made with layers of whipped cream infused with a touch of lemon, graham crackers, and fresh berries for a delightful summer treat!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo
Oreo Thins were used for the crispy layer of this chocolate peanut butter icebox cake. You'll alternate layers of Oreos and a chocolate peanut butter whipped cream. Top it off with fresh whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed peanut butter cups and Oreos!
Monster Cookie
This icebox cake was inspired by monster cookies! Oatmeal cookies are soaked in a bit of milk prior to layering with a peanut butter whipped cream, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
Creamsicle
An icebox cake that reminds you of eating creamsicles as a kid! You'll alternate graham crackers with a mixture of orange gelatin, cream cheese, and Cool Whip.
Tiramisu Cheesecake
A twist on traditional tiramisu, this icebox cake uses graham crackers instead of ladyfingers. You still cover them with strong coffee, and then alternate with layers of a cream cheese mixture. Top it off with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Pistachio
I love the pop of green you get with this icebox cake. That fun color comes from the layers of pistachio pudding mixed with Cool Whip. The other layer is graham crackers and then you frost with Cool Whip and a sprinkling of pistachios!
Funfetti Oreo
Who wants to bake for summer birthdays? Not me! This Oreo icebox cake is a perfect substitute with sprinkles and birthday cake Oreos! The dairy layer is a mousse made with cream cheese, whipped cream, sprinkles, and dry cake mix.
Coconut
You'll enjoy the coconut flavor from the top to the bottom of this icebox cake! Graham crackers are alternated with a vanilla pudding mixed with coconut, Cool Whip and coconut extract. The whole thing is topped off with toasted coconut.
Chocolate Eclair
Enjoy a chocolate eclair reimagined as an icebox cake! Graham crackers are layered with a mixture of vanilla pudding and whipped topping and then topped off with a chocolate ganache.
Raspberry Cream
Create a fruit-filled whipped cream using raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. Layer it with graham crackers and a fresh whipped cream topping!
Carlota de Limón
This Mexican icebox cake only requires 4 ingredients! Maria cookies, slightly sweet round wafers, are layered with a mixture of fresh key lime juice, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. Yum!
Lemon Cream Cheese
A 6-ingredient icebox cake full of lemon flavor! With layers of sweet-tart lemon curd, cake-like vanilla wafers, and a rich, creamy whipped cream cheesecake filling, this dessert is amazing!
Chocolate Raspberry
Make a fresh raspberry whipped cream to layer with chocolate wafers and then 'ice' it with whipped cream topped with whole raspberries.
Lemon Berry Napoleon
Fresh fruit is the perfect topping for the thin layers of lemon mousse and puff pastry that make up this Napoleon icebox summer dessert.
Strawberry Cream Cheese
This icebox cake is like two desserts in one—a strawberry shortcake and no-bake cheesecake! It is packed with creamy cheesecake, layers of strawberries, and graham crackers.
Caramel Apple
This fall dessert features layers of gingersnap cookies and creamy caramel apple filling, creating a delicious icebox cake that's perfect for the season!
So, what do you think? Which icebox cake recipe will you be making first? Let me know in the comments below and then check out these other great summer dessert ideas:
- Cotton Candy Cookies
- Lemon Blueberry Desserts for Summer
- Mixed Berry Puff Pastry Recipe
- Beach Cupcakes for a Fun Summer Party
- Why not enjoy all of your summer desserts on these fun DIY confetti plates made with dollar store supplies?