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Icebox cakes are the retro dessert that have stood the test of time. Layers of crisp chocolate cookies and sweetened cream soften in the refrigerator, resulting in what you’d swear were slices of tender chocolate cake covered in fluffy whipped cream frosting. It’s the simple yet elegant dessert you can make all summer long. The best part: It requires no baking at all.
Why Is It Called Icebox Cake?
Although we now call them refrigerators, 100 years ago, kitchen chill chests were kept cool with large blocks of ice. Hence, the name “icebox.” Instead of using an oven, icebox cakes are made by layering whipped cream and cookies together, and then refrigerating the cake for several hours in the icebox. The whipped cream softens the crisp cookies, yielding slices of tender, cake-like layers for a simple, no-bake dessert.
What Is a Substitute for Nabisco’s Famous Chocolate Wafer Cookies?
Nabisco’s Famous Chocolate Wafers — a crucial element of the classic chocolate-and-cream icebox cake — were abruptly discontinued in early 2023. With the thin chocolate cookies absent from grocery store shelves, and icebox-cake season quickly approaching, we had to find a substitute. Our top cookie pick is even better than the original.
How Do You Serve Icebox Cake?
Icebox cakes are the ultimate make-ahead dessert for summer because the whipped cream needs at least eight hours to soften the crisp cookies into a cake-like texture. To serve, invert the cake onto a serving platter and discard the plastic wrap. Generously coat the sides and top of the cake with the reserved whipped cream before topping with chocolate curls or sprinkles.
How Do You Store Icebox Cake?
Covered with plastic wrap, leftover icebox cake can be refrigerated for up to two days (the whipped cream may deflate with longer storage). Assembled icebox cakes can be frozen for up to one week, then thawed in the refrigerator.