My favorite dessert of all time? No-bake icebox cake using chocolate wafers and whipped cream.

icebox cake

I just adore icebox cake. I know I’m a cookie gal, but I can’t resist. Given a choice for dessert? Icebox cake will always win. Always.

what is icebox cake? 

To make ice box cake, layer crispy cookies (such as the crispy chocolate wafers shown here) with whipped cream. As the combination refrigerates overnight, the cookies absorb the cream and become cake-like in texture with a decadent, magical result. 

One of the most recognized icebox cake is the one printed on the back of Nabisco’s Famous Chocolate Wafers, which debuted in 1924. 

more ice box cake recipes 

Something about the combination of chocolate cookies, whipped cream and the refrigerator makes for the best desserts ever. Need more?

• Try vodka icebox cake in a jar!
• Or, use Oreos instead of the chocolate wafers to make Oreo icebox cake in a jar.
• In the winter, this snow globe icebox cake is gorgeous.
• You can make icebox cake cupcakes, too. 
• Next on my list to try is this Chocolate Lasagna by Amanda’s Cookin’, made with Oreos and Cool Whip.

how to make icebox cake

ingredients*

• 1 package Nabisco’s Famous Chocolate Wafers
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar 

*Find the wafers in the cookie or baking aisle of the supermarket. If your store doesn’t carry them, beg and plead for them to. And please please use real whipping cream (not dessert topping).

what to do

In a standing mixer fitted with the wire whip, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, whip the cream very well until it’s fluffy and stiff peaks form.

Blend in the vanilla and sugar.

Choose a flat tray or plate to assemble the ice box cake. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of whipped cream on a wafer. Top with another wafer. Continue, assembling the cake as shown below.

Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the cake.

Refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight.

Slice at an angle when serving! 

Yield: 10 servings

icebox cake

Print

How to make the classic icebox cake with Nabisco's famous chocolate wafers.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package Nabisco's Famous Chocolate Wafers
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

In a standing mixer fitted with the wire whip, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, whip the cream very well until it's fluffy and stiff peaks form.

Blend in the vanilla and sugar.

Choose a flat tray or plate to assemble the ice box cake. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of whipped cream on a wafer. Top with another wafer. Continue, assembling the cake as shown below.

Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the cake.

Refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight.

Slice at an angle when serving! 

Notes

See blog post for chart on how to assemble.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

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This post was originally published in February 2010 and updated in July 2020.