Creamy Icebox Cake with Graham Crackers
A no-bake, creamy dessert featuring layers of whipped cream and graham crackers that soften into a cake-like texture after chilling. Perfect for hot days and easy to customize with toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sleeves (about 7 oz or 200 grams) graham crackers, broken into rectangles
- 2 cups (16 fl oz or 480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup (4.2 oz or 60 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (1 fl oz or 30 ml) milk, room temperature
- Optional toppings: fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries), shaved chocolate, cinnamon
Instructions
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- If using cream cheese, whisk the softened cream cheese with milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the chilled heavy whipping cream into the cold bowl and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- If using cream cheese, gently fold it into the whipped cream until combined but still fluffy.
- Spread a thin layer of the whipped cream mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers over the cream, breaking pieces as needed to fit snugly.
- Repeat layering whipped cream and graham crackers, ending with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slice into squares with a sharp knife. Add optional fresh berries or shaved chocolate before serving.
Notes
Chill equipment before whipping cream for best results. If whipped cream softens during assembly, chill layers for 10-15 minutes between steps. Do not rush chilling time; graham crackers need at least 4 hours to soften properly. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the cake
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: icebox cake, no-bake dessert, graham crackers, creamy dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, whipped cream cake