Icebox Cake

My 4 ingredient, gluten free Icebox Cake recipe is a light and easy no bake dessert that just feels like summer. This big batch frozen treat feeds a lucky crowd and is made up of layers of frozen, soft whipped cream, cookies, drizzled chocolate and sunflower seed butter. Cool and creamy, it has a cake-like texture that is so satisfying to eat. It's also a festive and pretty retro recipe; ideal if you love a traditional recipe that gives you loads of nostalgic charm. Perfect for BBQs, summer potlucks and 4th of July parties, this fabulous dessert or snack is pure magic and so fun to make. I love the thickness of the cake - layers of smooth (very cold) whipped cream wedged between fluffy cookies is the perfect warm weather bite. If you love whipping up homemade make ahead desserts in the kitchen, don't skip past my Ninja Creami Matcha Ice Cream, this Viral Shaved Frozen Fruit or my Dilly Bar recipe. While you're here, check out my favorite Gluten Free Summer Desserts, too!

What Is an Icebox Cake?

An Icebox Cake is a dessert or treat that needs zero baking time and sets into a frozen "cake" in the freezer. It's the kind of dessert that feels cool and fresh, perfect for a hot summer day or evening.

This fabulous and traditional recipe became famous when home freezers became more common. Whether you're making it from scratch or using store-bought ingredients, it gives you a perfectly fluffy and satisfying frozen treat. There are loads of recipes for Icebox Cake flavors and different versions of Icebox Cake recipes out there. Think chocolate, vanilla or strawberry!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Kids will go nuts for this easy Icebox Cake. Cookies, whipped cream and chocolate - actual cryptonite for kids.

It's such an easy recipe. All you need to do is layer a few basic ingredients together. It's a no bake, low fuss recipe without any fancy equipment.

If you love a salty/sweet combination, this recipe is going to hit the spot. Sweet cream and rich chocolate get balanced by the sunflower seed drizzle.

It's really easy to customize. You can add in sprinkles, nuts, other nut butters and more!

This is a great make-ahead dessert. Freeze it overnight, and it's ready to go when you are!

Zero oven time! I love making this in warm weather because I don't need to turn on my oven!

If you use a coconut whipped cream and gluten free cookies then it's an easy gluten free, dairy free dessert.

Equipment Needed

Oh my gosh, you'll barely need any equipment. A baking dish, a bowl, spoon and some parchment paper. That's it!

Ingredients Needed

Mini cookies: Use any cookie you like. Choose a gluten free cookie to make this recipe totally free from gluten! I love the Simple Mills brand!

Whipped cream: I've used a coconut whipped cream in my recipe to make this dairy free, but feel free to use regular whipped cream.

Sunflower butter: Makes up one of the drizzle toppings. I absolutely love the flavor of sunflower butter.

Chocolate chips: Go for dark or milk chocolate - whichever you prefer.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Get your 4 ingredients out and ready.

Step 2: Layer the bottom of the dish with cookies.

Step 3: Layer whipped cream on top of the cookies.

Step 4: Drizzle on chocolate and sunflower butter.

Step 5: Add another cookie layer, whipped cream and another drizzle on top.

Step 6: Place in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. Serve and enjoy! 

Storage

Keep your Icebox Cake frozen for up to 2 months. If you're going to freeze it for longer than 24 hours, I suggest wrapping it up in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Variations

Use a gluten free graham cracker for a graham cracker Icebox Cake. You can also use different types of cookies or even cake!

If you love peanut butter, swap out the sunflower butter for peanut butter. Honestly, any and all nut and seed butters are delicious in this recipe. You could even add in some chopped nuts for crunch.

Add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberry slices between the cream and cookies.

You know I love a s'mores inspired recipe, right? Layer in some mini marshmallows!

How To Serve 

I'm currently obsessed with making this homemade Icebox Cake recipe. Here's how I've served it so far:

• Straight from the freezer and in the center of the table for a group of friends.
• I've popped a few candles inside and served it as a frozen birthday cake.
• Sliced up into portions and served in bowls with a side of fresh strawberries.

Recipe FAQ

Would gluten free graham crackers work?

Yes, absolutely. Graham crackers work perfectly in this Icebox Cake.

Could you make this in a smaller tray with more layers instead?

Yup! It might take a little while longer to freeze but not much.

Can this be made dairy free? 

Yes, just make sure you use a dairy free whipped cream instead. Try a whipped coconut cream. You will want to make sure your cookies and chocolate are also dairy free!

Can this be made nut free? 

It's already nut free as sunflower butter is a seed and not a nut butter. Make sure your cookies are also nut free if you are not able to eat nuts!

Can this cake sit out (unrefrigerated) for a couple of hours? Or will it melt/disintegrate?

No, this cake cannot sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. It will melt or disintegrate as the temperature rises.

What else can I add to this icebox cake? 

Try adding sprinkles, berries or other nut butters.

Do Icebox Cakes go in the fridge or freezer?

In order to stay frozen, they need to be in the freezer, not the refrigerator.

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these fun dessert ideas next:

Watermelon Sorbet

Protein Frozen S'mores

Frozen S'mores Jars

Pink Ice Cream

Funfetti Ice Cream

If you make this Icebox Cake and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.