This Peanut Butter Icebox Cake is the ultimate summer dessert! With no baking required, it’s a quick and easy treat that combines layers of chocolate graham crackers with a delicious peanut butter filling.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making an icebox cake, it’s actually a simple process of layering ingredients without the hassle of baking. The only challenging part is waiting for it to chill and set.
If you’re looking for a refreshing dessert option during hot summer days, you’ll love this no-bake treat. I’ve previously made a S’mores IceBox Cake that was a big hit, especially during the warmer months.
The best part about this dessert is that it requires no oven time, which makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a potluck, barbecue or a casual get-together. Who wouldn’t enjoy the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate?
What is an icebox cake?
An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert made by layering cookies or crackers with whipped cream, pudding, or other creamy fillings. The cake is then chilled in the refrigerator or freezer until set and the layers have melded together.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
- Easy to make: incredibly simple to make and no baking required.
- Perfect for peanut butter lovers: creamy peanut butter filling perfectly balanced with the chocolate graham crackers.
- Great for any occasion: a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or potlucks.
What You Need
- Chocolate graham crackers
- Cream cheese
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped topping
- Peanut butter cups
Recipe Variations
- Can use crunchy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter.
- Can swap chocolate graham crackers for regular graham crackers or even use wafer cookies.
- Can use peanut butter and chocolate chips in place of peanut butter cups for garnish.
How to Make a Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
Step 1: Prepare the peanut butter filling. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.
Step 2: Add 1st layer of icebox cake. Line an 8×8 baking dish with plastic wrap leaving plenty of overhang on both sides to be able to wrap up. Place a layer of graham crackers down the bottom, 3 across and then break off a couple pieces to fill in the gap.
Step 3: Add 2nd layer of icebox cake. Spread a third of the peanut butter mixture on the graham graham crackers evenly and top with graham crackers.
Step 4: Add 3rd layer of icebox cake. Repeat with the peanut butter mixture, then graham crackers, then peanut butter then crushed up graham crackers.
Step 5: Allow to chill. Fold the plastic over the top of the cake and place in the freezer overnight or at least 8 hours.
Step 6:. Thaw and enjoy. The next day, take icebox cake out of freezer and let thaw for an hour. Garnish with peanut butter cups, either mini or full size. Slice and serve!
How To Store
- To Store: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap tightly and store in freezer for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw before serving.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Let cake sit in freezer overnight, it’s what makes the graham crackers soft and has a cake like texture.
- Heat a knife before cutting to get a clean cut.
FAQs
The cake needs to chill for at least 8 hours, but best overnight, to ensure that the layers have melded together and the cake is firm enough to slice.
Yes, you can make the icebox cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Yes, you can freeze the icebox cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, chocolate and peanut butter chips, or drizzle chocolate sauce on top for more flavor and texture.
More No Bake Desserts
- No Bake Strawberry Twinkie Dessert
- Red White and Blue Lush
- No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Ball
Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
This Peanut Butter Icebox Cake is the ultimate summer dessert! With no baking required, it's a quick and easy treat that combines layers of chocolate graham crackers with a delicious peanut butter filling.
Ingredients
- 16 chocolate graham crackers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounce container whipped topping
- Peanut butter cups
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the peanut butter filling. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.
Step 2: Add 1st layer of icebox cake. Line an 8x8 baking dish with plastic wrap leaving plenty of overhang on both sides to be able to wrap up. Place a layer of graham crackers down the bottom, 3 across and then break off a couple pieces to fill in the gap.
Step 3: Add 2nd layer of icebox cake. Spread a third of the peanut butter mixture on the graham graham crackers evenly and top with graham crackers.
Step 4: Add 3rd layer of icebox cake. Repeat with the peanut butter mixture, then graham crackers, then peanut butter then crushed up graham crackers.
Step 5: Allow to chill. Fold the plastic over the top of the cake and place in the freezer overnight or at least 8 hours.
Step 6:. Thaw and enjoy. The next day, take icebox cake out of freezer and let thaw for an hour. Garnish with peanut butter cups, either mini or full size. Slice and serve!
Notes
- To Store: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap tightly and store in freezer for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw before serving.
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