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    Home » Recipes

    Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

    Published: May 10, 2023 · Modified: Jun 14, 2023 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    peanut butter icebox cake with reese's cups on top

    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?

    peanut butter icebox cake on a fork

    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.
    peanut butter icebox cake ingredients

    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.

    layer of chocolate graham crackers in a baking dish

    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.

    layer of peanut butter filling in a baking dish

    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.

    layer of crushed 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!

    up close slice of peanut butter icebox cake

    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.
    top view of peanut butter icebox cake on plate

    FAQs

    How long does the icebox cake need to chill in the freezer?

    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.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the icebox cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    Can I freeze the icebox cake?

    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.

    Can I add other ingredients or toppings to the icebox cake?

    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

    Recipe

    Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

    EverydayShortcuts.com
    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.
    No ratings yet
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    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Additional Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 chocolate graham crackers
    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 1 cup peanut butter
    • 1 ¼ 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 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!

    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.

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

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