Icebox cake recipes are ideal for summer entertaining. They're stunning without being fussy and simple enough for anyone to whip up.
31 of the Best Icebox Cake Recipes to Serve at a Summer Party
Updated on Sep. 01, 2024
Banana Split Icebox Cake
Make a banana split that feeds a crowd with this easy icebox cake! The cake itself is made from layers of tangy vanilla cream, crushed pineapple, graham crackers and, of course, sliced bananas. From there, go nuts with your favorite ice cream toppings. Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, whipped cream, cherries or anything else that belongs on an indulgent banana split.
1/31
2/31
Icebox Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
If you’ve never tried your hand at making an icebox cake before, there’s no better way to start off than with the classic. This four-ingredient recipe has been around since the 1930s. It was invented as a novel way to turn a package of chocolate wafer cookies into a crowd-pleasing dessert.
3/31
Frozen Mocha Marbled Loaf
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This showstopping marbled dessert seems fancy, but it's really simple to prepare ahead of time and pop in the freezer. Frosty slices have a creamy blend of chocolate and coffee that's delightful anytime of year. —Cheryl Martinetto, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
No ice cream maker? No problem! If you have an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, you can make this elegant “ice cream” cake with rich, creamy swirls of vanilla, coffee and chocolate, all on top of an easy two-ingredient Oreo cookie crumb crust.
4/31
Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Icebox cakes are normally no-bake desserts, but this supersized ice cream sandwich is worth turning on the oven. To save time, this recipe calls for ready-to-bake peanut butter cookie dough to make the sandwich layers—but if you can’t find the dough at your grocery store, whip up this three-ingredient peanut butter cookie dough instead.
5/31
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick and easy, this refreshing, make-ahead freezer dessert is perfect for using up those fresh summer berries. Filled to the brim with cream for a smooth texture, you'll find soft graham crackers and sweet strawberries layered inside. Top the cake with sliced strawberries for a beautiful finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6/31
Creme de Menthe Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered bar hits all the sweet spots: It’s airy, creamy, crunchy and the perfect mix of cool mint and rich chocolate. It has a vintage dessert appeal that no one in our family can resist. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
If you’ve got a soft spot for chocolaty after-dinner mints, you’ll love this creamy three-layer dessert that can be made without heating up your kitchen. Use the microwave to make the Oreo cookie crumb and minty marshmallow layers; the decadent chocolate layer requires no cooking at all thanks to instant pudding.
7/31
Ice Cream Cookie Dessert
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom's most-requested recipes. It's so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
This decadent dessert is like one big ice cream sundae that everyone can share. It’s easy to make the recipe your own—use any flavor of ice cream you like and sprinkle the top with more than just crumbled cookies. Add sprinkles, chopped nuts or even crushed up candy bars!
8/31
Double-Chocolate Toffee Icebox Cake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law taught me that anything tastes good if you use enough chocolate or cream. This no-bake dessert proves she was right. Sometimes I use chocolate graham crackers and stack up the layers in a 9-inch square pan. —Bee Engelhart, Bloomfield Township, Michigan
This icebox cake delivers double the chocolate with only five ingredients, including crushed Heath bars for a buttery toffee crunch. And for the candy obsessed, you’ll be happy to know that you can make this recipe using whatever chopped up candy bar your heart desires, or miniature candy pieces like M&M’s.
9/31
Nutty Caramel Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tuck this dessert in the freezer for one of those anytime celebrations. This caramel, butter pecan and almond version is our favorite, but try it with other ice cream, cookie and syrup flavors. —David Stelzl, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Butter pecan—once a stalwart of old-fashioned ice cream parlors—is no longer one of the most popular flavors in the freezer section. To people who know of its luscious butterscotch-y flavor with crunchy bits of roasted pecans, this is nothing short of madness! This classic flavor deserves a massive comeback, and this easy cake—which mixes butter pecan ice cream, store-bought pecan shortbread, chopped up toffee bars and creamy caramel sauce—may do the trick.
10/31
Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my kids' birthdays, I like to top this ice cream birthday cake with jimmies. —Becky Herges, Fargo, North Dakota
It doesn’t need to be your birthday to enjoy this sprinkle-filled birthday cake made with boxed cake mix, whipped topping and ice cream. There are countless flavor combinations you can use for this ice cream cake recipe. How about coffee ice cream and devil’s food cake, or maybe strawberry ice cream with yellow cake mix? They all sound amazing.
11/31
Mango Almond Icebox Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It's easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well. —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
This tropical icebox cakes take a few cues from tiramisu, drizzling store-bought ladyfingers with sweet almond syrup and layering them with sliced almonds, mango, crispy meringue cookies and a rich cream made by whisking heavy cream and cream cheese with chunks of frozen mango.
12/31
Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
Think of this easy freezer dessert as the frigid first cousin of the Midwestern classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad. The secret ingredient to amp up the strawberry flavor in this recipe: frozen strawberry daiquiri mix. This recipe contains no alcohol, but for a more adult party, you could easily jazz up that daiquiri mix with rum.
13/31
Grasshopper Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I only need six ingredients to whip up this fluffy and refreshing grasshopper pie. I usually make two of the minty treats for our family, since we're never satisfied with just one slice. —LouCinda Zacharias, Spooner, Wisconsin
With the bright green color, you can probably guess where the name grasshopper comes from. This six-ingredient icebox dessert reminiscent of the classic grasshopper cocktail mixes chocolate-covered mint cookies in a fluffy cream cheese mixture.
14/31
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
In Italy, they know that strawberries and balsamic vinegar are a match made in heaven. This American icebox cake proves that when it comes to baking, we should listen to Italians! Though you can use any brand of balsamic vinegar to make this incredible dessert, now’s the time to use a top-shelf bottle if you have one.
15/31
Fresh Raspberry Icebox Cake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Layered icebox cakes are so fun because they look impressive but couldn't be easier. Fresh raspberries make this one really special. Use Anna's Ginger Thins to get the scalloped edges, or regular gingersnaps if those are not available. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Fresh, juicy summer raspberries practically cry out to be eaten with cream, so why not turn those perfect partners into something special? This icebox cake adds ultra-thin ginger cookies for a subtle spicy bite, and a touch of fresh lemon zest helps that fresh raspberry flavor pop. And let’s not forget about the luxurious mascarpone cheese whipped cream!
16/31
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Summers don’t feel complete unless you’ve had at least one pina colada. If your summer plans aren’t bringing you poolside or down to a warm, sandy beach, bring the tropical experience to your kitchen with this cool icebox cake.
17/31
Rhubarb Icebox Dessert
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A light and fluffy marshmallow layer tops the tart rhubarb filling in this delicious make-ahead recipe. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Raspberries are the star of summer. They’re light, sweet and juicy. These flavors perfectly contrast with this tart rhubarb dessert. Layered with a soft marshmallow filling, this make-ahead recipe is a labor of love.
18/31
Macaroon Ice Cream Torte
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves frozen treats. With chocolate four ways, this one is so beautiful, people think it came from an ice cream shop. —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
You can make this stunning five-ingredient macaroon ice cream torte up to two months ahead of serving, so it’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert! However, we’re doubtful you’ll be able to get through two whole months without sneaking a bite.
19/31
Icebox Cookie Cheesecake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cookie lovers will come back for seconds when you serve this tempting treat. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
You don’t need to turn on the oven to make a cheesecake that will knock your socks off. As long as you have a springform pan, an electric mixer and a freezer, you can make this rich no-bake cheesecake studded with crushed Oreo cookies.
20/31
Easy Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Out of all the easy chocolate desserts I make, these nutty, chocolaty layered treats have become my family's favorite. I make sure to whip up my mom her very own batch, since she loves this chocolate delight so much! —Kristen Stecklein, Waukesha, Wisconsin
OK, so there’s a tiny bit of baking involved in the recipe for this drool-worthy dessert, but having a buttery walnut shortbread base layer is worth turning on the oven. If you’d rather skip the baking, replace the flour with crushed up graham crackers, mix with the walnuts and melted butter, and refrigerate for a no-bake crumb crust.
21/31
Frozen Grasshopper Torte
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this minty cool torte for a ladies' meeting at our church. I’m still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
If you love mint chocolate desserts, then this frozen grasshopper torte will make you jump for joy. This tri-level dessert has a crumbly Oreo cookie base, a center of store-bought vanilla ice cream and a fluffy, minty marshmallow whipped cream topping. Fold in finely chopped chocolate to turn it into a mint chocolate chip masterpiece.
22/31
Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this rich dessert, it quickly became my all-time favorite. —Debbie Price, La Rue, Ohio
It’s hard to go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate, and this recipe makes the irresistible combo twice as nice: in addition to a chocolate cookie crust, a chocolate pudding layer and an easy peanut butter cheesecake mousse, it also has a layer of chopped up peanut butter cups in the middle.
23/31
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oreo cookies and cheesecake—how can you go wrong? I made 20 of these crowd-pleasing no-bake Oreo cheesecakes in all different sizes for my wedding, and they were a big hit.—Leanne Stinson, Carnduff, Saskatchewan
Love Oreos? This no-bake Oreo dessert elevates this perfect cookie into a rich dessert.
24/31
Banana Split
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
25/31
Creamy Mocha Frozen Dessert
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Light as a feather, this cool, satisfying dessert is delicious and impressive to serve. It's an excellent dessert to take to a potluck because it can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Light as a feather, this cool, satisfying mocha dessert is delicious and impressive to serve. To make this icebox cake nut-free to accommodate people with allergies (or for people who aren’t keen on nuts), replace the pecans with extra crumbled-up cookies.
26/31
Coconut-Pineapple Sherbet Torte
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this torte one afternoon, and when I served it that night, it vanished within minutes. That's when I knew I'd struck gold. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Besides pineapple, almost any citrus or tropical-flavored sherbet will work in this recipe, like lemon, lime or mango. Layers of crumbled oatmeal cookies add bold brown sugar flavor, but can easily be replaced with any sort of crushed up cookies.
27/31
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because this no-bake blueberry cheesecake doesn't contain eggs, it's lighter but also very creamy and refreshing.—Ken Gallagher, Hastings, Nebraska
Have you ever wanted more out of your blueberry lemonade? This eggless cheesecake is light, airy and perfect for a summer afternoon. The lemon-blueberry filling is so refreshing and creamy that there’s always room for this dessert.
28/31
Easy Ice Cream Sundae Dessert
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In summer, nothing's better than ice cream sundaes. We kids couldn't wait to dig into this tempting dessert. It's cool and smooth with a ribbon of fudge inside. Whenever I make it for my family, I think of Mom. —Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan
In this recipe, vanilla ice cream and homemade chocolate sauce are layered on top of a buttery vanilla wafer crust, with extra crumbled cookies on top. But vanilla wafers are just the beginning! Any kind of cookie—whether store-bought or homemade—will work in this recipe, making the possibilities truly endless.
29/31
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse Cheesecake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-bake cheesecake with distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and a silky ganache on top will take some time to assemble, but it's worth the effort to create a homemade dessert with grand-champion appeal—and definitely worth the wait. —JaNon Furrer, Prescott, Arizona
With distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and silky ganache, this rich cheesecake is meant for a special occasion. People usually reserve their most impressive recipes for the holidays, but isn’t the start or end of summer an occasion worth celebrating? For a non-cake lover’s birthday, this rich cheesecake would surely be a hit.
30/31
No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cheesecake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this cannoli cheesecake in the summer for a flavorful and refreshing treat. I love the added bonus of not having to turn on the oven in hot weather. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Pistachios are a classic cannoli topping, as are chocolate shavings. You can choose which one to put on this no-bake cannoli cheesecake that takes that same whipped ricotta filling and gives it a new shell.
31/31
Layered Lemon Dessert Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed it to be extra citrusy. If you’re a fan of Key lime pie, try lime flavors instead of lemon. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
This no-bake take on lemon squares turns a classic bakery treat into something anyone can make, regardless of their skill level in the kitchen. This recipe can also be easily adapted into orange or Key lime squares by using store-bought (or homemade) citrus curds.
