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–+ servings
Icebox Cake
This vintage Ice Box Cake recipe is a timeless no-bake dessert that layers rich, creamy chocolate filling with crunchy vanilla wafers. The melted chocolate is blended with egg yolks, sugar, whipped cream, and crunchy nuts, creating a luscious mousse-like texture. The mixture is then layered with crushed vanilla wafers and chilled until set, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for family gatherings or special occasions. Its smooth, creamy texture paired with delicate wafer layers makes it a classic indulgence.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz sweet chocolate
  • 4 to 5 tbsp hot water
  • 3 egg yolks (beaten)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 egg whites
  • ½ pint heavy cream (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup nut meats (chopped, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 pkg vanilla wafers (broken into pieces)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Melt Chocolate

  • Place sweet chocolate and 4–5 tbsp hot water in a heatproof bowl.
  • Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks

  • Beat 3 egg yolks.
  • Whisk yolks into the warm chocolate until combined.

Step 3: Cool & Sweeten

  • Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
  • Stir in ¾ cup sugar until dissolved.

Step 4: Beat Egg Whites

  • In a clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites to stiff peaks.

Step 5: Whip Cream

  • Whip ½ pint (1 cup) heavy cream to soft peaks.

Step 6: Fold & Add Nuts

  • Gently fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
  • Fold in beaten egg whites.
  • Fold in 1 cup chopped nuts.

Step 7: Prepare Wafer Layer

  • Break vanilla wafers into bite-size pieces.
  • Spread a layer of wafers in an 8×8-inch (or similar) dish.

Step 8: First Chocolate Layer

  • Spoon some chocolate mixture over the wafers and spread evenly.

Step 9: Alternate Layers

  • Repeat layers of crushed wafers and chocolate mixture, ending with chocolate on top.

Step 10: Chill to Set

  • Cover the dish.
  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.

Step 11: Serve

  • Slice cold with a sharp knife.
  • Garnish with extra nuts, if desired.

Tips

  • Chill several hours or overnight so layers fully set and flavors blend.
  • Use vanilla wafers whole for cleaner layers or broken as written for a rustic texture.
  • Fold whipped cream gently into the chocolate mixture to keep it light and airy.
  • Substitute tea biscuits or graham crackers if vanilla wafers aren’t available.
  • Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about raw egg content.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream for extra aroma.
  • Top with extra crumbled wafers or grated chocolate before serving.
  • Toast nut meats lightly before adding for deeper flavor.
  • Serve very cold; freeze briefly for a firmer sliceable texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate dessert, family recipe, icebox cake, layered dessert, no bake dessert, vintage recipe, wafer cake, whipped cream cake
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