Quick, easy, and no baking required? Yes, please! This easy Ice Box Cake is a delicious dessert to share with the kids—and it’s so darn simple to make.
Ice Box Cake
This recipe takes me immediately back to my childhood—my mom made Ice Box Cake regularly and I have such fond memories of it. I love to recreate recipes I had as a kid for my own kiddos, and this is a great dish to share because it’s incredibly straightforward.
All you need is graham crackers and pudding. You can choose ones that work for food allergies or your preferences, and you can even make the whole thing ahead of time.
This is a fun birthday dessert, or just a simple way to celebrate making it through the day. (Because I know we all need that!)
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Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe, you need to have the following ingredients on hand to get started.
- Graham crackers: You can use any brand that you prefer. I usually use plain ones for a classic flavor.
- Vanilla and chocolate pudding or pudding mix: You can make pudding from a mix or start with prepared pudding, according to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information.
- Make the pudding if starting from a mix. Line the baking dish with graham crackers.
- Top with vanilla pudding. Top with more graham crackers.
- Top with chocolate pudding. Repeat.
- Finish with crushed graham crackers.
TIP: This needs to hang out in the fridge for a bit before eating to allow the graham crackers to soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it’s a no-bake layer cake made with wafers or graham crackers and cream, pudding, or another soft filling. It has a soft texture and is usually refrigerated before serving. You’ll need to serve it with a spoon, so don’t expect to cut slices as with typical cake.
I like to store it in the fridge for about 2 hours before serving, and then it can last for 3-5 days if stored covered in the fridge in an airtight container.
Best Tips for Success
- Store covered in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Dairy-free: Use nondairy pudding or pudding mix, and/or use nondairy milk.
- Gluten-free: Use GF-certified graham crackers.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share!
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If using pudding mix, make the pudding according to package directions.
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Layer graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×11-inch (2-quart) baking dish. Break some up to fill in edges as needed.
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Cover with ½ of the vanilla pudding, spreading to cover.
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Top with another layer of graham crackers.
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Cover with ½ of the chocolate pudding, spreading to cover.
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Repeat the layers to finish, ending with chocolate pudding.
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Top with crushed graham crackers.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight to soften the graham crackers. Serve cold.
- Store covered in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Dairy-free: Use nondairy pudding or pudding mix, and/or use nondairy milk.
- Gluten-free: Use GF-certified graham crackers.
Calories: 181kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 382mg, Potassium: 69mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 22g, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg
This post was first published September 2021.