Discover a delicious no bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion: the Cookies and Cream Icebox Cake. This simple yet impressive treat combines creamy layers with classic cookie flavor, making it an ideal choice for a quick dessert. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble and how quickly it becomes a family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream for best results; a lower fat alternative won’t whip properly.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for smooth cream; granulated sugar will make the cream gritty.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, softened cream cheese for a rich, tangy base.
- Oreo Cookies: The star of the show. You can use generic chocolate sandwich cookies as a substitute.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 24 ounces (about 3 packs) Oreo cookies, divided
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups heavy cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Servings: 8-10
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, electric mixer, rubber spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookies
Crush about 10-12 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs for the topping. Set these aside. Roughly break the remaining cookies into pieces, or leave some whole, for layering within your no bake dessert.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients with an electric mixer until they are light and fluffy. This creates a sweet and tangy base for your icebox cake.
3. Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can become grainy. This creates a light and airy component for your no bake dessert recipes.
4. Combine and Layer
Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Then, fold in the remaining whipped cream. This ensures a light and cohesive filling. Spread a thin layer of this cream mixture at the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Assemble Your Icebox Cake
Begin layering your no bake dessert. Place a single layer of whole or broken Oreo cookies over the cream. Top this with another generous layer of the cream mixture, then repeat with more cookies. Continue layering until you use all the cookies and cream, ending with a cream layer.
6. Chill and Finish
Sprinkle the reserved cookie crumbs over the top of the final cream layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld, creating a truly irresistible no bake dessert.
Variation Ideas:
- Peppermint Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream mixture for a festive touch.
- Espresso Kick: Dissolve a tablespoon of instant espresso powder in a tablespoon of hot water, then cool and add to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle coffee flavor.
- Fruit Swirl: Layer in thinly sliced fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of fruitiness between the cookie and cream layers.
- Different Cookies: Experiment with other sandwich cookies like golden Oreos or chocolate chip cookies.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Cookies and Cream Icebox Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This no bake dessert is best enjoyed chilled, as the layers soften and flavors continue to meld over time. You can also freeze individual slices for a longer storage option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this icebox cake ahead of time?
Yes, this no bake dessert is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for 12-24 hours.
Why did my whipped cream not get stiff?
Ensure your heavy cream is very cold and that your bowl and beaters are chilled. Over-mixing can also cause it to lose stiffness.
Can you use a different size dish?
You can, but adjusting the ingredients might be necessary to get the right thickness of layers. A smaller dish will make it taller; a larger dish will make it thinner.
How do you cut clean slices?
For the neatest slices, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and wiped clean between each cut.
What kind of cream cheese should you use?
Always use full-fat block cream cheese, not cream cheese spread, for the best texture and flavor in this no bake dessert.
Is this suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe makes a generous 8-10 servings and is always a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings among other no bake dessert recipes.