My husband will tell you that cheesecake is his favorite dessert, and cheesecake is what he always requests for his birthday. But I think this recipe might just be his real favorite. I had never heard of nor seen such a concoction until after marrying my husband and the only place I’ve ever seen it is in my mother-in-law’s kitchen. I did a quick search today to look into the history of this treat and see if I could identify the origins of this concoction my mother-in-law has referred to as “Icebox cake.” Little did I know this treat is popular enough to be found Wikipedia, and it can be found internationally… its known as ‘Chocolate Ripple Cake’ in Australia.
I love making it because its ridiculously simple and hubby absolutely loves it. Famous Chocolate Wafers layered with homemade whipped cream… that’s all you need to make this glorious cake that tastes like a light Oreo cookie. Its a perfect summer time treat… sweet and light yet still rich. The only thing tricky about this cake is finding the Wafers. Some grocers carry them in the cookie aisle though they’ll probably be hard to find, but my grocer carries them in the frozen section on a display case with the ice cream cones. If you can’t find them but are determined to try this cake, you can purchase the wafers through Amazon (you can buy anything online these days!).
The method for preparation is up to you really. I’ve seen my mother-in-law prepares this in a bowl (reminds me of banana pudding). I prefer to make it so it actually look like a cake since it is called ‘Icebox Cake’. (as pictured above) but since I usually make this just for hubby, I prepare like the photo below if company isn’t joining us. Its much messier looking but hubby loves the massive amount of whipped cream 
According to wikipedia, its typically fixed horizontally (more like a log)… so really, its all about what you feel like assembling! As long as there’s lots of whipped cream and wafers… it’ll taste good!
Icebox Cake
2 9oz packages chocolate wafer cookies
3 c whipped cream (see recipe below)
cocoa powder, for dusting or chocolate shavings
Arrange cookies in a circle, 1 in the center and 7 surrounding. Top wafers with approximately 1/2 cup whipped cream. Repeat with remaining cookies and whipped cream, ending with a layer of cream (there will be a few cookies left over). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. To serve, dust top lightly with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
* Note: Refrigeration is key. It makes the cookies nice and soft!
Homemade Whipped Cream
3 cups heavy cream
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Combine heavy cream and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix on high speed until soft peaks begin to form. Add sugar and continue mixing on high speed just until sugar is blended well.
Filed under: Recipes, Sweets | Tagged: Chocolate Wafers, Whipped Cream
I’ve made that one before but there’s also a very good variation using chips ahoy cookies and making chocolate whipped cream by adding in some chocolate syrup. Definitely a good easy dessert!
this looks fun!
I’m so glad to see this recipe that I learned from my mother ( Ethans Nana ) being passed on to the next generation. I’m sure that she learned it from her mother. This was always a favorite with me and my siblings and my mom always made it with much love. Enjoy and remember all your past family that has also enjoyed this yummy treat.
this is my fav!!!!!! im pretty sure its the whole familys favorite dessert of all time that mom makes. and yes the cookies are hard to find, no grocery store in nacogdoches carrys them at all. =-(. but i have some box’s from home stashed in my pantry for just the right time. Also i agree i think that this is actually hubby’s favorite (cant believe i just called my brother hubby lol)
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