Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake
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This heavenly Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake is an easy no-bake treat that’s layered with a sweetened creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate graham crackers, then garnished with peanut butter cups. Served chilled, it’s the perfect dessert for all your summer gatherings.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
This scrumptious peanut butter icebox cake is so easy to whip up using just a few ingredients and very little hands-on prep time. It features three individual layers of a decadent creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate crackers, creating a delicious treat that will satisfy even the most serious sweet tooth.
The best part about this recipe is, it’s great for summertime entertaining because there is no need to heat up the oven. You just mix up the filling, stack the layers and let it chill in the fridge until it is set. Whether you’re looking for an easy and delicious dessert for a special occasion or just a refreshing sweet treat for a hot summer day, it just doesn’t get any better than this no-bake icebox cake.
If you love chocolate and peanut butter flavors, you should also check out this recipe for Peanut Butter and Chocolate Lasagna or this Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy recipe to make – This no bake dessert recipe is super easy to make using just a few simple ingredients you can get from your local grocery store.
- Delicious peanut butter flavor – If you have a peanut butter fan in your life, this dessert is for them! The filling is loaded with peanut butter goodness!
- Cool and refreshing summer treat – With cool and creamy layers, this is such a refreshing treat during the hot summer months.
Ingredients
- Chocolate graham crackers
- Cream cheese, softened
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped topping
- Peanut butter cups
Recommend Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer (or stand mixer)
- 8×8 baking dish
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cup
Instructions
Step One: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, mix together the cream cheese and the creamy peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth.
- Mix in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Next fold in the cool whip.
Step Two: Add the First Layer to the Pan
- Take your 8×8 baking dish and line it with plastic wrap leaving some of it overhanging on both sides.
- Place a single layer of graham crackers down the bottom of the pan. You may have to break a few of the crackers into smaller pieces to get them all into the corners of the pan.
Step Three: Add the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer
- Using a rubber spatula, spread a third of the peanut butter cream cheese mixture on the graham crackers and spread out in an even layer.
Step Four: Repeat the Layers
- Next top with graham crackers again.
- Again with the peanut butter mixture, then graham crackers, then peanut butter then crushed up graham crackers.
Step Four: Chill, Garnish and Serve
- Fold the plastic over the top of the cake and place it in the freezer overnight or at least 8 hours.
- Before serving the next day let it thaw for about an hour.
- Garnish your no bake cake with Reese’s peanut butter cups, slice, and serve!
No Bake Peanut Butter Icebox Cake Variations:
- Graham crackers – In place of the chocolate graham crackers, you can use honey graham crackers, cinnamon graham crackers, or even vanilla wafers. You can also use peanut butter sandwich cookies, like Nutter Butter cookies, or any type of chocolate wafer cookies.
- Nuts – Add a bit of crunch to your icebox cake by adding chopped roasted almonds, pecans, or cashews between each layer. You can also use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth.
- Fresh fruit topping – Add a little burst of fruity flavor by adding chopped strawberries, blueberries, or bananas to the top of the cake right before serving it.
- Cookie crumbles – Add a fun twist to the cake by sprinkling some crushed Oreos, nutter butters, or shortbread cookies between the layers.
- Caramel or chocolate drizzle – Add an extra special touch to the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or chocolate sauce.
- Whipped topping – We used cool whip, but you can make your own using heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks with a little bit of powdered sugar.
How Long Does This Cake Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What if I Don’t Have an 8 x 8 Pan?
While a square baking dish is best, you can use a round springform pan, a loaf pan, or even a simple trifle dish. Keep in mind that the size and shape of the pan or dish is going to affect the number of layers you get.
How Long Does it Take for the Cake to Set Up?
It will usually set up in about 6 hours but for the best results, you should allow the full 8 hours, up to overnight, for it to be set up properly.
More Easy No Bake Desserts
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Cherry Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Pie
- Banana Split Cake
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Dessert
Peanut Butter Cup Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 16 chocolate graham crackers
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping 1 container
- peanut butter cups garnish
Instructions
- Line an 8cxc8 baking dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper leaving overhang on both sides.
- Place a layer of graham crackers on the bottom. You may need to break the last row to get them to fix.16 chocolate graham crackers
- In a large bowl beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup peanut butter
- Mix in the confectioners sugar until smooth.1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined.8 ounces whipped topping
- Place a third of the peanut butter mixture on the graham crackers and spread out evenly.
- Next top with graham crackers again.
- Again with the peanut butter mixture, then graham crackers, then peanut butter then crushed up graham crackers.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer overnight or at least 8 hours.
- Let thaw one hour before slicing and serving. Garnish with peanut butter cups if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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