Chocolate Icebox Dessert

Chocolate icebox dessert is an old fashioned no-bake dessert with layers of chocolate cookie wafers and fresh chocolate whipped cream.

Chocolate Icebox Dessert

What is an icebox dessert? Icebox desserts or cakes like this chocolate version are the original “no-bake” desserts that became popular in the 1920’s and 30’s with the use of the icebox. What is an icebox? An icebox was an old-fashioned refrigerator; it used a large block of ice to keep foods cold and preserved before electric refrigerators were invented. Desserts and cakes were named after the icebox, since they could be prepared in advance and then kept cold in the icebox until they were ready to serve.

Food companies like Nabisco then marketed icebox desserts as a way to use their popular products such as graham crackers and chocolate wafers. Once electric refrigerators became household staples, these no-bake desserts then shifted their name to be called refrigerator desserts. Regardless of the name, these old-fashioned icebox and refrigerator no-bake desserts still remain very popular today, are versatile with flavor combinations and are relatively easy to make!

How to Make Chocolate Icebox Dessert

This chocolate icebox dessert is a no-bake dessert with layers of chocolate cookie wafers and fresh chocolate whipped cream. Sadly, Nabisco has discontinued their famous chocolate wafers, but there are many substitutes you can use (see tips below). Plan ahead for this dessert, as it needs to chill at least 12-24 hours before serving this chocolate icebox dessert either cold or frozen.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 package chocolate wafer cookies * see tips

Instructions

Line a standard loaf pan (8”x 4”) with multiple layers of plastic wrap, leaving several inches over the sides to wrap the top.

Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl. Pour in the heavy cream; whip on high speed until soft peaks form. Add in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until thickened. 

To assemble the dessert, place a single layer of chocolate wafers in the bottom of the loaf pan. Add a layer of the chocolate whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you until you reach the top of the pan; end with a layer of chocolate whipped cream.

Cover the top of the dessert with the overlaying plastic wrap. Place in freezer for 2 hours, then remove to refrigerator to chill at least 12 hours prior to serving (alternately, can leave in freezer if serving frozen). 

When ready to serve, invert the loaf pan onto a platter or large plate and remove the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the top of the dessert with crushed chocolate wafer crumbs. Cut the dessert into slices. Serves 12.

Tips for Chocolate Icebox Dessert

• For chocolate wafer cookies, use the following:
  • Chocolate ice cream sandwich cookie wafers (I found mine at a restaurant supply store)
  • Oreo thins
  • Chocolate graham crackers
  • Homemade cookies (make sure they are thin)
• Chill your bowl and beaters prior to whipping the heavy whipping cream
• Chill up to 3 days; freeze up to 45 days
• If serving this dessert frozen, allow to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow to easier cutting 

Made this recipe? Comment or rate below or on Instagram or Pinterest!

Want more no-bake dessert recipes? Check out these recipes: