Best Banana Icebox Cake Recipe for a No-Bake Dessert

If you’re craving a no-bake dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, the banana icebox cake is your new go-to treat. With layers of ripe bananas, creamy whipped filling, and soft cookies or graham crackers, this chilled delight comes together effortlessly—and only gets better the longer it sits. Ready to find out how this simple classic became a crowd favorite? Keep reading!

Description

Banana icebox cake is the kind of dessert that tastes like a sweet summer memory, even if you are enjoying it on a snowy winter night. Each bite is a nostalgic blend of creamy whipped filling, soft banana slices, and layers of graham crackers that have melded into a tender, cake-like texture. It is lush, silky, and comforting — like banana pudding’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin.

This no-bake dessert is deceptively simple but yields a show-stopping presentation. The creamy layers mimic the richness of a traditional cake without ever turning on the oven. The sweetness of ripe bananas is perfectly balanced by the light and airy whipped cream, all brought together by the comforting crunch that turns to melt-in-your-mouth softness after chilling. It is the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes to savor every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana icebox cake is the ultimate combination of ease and indulgence. It requires no baking and only a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing it for a backyard barbecue or a family celebration, it comes together quickly and can be made ahead, taking the stress out of dessert prep.

You will also love how adaptable this recipe is. You can add layers of peanut butter, drizzle it with chocolate syrup, or even swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers. It is a forgiving dessert that still feels fancy and indulgent, especially when served cold on a hot day or after a hearty meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Banana icebox cake should be kept refrigerated and served chilled for the best texture and flavor. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours before serving, but overnight is ideal to let the layers fully set. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This dessert is not suitable for reheating, but it can be frozen if needed. Wrap the assembled cake tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For meal prep, you can fully assemble the cake up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Dessert, American, no bake, banana dessert, summer dessert, make ahead dessert

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box graham crackers
• 4 ripe bananas sliced
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• Whipped topping for garnish

Equipment

• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• 8 by 8 inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap
• Knife

Instructions

1. Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This mixture should be fluffy but not grainy. Set aside about half for topping later.
2. Prepare the pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Beat it for at least 2 minutes until thickened.
3. Fold them together: Gently fold the other half of the whipped cream into the pudding. Be patient and use a spatula, scooping from the bottom to keep it light and airy.
4. Start the layers: In your 8 by 8 inch dish, spread a very thin layer of the pudding mixture — just enough to keep the bottom layer of graham crackers from shifting.
5. Add graham crackers: Place a layer of graham crackers over the pudding. Break them as needed to cover the entire surface snugly.
6. Layer pudding and fruit: Spread one third of the pudding-cream mixture over the graham crackers. Lay out sliced bananas in a single layer over the top. Try to cover as much surface as possible for banana flavor in each bite.
7. Repeat: Do two more layers in this order — graham crackers, pudding mixture, banana slices — pressing gently after each layer to help settle things.
8. Top and chill: Finish with the reserved whipped cream, spreading it gently with a spatula to create smooth edges.
9. Cover tightly: Wrap the dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Overnight is best for a soft, cake-like texture.
10. Serve with style: Just before serving, garnish with banana slices, toasted coconut, or a dollop of whipped topping if desired.

Nutrition per serving

For added flavor, try slipping in a layer of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of peanut butter between the bananas and pudding. This dessert is easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.

FAQ

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Banana Icebox Cake

Banana icebox cake is a lush, no-bake dessert with creamy whipped filling, soft bananas, and layers of graham crackers that meld into a cake-like treat. It’s refreshing, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make ahead for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box graham crackers
• 4 ripe bananas sliced
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• Whipped topping for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
• In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
• Fold half of the whipped cream into the prepared pudding to create a light and fluffy filling.
• Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture in an 8 by 8 inch baking dish to help hold the first layer of graham crackers in place.
• Arrange a layer of graham crackers over the pudding, cutting them as needed to fit neatly.
• Spread one third of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
• Add a single layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
• Repeat the layers twice more: graham crackers, pudding mixture, and bananas.
• Finish with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Before serving, garnish with additional banana slices or whipped topping if desired.
• Slice and serve chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSodium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18g

Keyword no bake, banana dessert, summer dessert, make ahead dessert

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