Ice Box Cake
Ice Box Cake Recipe - Delicious American Dessert
Introduction
Ice Box Cake is a classic no-bake dessert that is perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick and easy dessert. This delicious treat is made with layers of cake, pudding, and whipped topping, all chilled to perfection.
History
The Ice Box Cake has been a popular dessert in American households since the early 1900s. It gained popularity during the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce and people needed to get creative with what they had on hand. The simplicity of this recipe made it a hit with home cooks, and it has remained a favorite ever since.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) cake
- 1 package instant pudding
- 1.75 cups milk
- 1 tsp instant coffee
- 8 oz (227 g) whipped topping
- nuts or mini chocolate chips, if desired
How to prepare
- Line a loaf pan with wax paper, making sure that several inches hang over the sides.
- Slice the pound cake into slices that are 0.25" – 0.5" thick. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with the cake slices.
- In a mixing bowl, pour the milk and add the pudding mix and instant coffee.
- Mix for 2 minutes and pour the mixture into the cake-lined pan.
- Top with nuts or mini chocolate chips.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Lift the cake out of the pan, slice, and serve.
Variations
- Use different flavors of pudding such as chocolate or vanilla for a different twist.
- Substitute the pound cake with graham crackers for a different texture.
- Add layers of fresh fruit such as strawberries or bananas for a fruity twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to line the pan with wax paper to easily lift the cake out for slicing.
- Use instant pudding for a quick and easy dessert, but feel free to make your own pudding from scratch if you prefer.
- Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the pudding mixture for a hint of coffee flavor.
- Top the cake with nuts or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ice Box Cake chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Ice Box Cake is a no-bake dessert that simply requires assembly and chilling in the refrigerator.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use dairy-free milk and whipped topping for a vegan version of this dessert.
- Substitute the instant pudding with a homemade pudding recipe for a from-scratch version.
Make Ahead Tips
Ice Box Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Top the Ice Box Cake with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Ice Box Cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Ice Box Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Ice Box Cake contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Ice Box Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Ice Box Cake contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Ice Box Cake contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Ice Box Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Ice Box Cake may contain allergens such as milk, wheat, and nuts.
Summary
Ice Box Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a treat.
Summary
Ice Box Cake is a classic no-bake dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of cake, pudding, and whipped topping, this delicious treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this easy and tasty dessert chilled for a refreshing treat.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ice Box Cake. It was a hot summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes fell upon a simple recipe that caught my attention.
The recipe called for just a few ingredients - graham crackers, whipped cream, and some fresh strawberries. It seemed so easy to make, yet I had never heard of such a dessert before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.
I gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. I layered the graham crackers with the whipped cream and strawberries, repeating the process until I had a beautiful cake-like creation. I popped it in the refrigerator to chill, and eagerly awaited the results.
When I finally took my first bite of the Ice Box Cake, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The graham crackers had softened in the whipped cream, creating a perfect balance of sweet and crunchy. The strawberries added a burst of freshness that complemented the creamy texture of the dessert. It was a revelation.
I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family and friends. They were equally impressed by the Ice Box Cake, and it quickly became a staple at our summer gatherings. I made it for birthdays, picnics, and any other occasion that called for a cool and refreshing dessert.
As the years went by, I continued to make the Ice Box Cake, often experimenting with different variations. I tried adding chocolate shavings, drizzling caramel sauce, and even using different types of fruit. Each version was a hit, but the original recipe remained my favorite.
I learned that the Ice Box Cake had been a popular dessert during the 1920s and 1930s, when refrigerators were becoming more common in households. It was a simple and economical treat that could be made with ingredients that were readily available. It was a dessert that resonated with me, as it reminded me of the resourcefulness and creativity of my own grandmother.
Over the years, I shared the recipe for Ice Box Cake with countless people, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. It became a family tradition, a beloved dessert that was enjoyed by all.
As I look back on that hot summer day when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking can bring. The Ice Box Cake may just be a dessert, but to me, it represents so much more - a connection to the past, a celebration of family, and a reminder of the joy that can be found in the kitchen. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cake Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Chocolate Chip Recipes | Coffee Recipes | Instant Pudding Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Nondairy Topping Recipes | Nut Recipes |