Chocolate Wafer Icebox Cake Is the No-Bake Dessert You’ll Love
Chocolate Wafer Icebox Cake is one of those old-school desserts that somehow never goes out of style — and for good reason!
If you’re craving more no-bake treats like this one, be sure to check out these irresistible dessert recipes you’ll want to save for every occasion.
This cake is pure nostalgic comfort with a delicious twist.
Made with layers of crisp chocolate wafers and fluffy whipped cream, it’s the kind of dessert that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. As it chills in the fridge, the wafers soften into a cake-like texture that’s rich, cool, and so satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for a summer get-together, a family dinner, or just because your sweet tooth demands it, this classic is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why is it called an icebox cake?
Because back in the day — before refrigerators were common — people stored these no-bake desserts in an icebox to chill and set.
The layers of cookies soften from the whipped cream and pudding, turning into a cake-like texture without ever needing to bake it. It’s one of those vintage recipes that’s stood the test of time because it’s simple, delicious, and perfect for warm weather when you don’t want to turn on the oven!
Making a Chocolate Wafer Cake with Cool Whip is way easier than it looks.
Be sure to scroll down to get the full printable recipe with step-by-step instructions and the exact ingredient amounts—you’re going to want to save this one!
Start by mixing up chocolate pudding filling using a hand mixer, then fold in whipped cream or Cool Whip until it’s nice and fluffy.
To make things super easy later, line a loaf pan with plastic wrap (a quick spritz of non-stick spray helps it stick).
Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom, then layer it up: cookies, pudding cream, repeat!
Finish with a final cookie layer on top, then wrap it up and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!).
When you’re ready to serve, flip it onto a platter, peel off the plastic, and add a pretty layer of whipped topping with fresh berries or mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Voortman Chocolate Wafers are a fun and tasty twist for an icebox cake, thanks to their crisp texture and layers of real cocoa crème. Traditional Nabisco Famous Wafers, Oreo Thins (without the filling) and chocolate graham crackers are also great choices. Just make sure whatever you use is thin and crisp so it softens perfectly in the fridge!
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Chocolate Icebox Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 packages Chocolate Cookies
- 2 – 5.9 oz boxes chocolate pudding mix
- 1 – 12 oz Cool Whip
- 1 cup additional Cool Whip
- 2 ¼ cup Milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together pudding with milk.
- Mix in cool whip.
- Spray the bottom of a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Wrap the pan with plastic wrap.
- Spread about a half cup of cool whip on the bottom of the pan.
- Layer the bottom with wafer cookies
- Top with pudding mix.
- Top with additional wafers. Repeat until you reach the top, stopping with a layer of cookies.
- Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove the cake from the pan, the bottom will become the top.
- Spread additional cool whip on the top and garnish your chocolate icebox cake with mint and fresh berries.
Looks delicious Reesa . keep it up!
WOW! I need this in my life! Your pictures and recipe make it look easy to follow. May have to make this this weekend!
Oh yes please. I would just love this cake. And Raspberries. I’ll have to make this over the summer for sure.
I’ve never had icebox cake before but this sounds delicious. I love that you use wafers in it.
Holy yum! This sounds and looks so yummy. I’m going to have to have my oldest make this.
This looks really good! I am going to hae my kids make this. It seems like something they could handle.
This is something I’d love to have on hand in summer. It looks amazing with the chocolate and raspberries! Great combo.
What a perfect recipe for me. I love cakes that no need to bake!
Oh, wow. This cake recipe is so delicious and it looks so simple to make. I will definitely try to make this and I am sure kids will love this.
I love easy to make desserts like this! Not a fan of raspberry though. I might need more chocolate for me but my mom would love this!
This looks like a good one. I bet if I made this one my family would love it!
Yum! That looks wonderful! I love anything with wafers in it!
This looks so delicious! My son has been asking to bake something new together, I’ll have to give this a try!
Oh this looks SO good right about now. I love chocolate and raspberry treats.
Wow, this is an amazing dessert idea! It hits all the right spots on the tongue!
This looks so good!! I could go for a slice right about now to indulge in!!
I love chocolate and raspberries and this looks and sounds like a delicious treat! I would love to make this someday for my family.
Oh my yum! I love Voortman wafers. I really need to make this.
ice box cakes are my favorite for summer – they are so easy to make and oh so worth it!
You can’t go wrong with chocolate and raspberries! I’m definitely making this for our dessert at family dinner.
I have never made an icebox cake before. This recipe is very easy and I like the idea of the chocolate raspberry flavor combination! I have to show this to my daughter.
This crazy California heat wave we’re having has made the oven absolutely off limits. No one told my sweet tooth that! Thankfully, I found this icebox cake. Yum!
This is making me drool! Would love to give this a try!
Now that looks divine! I am a chocoholic and I love raspberry too so that is perfect. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Two of my favorite foods in one cake = Yummy!!! This recipe sounds, and looks, divine! Thank you for sharing it!
Looks so deliciously sweet. Thanks 4 sharing the recipe.
It looks delicious. I know how hard it can be with kids in the kitches (expecially when they DON’T listen!)…frozen cakes and chocolate usually are the answers to all the troubles.