Silky Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe

Dreamy Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe For Cool Treats

Dive into a delightful dessert that blends creamy peanut butter with layers of soft, dreamy goodness in this irresistible peanut butter ice box cake recipe.

Rich, no-bake magic comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Graham crackers create a perfect foundation for smooth, luscious layers that melt in your mouth.

Each spoonful promises a delectable dance of textures and sweet, nutty notes.

The dessert chills effortlessly in the refrigerator, developing a luxurious consistency that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cool, creamy, and utterly indulgent, this cake delivers pure comfort without turning on the oven.

Get ready to fall in love with the easiest, most satisfying dessert that will become your new favorite summer treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake

For Base Layer:
  • Nutter Butter Cookies: Crunchy foundation that adds delightful peanut butter cookie texture and flavor to the dessert; choose fresh, crisp cookies for best results.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy base that helps stabilize the dessert; select full-fat version for maximum smoothness.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers intense nutty flavor and creamy consistency; opt for smooth variety for uniform mixture.
  • Whipped Topping: Creates light, airy texture and softens overall dessert; look for high-quality brand with stable consistency.
For Garnish:
  • Crushed Nutter Butter Cookies: Adds decorative crunch and extra peanut butter cookie flavor; crush cookies just before topping to maintain crisp texture.

Equipment Checklist for an Ice Box Classic

  • 9×13 Casserole Dish: Essential for layering and assembling the ice box cake.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cream cheese and peanut butter smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps beat ingredients to a creamy consistency.
  • Spatula: Great for folding whipped topping and spreading layers evenly.
  • Plastic Wrap: Needed to cover and refrigerate the cake while it sets.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Useful for initial mixing of ingredients.

Layering Instructions for PB Ice Box Cake

  • Cookie Foundation

Create a delicious base by arranging Nutter Butter cookies across the bottom of a large rectangular dish, ensuring complete coverage.

  • Creamy Mixture Preparation

Blend cream cheese and peanut butter until silky smooth, creating a rich and dreamy foundation for the dessert.

  • Whipped Topping Integration

Gently incorporate whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture that promises incredible taste.

  • Layering Magic

Alternate between cookie layers and creamy mixture, building a decadent dessert with each delightful addition. Start with cookies, then spread a generous layer of peanut butter cream.

  • Finishing Touches

Sprinkle crushed Nutter Butter cookies on top for a crunchy, sweet garnish that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

  • Chilling Time

Refrigerate the dessert for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and the cake to set into a cool, creamy masterpiece perfect for any gathering.

Freezing Tips & Sweet Swaps for This Cake

  • Swap Nutter Butter cookies with graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or your favorite sandwich cookies for a unique twist on the classic dessert.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts between layers to create deeper flavor dimensions and textural contrast.
  • Substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping for a more health-conscious version without compromising the delicious peanut butter essence.
  • Create individual servings by assembling the dessert in mason jars or small parfait glasses for an elegant and portion-controlled approach that's perfect for gatherings.
  • Prepare the entire dessert ahead of time and freeze for up to two weeks, allowing you to have a delectable treat ready whenever cravings strike – simply thaw in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve This Cool Treat

  • Savor the Layered Delight: Slice this decadent peanut butter ice box cake into generous squares that showcase its beautiful layers, perfect for family gatherings or summer dessert parties.
  • Chill and Enhance: Let the cake rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to become wonderfully creamy and smooth.
  • Dress Up the Dessert: Top each serving with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, or a dollop of whipped cream to add extra indulgence and visual appeal.
  • Pair with Perfection: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich peanut butter and cookie flavors.

Freezer Storage Tips for Ice Box Cake

  • Refrigerate Strategically: Store the ice box cake in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and unwanted flavors.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to prepare this delightful dessert in advance for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
  • Serve Chilled and Fresh: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, ensuring the perfect creamy texture that melts in your mouth with each delicious bite.
  • Portion and Protect: Cut individual servings and store them in airtight containers to maintain the cake's structure and prevent freezer burn if you choose to freeze individual slices for later indulgence.
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Silky Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe

Silky Peanut Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Smooth peanut butter ice box cake delights dessert enthusiasts with layered graham crackers and creamy filling. Chilled perfection emerges from simple ingredients, promising cool comfort you’ll savor in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (16 oz / 454 g) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 2 family-size packages Nutter Butter cookies
  • 2 tbsps Nutter Butter cookies, crushed

Instructions

  1. Layer Foundation: Precisely line the bottom of a 9×13 inches dish with Nutter Butter cookies, ensuring complete and tight coverage without gaps.
  2. Cream Preparation: Whip cream cheese and peanut butter together using an electric mixer until silky smooth, eliminating all potential lumps and creating a uniform mixture.
  3. Texture Integration: Gently fold whipped topping into the peanut butter blend, maintaining its airy volume and creating a light, creamy consistency.
  4. Initial Assembly: Spread one-third of the peanut butter cream evenly across the cookie base, creating a consistent and smooth initial layer.
  5. Cookie Layering: Strategically place a second layer of Nutter Butter cookies over the cream, completely covering the surface with precise placement.
  6. Cream Repetition: Apply another portion of peanut butter cream, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage of the cookie layer.
  7. Final Construction: Top with a final layer of cookies, covering with remaining cream and creating an elegant, smooth surface.
  8. Decorative Finish: Sprinkle crushed Nutter Butter cookies across the top, adding visual appeal and textural contrast.
  9. Chilling Process: Securely wrap the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Precise Cookie Placement: Ensure cookies touch each other without gaps for a stable, consistent base layer.
  • Smooth Cream Technique: Beat cream cheese and peanut butter until absolutely lump-free for a silky, luxurious texture.
  • Gentle Folding Method: Incorporate whipped topping carefully to maintain its airy structure and prevent deflation.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop and layers to set perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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