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CHOCOLATE ICEBOX CAKE RECIPE

Easy Chocolate Icebox Cake with creamy pudding layers, chocolate graham crackers, whipped topping, and ganache for a no bake dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3.9-ounce boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups of cold whole milk
  • 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 16-ounce container of frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
  • 1 14.4-ounce box of chocolate graham crackers
  • 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup of heavy cream
  • ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips chocolate curls, or chocolate sprinkles for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper.
  • Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold whole milk for two minutes. Let the pudding sit for three to five minutes to thicken.
  • Add the chocolate pudding to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed until smooth.
  • Fold in 3 cups of thawed whipped topping until the filling is light and combined.
  • Spread a thin layer of chocolate filling in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Add one layer of chocolate graham crackers over the filling, breaking crackers as needed to fit the pan.
  • Spread one-third of the chocolate filling over the graham crackers.
  • Repeat the layers two more times, ending with chocolate filling on top.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours, or overnight for the best texture.
  • Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to a heat-safe bowl.
  • Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for two minutes.
  • Stir the chocolate and cream until smooth and glossy.
  • Let the ganache cool for about 10 minutes, then spread it over the chilled cake.
  • Return the cake to the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the ganache is set.
  • Garnish with the remaining whipped topping and mini chocolate chips, chocolate curls, or sprinkles if desired.
  • Slice and serve cold.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing so the filling stays smooth.
  • Do not use cook-and-serve pudding mix unless it has been prepared and fully cooled first.
  • Chill the cake overnight for the softest layers and cleanest slices.
  • Keep the cake refrigerated until serving.
  • For a sweeter cake, use milk chocolate chips in the ganache.
  • For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead.