Banana Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With layers of bananas, graham crackers, and a creamy filling, this dessert is perfect for warm days when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. The flavors meld together as it chills, creating a soft, cake-like texture that is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required, making it perfect for summer
- Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find
- A great make-ahead dessert for gatherings and parties
- Creamy, light, and full of banana flavor
- Can be customized with different flavors and toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham crackers
- Ripe bananas
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Whipped topping (optional for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings or nuts (optional for garnish)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the instant vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions, using milk.
- Gently fold the whipped cream and pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- In a baking dish, layer graham crackers evenly to cover the bottom.
- Spread a layer of the cream mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the cream mixture.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cream layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped topping, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Icebox Cake: Use chocolate graham crackers and add a drizzle of chocolate sauce between the layers.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in a layer of peanut butter or add chopped peanuts for extra flavor.
- Caramel Banana Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce over each banana layer for added sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Strawberry Banana: Alternate layers of bananas and strawberries for a fruitier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the banana icebox cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make banana icebox cake?
You can make it up to 24 hours in advance for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of cracker or cookie?
Yes, you can use vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even digestive biscuits.
What can I use instead of instant pudding mix?
You can make homemade vanilla pudding or custard as a substitute.
Will the bananas turn brown?
The bananas may slightly darken over time, but layering them between the cream mixture helps slow oxidation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free pudding mix.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work well in this recipe.
How do I keep the layers neat?
Chilling the cake overnight helps soften the graham crackers, making slicing easier.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, Cool Whip can be used as a shortcut in place of homemade whipped cream.
What size dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch dish works best, but you can use a smaller one for a thicker cake.
Is this similar to banana pudding?
Yes, but the graham crackers give it a firmer texture, similar to an icebox cake.
Conclusion
Banana Icebox Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just as a sweet treat, this no-bake cake is sure to be a hit. Customize it with your favorite flavors and enjoy a cool, creamy, and satisfying dessert!
PrintBanana Icebox Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Icebox Cake is an easy, no-bake dessert made with layers of graham crackers, creamy banana pudding, and fresh bananas. It chills in the fridge until perfectly set, making it a refreshing and simple treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers
- 3 large bananas, sliced
- 1 cup whipped topping (for garnish, optional)
- Crushed graham crackers or banana slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pudding: In another bowl, whisk the banana pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Gently fold in half of the whipped cream to lighten the pudding.
- Assemble the Layers:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of banana pudding on the bottom.
- Add a layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit.
- Spread half of the banana pudding mixture over the crackers.
- Add a single layer of sliced bananas.
- Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, remaining pudding, and more banana slices.
- Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
- Chill the Cake: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the crackers to soften.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with whipped topping, crushed graham crackers, or extra banana slices. Enjoy!
Notes
- Best eaten within 24 hours as the bananas may brown over time.
- You can replace banana pudding with vanilla or cheesecake pudding if desired.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~18g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~8g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~40mg
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