3 Ingredient Icebox Cake (Dairy-Free + Gluten-Free)
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Last updated on Jul 03, 2024
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An upgraded 3-ingredient icebox cake with gluten-free cookies and dairy-free coconut whipped cream. It’s cool, creamy and perfect for summer cookouts and parties. Gluten-free and vegan.
I’ve been wanting to share an icebox cake recipe with you for awhile… I figured now was the perfect time so that you can bring this delicious dessert to your Memorial Day cookouts!
The first time I ever heard about icebox cakes was from Maria a few years ago. She was raving about Ina Garden’s Mocha Icebox Cake (made with Tate’s cookies) and mentioned that she makes it for her sister’s birthday each year.
I’ve never been a huge regular cake person and have always enjoyed ice cream cakes and cookie cakes more, so the idea of an icebox cake, which is kind of a hybrid of both, immediately piqued my interest. I had to try the recipe for myself so I made Ina’s cake for a Labor Day party and it was a HUGE hit. Ever since I’ve been wanting to make a healthier icebox cake.
Old Fashioned Icebox Cake
Classic icebox cakes, like Ina’s, are loaded with heavy ingredients. Traditionally, they’ll have things like vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream or whipped cream, a layer of graham crackers and sometimes even cream cheese. You can imagine how rich and delicious it is!
I love layered desserts, and although the ingredients in traditional versions of this cake aren’t exactly EBF friendly, I knew I could create an upgraded version.
Healthy Icebox Cake Swaps
For this icebox cake, we’re keeping things super easy with only three simple ingredients:
- Coconut whipped cream – You can totally make your own if you’d like, but to keep things simple I recommend buying the frozen So Delicious brand coconut whipped topping (I find it at our local Whole Foods). Coconut whipped topping doesn’t have hydrogenated oil or high fructose corn syrup like regular Cool Whip and it also keeps this icebox cake dairy-free.
- Gluten-free + vegan cookies – I opted for dairy-free and gluten-free chocolate chips cookies to make this cake a tad healthier and enjoyable for almost all dietary preferences. I used the Simple Mills brand crunchy chocolate chip cookies.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips – Keeping with the dairy-free theme, I used dairy-free chocolate chips from EnjoyLife. You could also use Lily’s stevia-sweetened chocolate chips if dairy isn’t a concern and you want the recipe to have less sugar.
How to Make an Icebox Cake
It’s soooo simple! The basic idea is to layer cookies and whipped cream in a springform pan, on a platter or in a baking dish.
I layered Simple Mills chocolate chip cookies and coconut whipped topping. Top with vegan chocolate chips and cookie crumbs and then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours (or overnight). Trust me, waiting the six hours is the hardest part of this recipe. The cookies absorb some of the whipped topping and soften… almost cake-like. So good!
Equipment Needed for an Icebox Cake
The only special equipment needed for an icebox cake is a springform pan, and technically it’s only really needed if you want the cake to look uniform and tidy. Otherwise, you can use a plate/platter, a square or rectangular baking dish or even a bowl to layer your cookies and whipped topping. So don’t stress if you don’t have a springform pan – just opt for a different container.
More Dessert Recipes to Try
- Healthy Birthday Cake
- Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Healthy Banana Pudding
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Berry Tart
- Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Be sure to check out my full collection of dessert recipes here on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Simple Mills Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies, save 2 for topping
- 9 oz dairy-free coconut whipped topping, (about 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place a single layer of chocolate chip cookies into the base of your springform pan.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping over cookies. Add another layer of cookies and spread on remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle chocolate chips and cookie crumbs on top.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or up to overnight. Cake can be made 1 day ahead.
Notes
- If you don’t have a springform pan, feel free to use an 8×8 square baking dish or a bowl.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I used simple mills double chocolate chip cookies instead and layered it with strawberries. Love this simple, refreshing and healthy summer dessert!!
Ohh!! Love the idea of using the double chocolate chip cookies for this. That sounds so good. Glad you enjoyed! 🙂
I’ve made this recipe numerous times and everyone loves it so much. I usually double it in a 9 × 13 pan. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad this cake has been a hit, Adrianne. Thanks for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it!
Can I use homemade whipped coconut cream? I can’t find that whipped cream near me!
Definitely, Denise!
Delicious! The perfect dairy free dessert. I actually messed up and put it in the freezer instead of the refrigerator, but it was so refreshing and perfect for a hot summer evening. I may never use regular whipped topping again. The coconut is so tasty!
Yay! So glad you tried this cake and enjoyed it, Jennie. 🙂 I’m sure it was even more refreshing stored in the freezer! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it.
Think it would turn out well if I blended 2 tablespoons very fine peanut powder into the coconut cream? I’m not a fan of the flavor coconut has and I was hoping to find a recipe that was non dairy and included peanut & chocolate.
Might use 80% dark chocolate bar and make some chocolate peels with a knife for topping.
Thanks so much.
Oh I bet that would turn out just fine!! Sounds yummy. 🙂 Let me know if you try it and how the cake turns out for you.
I work with seniors and this meal looks great Do you have this option for those without the ability to eat milk
Hi there! This recipe is dairy-free to no milk. 🙂
So good! Can I just say “100”? Lol. This was a hit in our house. I have a family member that is celiac and misses the days of getting cookie cakes at the mall so this was a nice treat! We will definitely be making this again. And we love the SoDelicious whipped topping. And it was simple and easy to make. Definitely a great idea to take to a summer party without the labor of a hot stove!
Can I just say “100”? Lol. This was a hit in our house. I have a family member that is celiac and misses the days of getting cookie cakes at the mall so this was a nice treat! We will definitely be making this again. And we love the SoDelicious whipped topping. And it was simple and easy to make. Definitely a great idea to take to a summer party without the labor of a hot stove!
Made this yesterday and it is a big hit! That So Delicious coconut cream is a revelation. Thanks for turning me onto it.I used GF brownie brittle for the cookies and a wax paper lined plastic rectangular small storage container for the pan, then I froze it for easy cutting. It thaws in minutes after it’s cut.I only used those 2 ingredients. Delicious and will make this again! Thank you.
Lauren
MsTwifty on insta
#TwiftiesSharingWhatWorks
Girl, GENIUS!