why make this recipe
Black Forest Icebox Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that brings together rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and airy whipped cream. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a summer picnic, or a birthday celebration. Its no-bake nature makes it especially convenient, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge, resulting in a creamy and refreshing treat that everyone will love.
how to make Black Forest Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cherry kirsch (*can omit if needed)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 jar cherry preserves (One 12-13 ounce jar)
- 2 tbsp cherry kirsch (*can omit if needed)
- Splash of almond extract
- 1 box chocolate graham crackers
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions:
- Prep: Line your serving platter or plate with wax paper or parchment paper. Break each sheet of graham crackers in half. Stir cherry kirsch and almond extract into the cherry preserves.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, kirsch, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on high speed until the cream thickens. Mix until stiff peaks form, but avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the Icebox Cake: On a graham cracker square, spread a spoonful of cherry preserves. Top with a generous spoonful of whipped cream. Repeat by stacking another coated graham cracker on top. Continue this until you have a tower that’s four pieces tall. Flip this tower on its side and place it on your tray. Repeat this process two more times to create three rows of 12 graham crackers each. If some rows don’t line up perfectly, add a coated graham cracker where needed. Chill the assembled cake in the freezer for 20-40 minutes. Cover any remaining whipped cream with a kitchen towel and refrigerate it.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is chilled, cover it on all sides and the top with the remaining whipped cream. You may need to do this in layers, letting the cake chill between each layer, especially on hot days to keep the whipped cream set.
- Chill, Serve, + Store: Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight before serving. If chilling overnight, cover the cake. This allows the graham crackers to soften, creating a true icebox cake. Decorate with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings before slicing and serving. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.
how to serve Black Forest Icebox Cake
Serve the Black Forest Icebox Cake chilled, direct from the refrigerator. Slice it into generous pieces and garnish each serving with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for an added touch of elegance. This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream, making each bite a special treat.
how to store Black Forest Icebox Cake
Store any leftover Black Forest Icebox Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure it is tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Properly stored, the cake will last for up to 4 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal taste and texture.
tips to make Black Forest Icebox Cake
- Use very cold heavy cream for the best whipped cream results.
- Don’t skip chilling the cake, as this step is key to achieving that perfect icebox cake texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cherry kirsch based on your taste preference or omit it altogether if desired.
- Garnish with extra chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an elegant finish.
variation
Consider adding layers of sliced fresh strawberries or raspberries for added flavor and color. You might also try different types of flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, to create a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of crackers instead of graham crackers?
Yes, you can try using vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies for a different flavor and texture.
2. Is it necessary to use cherry kirsch?
No, cherry kirsch can be omitted if you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert. The cherry preserves will still provide plenty of flavor.
3. How long does it take to prepare this cake?
The preparation time is about 30 minutes, but remember to account for chilling time which can take at least 2 hours.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Black Forest Icebox Cake
Ingredients
For the Whipped Cream and Cake Assembly
- 2.5 cups cold heavy cream Use very cold for best results
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cherry kirsch Can be omitted if needed
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 jar cherry preserves One 12-13 ounce jar
- 2 tbsp cherry kirsch Can be omitted if needed
- 1 splash almond extract
- 1 box chocolate graham crackers
- to taste fresh cherries For garnish
- to taste chocolate shavings For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Line your serving platter or plate with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Break each sheet of graham crackers in half.
- Stir cherry kirsch and almond extract into the cherry preserves.
Make the Whipped Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, kirsch, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Use an electric mixer on high speed until the cream thickens and stiff peaks form. Avoid overmixing.
Assemble the Icebox Cake
- On a graham cracker square, spread a spoonful of cherry preserves and top with a generous spoonful of whipped cream.
- Repeat stacking until you have a tower that’s four pieces tall.
- Flip this tower on its side and place it on your tray. Repeat this process two more times to create three rows of 12 graham crackers each.
- Chill the assembled cake in the freezer for 20-40 minutes and cover any remaining whipped cream with a kitchen towel and refrigerate.
Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is chilled, cover it on all sides and the top with the remaining whipped cream in layers, chilling between each layer as needed.
Chill, Serve, + Store
- Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight before serving.
- Cover the cake if chilling overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften.
- Decorate with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings before slicing and serving.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.