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–+ servings

Black Forest Icebox Cake

A delightful no-bake dessert that layers chocolate graham crackers with cherry preserves and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine American, Bakery
Servings 12 pieces
Calories 300 kcal

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.

Notes

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. Garnish with extra chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an elegant finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 50mgSugar: 25g
Keyword Black Forest Icebox Cake, Chocolate Dessert, easy dessert, No-Bake Cake, Summer Dessert
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