This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy
Boston Cream Pie Icebox Cake – all the flavors of the infamous Boston Cream Pie in a quick and easy icebox cake. Great for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or when you just don’t want to do all the work!
Sometimes you are craving a classic dessert like Boston Cream Pie, but don’t really want to go through the full process of baking a cake. That is where an icebox cake comes in. They are great to make in the summer when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or even when you are just feeling a little lazy.
Icebox cake recipes are super easy to make, just layering ingredients and letting it set up in the fridge before you serve. It sets up similar to a cake and makes a delicious dessert for any occasion. It serves quite a few people, so it is great for get togethers.
What is an Icebox Cake
Traditionally an icebox cake uses graham crackers with pudding or whipped cream that is staked in layers. It sets up in the fridge for a couple hours and the crackers get soft. When you slice into it, it is similar to the texture of a traditional cake. It almost tastes like a vanilla cake, but it is actually graham crackers. Key Lime Icebox Cake is a great citrus version.
You can really use anything to make an icebox cake. I have used Oreo’s, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies and more. Pair chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and mint Oreo’s for a delicious chocolate and mint version! Ore use store bought chocolate chip cookies with vanilla pudding, hot fudge, whipped cream and M&M”s for a fun and colorful treat.
What You’ll Need
- Graham Crackers
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Chocolate Chips
- Butter
- Powdered Sugar
I call this icebox cake a Boston Cream Pie version, but it is also known as an Eclair cake. The flavor is very similar between the two, so if you want to call it a no bake eclair cake you definitely can! As soon as summer hits and it is hot outside, turning on the oven to bake something just doesn’t sound appealing anymore.
How To Make Boston Cream Pie Ice Box Cake
- Using a mixer, mix heavy cream until you have soft peaks. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until stiff peaks. Set aside.
- Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with a layer of graham crackers. Break them into squares or smaller to make them fit.
- In a large bowl mix together 2 boxes of pudding mix with 3 cups of milk. Whisk until it is well combined. Fold in the prepared whipped cream.
- Pour 1/2 of pudding mixture over graham crackers. Top with another layer of crackers, and the remaining pudding. Finally top with a 3rd layer of graham crackers. Set in the fridge while you make the chocolate topping.
- In a small sauce pan mix together all of the ingredients for the chocolate topping. Whisk and cook until the sugar is dissolved, but do not boil. Cook for about 5 minutes over a very low simmer. You can test on your finger or taste to see if it is smooth and the sugar is dissolved
- Pour over graham crackers, spreading evenly.
- Place in fridge for 4-6 hours until chocolate is completely set.
If you like Boston Cream Pie you will love these Boston Cream Pie Parfaits I posted a few months ago as well. They are great for parties because you can make them ahead. Plus they are layered and just so pretty!
This icebox cake gives you all the flavors you want in the traditional dessert, but it is super easy to make, no oven required. The graham crackers get soft as you let the “cake” set in the fridge, so they really taste like cake when you serve it.
More Easy No Bake Dessert Recipes
- Avalanche Cookies
- No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
- No Bake Monster Cookie Bars
- Jello Pie
- Mint Chocolate Chip Pie
- Kool Aid Pie
- Oreo Cream Squares
- Strawberry Ice Box Cake
Boston Cream Pie Ice Box Cake
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz box graham crackers
- 2 3.9 oz boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chip, (semi-sweet)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using a mixer, mix heavy cream until you have soft peaks. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until stiff peaks. Set aside.
- Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with a layer of graham crackers. Break then into squares or smaller to make them fit.
- In a large bowl mix together 2 boxes of pudding mix with 3 cups of milk. Whisk until well combined. Fold in the prepared whipped cream.
- Pour 1/2 of pudding mixture over graham crackers. Repeat with another layer of crackers, and the remaining pudding. Top with a 3rd layer of graham crackers.
- In a small sauce pan mix together all of the ingredients for the chocolate topping. Whisk and cook until the sugar is dissolved, but do not boil. Cook for about 5 minutes over a very low simmer. You can test on your finger or taste to see if it is smooth and the sugar is dissolved
- Pour over graham crackers, spreading evenly.
- Place in fridge for 4-6 hours until chocolate is completely set.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I created a fun group on Facebook,and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you
never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Did you know there is a Dinners,
Dishes, and Desserts SHOP? Lots of different E-Books for sale. Or you can buy me a
coffee to say thanks!
.
This is my new favorite ice box cake! Definitely making again
What size pudding boxes?
3.4 ounce
Love this recipe. I cannot get the sugar to dissolve. Could powdered sugar be used instead of the granulated? I have used the recipe several times with the same problem. Thanks for the help.
Yes, that should work just fine
This is not an accurate recipe. You need to fix the pudding how it specifies on the box and then fold in the whipped cream. Otherwise it’s liquid….or pour the pudding on and then put the whip on top.
Step 3 in the recipe card tells you to prepare the pudding. It is 100% accurate as written, I have made this a million times, and there is a video showing exactly how I make it as written on the post
“In a large bowl mix together 2 boxes of pudding mix with 3 cups of milk. Whisk until well combined. Fold in the prepared whipped cream.”
This looks fabulous! Can I freeze this? Is it best sitting overnight? Thank you so much for your help.
Yes, you can freeze it. It will probably last 1-2 months in the freezer if tightly wrapped. It is definitely good the next day, but I usually make it in the morning and serve it that night. As long as it sits 4 hours, it is good to go. After that it doesn’t change a whole lot. Enjoy!
This is the very best Choc. Eclair Cake recipe on the face of the earth. The chocolate topping becomes firm when chilled and makes it easier for cutting & serving. This will be my go-to recipe. Thank you for sharing.