Description
This Peanut Butter Icebox Cake is a no-bake, creamy dessert that layers rich peanut butter cream and chocolate graham crackers to create a luscious, easy-to-make treat. Set overnight in the freezer, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, garnished with peanut butter cups for an extra indulgent touch. Ideal for peanut butter lovers looking for a simple yet impressive dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 16 chocolate graham crackers
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1.25 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (or Cool Whip), thawed
Garnish
- Peanut butter cups, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut butter mixture. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and smooth peanut butter until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar into the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Line the baking dish. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang on the sides to cover the top later.
- First layer of graham crackers. Arrange a layer of chocolate graham crackers on the bottom of the dish, usually three across, breaking pieces to fill gaps as needed.
- Spread peanut butter mixture. Spoon about one-third of the peanut butter cream mixture over the graham crackers and spread it evenly.
- Add second graham cracker layer. Place another layer of graham crackers over the peanut butter cream layer.
- Repeat layering. Add another third of the peanut butter mixture, then graham crackers, then the remaining peanut butter mixture, and finally top with crushed graham crackers for texture.
- Cover and freeze. Fold the plastic wrap over the top of the cake to cover it completely and place the dish in the freezer. Freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the layers to set.
- Thaw before serving. About an hour before serving, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw to a sliceable consistency at room temperature.
- Garnish and serve. Top the cake with peanut butter cups, slice, and serve chilled for a delicious dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use plastic wrap generously to make removal and slicing easier.
- Allow sufficient freezing time to get clean, firm slices.
- For an extra chocolatey touch, use chocolate peanut butter cups as garnish.
- This dessert can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 days.
