Icebox Tiramisu is a mash-up between classic tiramisu and a good old fashioned ice box cake. Did your mom ever make the Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafer cake?
The recipe dates all the way back to the 1920s, pretty much right after the cookies first came out. Somebody discovered that if you stacked the the thin chocolate wafers with layers of sweetened whipped cream, and then refrigerated the whole thing, the cream seeps into the cookies and results in an ice cold creamy cake. It’s been a summer staple ever since. I took the concept and ran with it. Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers take the place of ladyfingers for this no-bake faux tiramisu dessert. I used instant espresso, Kahlua, whipped cream and dark chocolate, along with the cookies, to make the chocolatey layers. I assemble them in individual mason jars or dessert glasses so everybody gets their own. They are fabulous, and keep perfectly in the fridge for a day or so.
Each wafer gets a good soaking with a mixture of strong coffee and Kahlua, and then a sprinkling of shaved chocolate. I stack them 5 high with pillowy layers of sweetened whipped cream between each one. My wide mouth 1/2 pint canning jars are the perfect size to make and serve them in. Mine are from Kerr, but all the canning companies make them. They work great because you can assemble the cakes ahead of time, and then screw on the caps and refrigerate until needed. I top them with an extra dollop of whipped cream and more chocolate just before serving.
Mom’s icebox cake didn’t have the added benefit of strong coffee and Kahlua. The flavors soak into the cookies and make this dessert extra special. If you don’t have kahlua there are lots of other alternatives, like rum, Marsala, Amaretto, just name your pleasure. For the coffee you can use instant espresso, or your own brew, just make sure it’s nice and strong.
You can make these for a crowd, just allow 5 cookies per serving (there are about 40 cookies in the box). The Nabisco cookies have a way of flying off the shelves, especially now, in peak ice box cake season, so keep your eyes peeled. Amazon sells them, and you can also check out store brand alternatives.
You can do this with other types of wafer cookies, too. My store has a lemon variety and I make a great Limoncello version of this same dessert.
Icebox Tiramisu
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes:
- For a light and fruity no bake dessert, try this Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake!
Sometimes if I’m feeling in an elegant mood I’ll make these in vintage dessert glasses I find at thrift stores.
I highly recommend this recipe. It’s universally appealing, and very easy to throw together. I kept the serving size small, so they’re refreshing and not too heavy or caloric despite the whipped cream.
*This post has been updated and was originally published on June 11th, 2012
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46 Comments
Rita
July 27, 2019 at 2:34 amMy mum has been making tiramisu for the last 20 years when she got the recipe from my aunt in Rome, the thing is she’s ALWAYS used thickened (heavy) cream. I’ve made it many times at home & for work functions and it’s always been a hit. I don’t think we have those cookies in Australia, but using the cream does make it a very easy no bake dessert. I know quite a few chocoholics so this mocha version will go down a treat. These individual servings look awesome. Thank you for the lovely post.
Elise N
July 16, 2019 at 1:19 pmTHESE LOOK AMAZING! Any time theres extra chocolate added Im in! and no bake for summer is ideal
Just bummed Im gluten free and may be hard to find a good GF alternative cookie but Im going to try!
Sue
July 16, 2019 at 2:19 pmThere are quite a few gf lady fingers on the market to choose from.
Susan
June 19, 2015 at 10:40 amThis would be perfect for entertaining with the lovely presentation, Sue!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
June 16, 2015 at 10:46 amThis is SUCH a great idea!! I can eat those wafers a box at a time so making them into tiramisu? So dangerous!
Thyme (sarah)
June 14, 2015 at 3:17 amThis dessert caught my eye. No kitchen at the moment and house is in upheaval. I was trying to figure out something for Father’s Day. This would be yummy and pretty easy for us…if I can find the stand mixer…
Sarah | Broma Bakery
June 13, 2015 at 7:05 amMy sister’s been begging me to make an icebox cake recently. I think this is a sign!!
[email protected]'s+Recipes
June 13, 2015 at 6:30 amI love the individual servings! They look amazing, Sue.
Sue
June 13, 2015 at 9:25 amThanks Angie – what CAN’T you do with a mason jar??
Dom
June 13, 2015 at 2:56 ambloody lush!… genuinely ready to lick the screen!
Sue
June 13, 2015 at 9:25 amhaha, thanks Dom!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
June 12, 2015 at 7:37 pmOh what a treat, I’d love one of these and the individual serving size is just perfect!
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness
June 12, 2015 at 6:07 pmI have always wanted to make tiramisu! This sounds so good!
Sue
June 12, 2015 at 7:07 pmThis is a little different from classic tiramisu, but just as yummy 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
June 12, 2015 at 3:58 pmLove everything about this sweet treat – the individual servings and the mash-up of ice box cake and tiramisu. Pinned!!
Toni | BoulderLocavore
June 12, 2015 at 12:56 pmI have to admit I love a tiny dessert! These sound perfect and the little size would help curb my instinct to eat several servings!
Chris Scheuer
June 12, 2015 at 11:15 amI think I’ve been living under a rock. I’ve never had icebox cake but that’s about to change! This looks fabulous!!
Sue
June 12, 2015 at 12:26 pmOh Chris, how can that be??? The texture is really fantastic, like a cross between a mousse and a moist cake.
Shari Kelley
June 12, 2015 at 11:13 amAnything with whipped cream catches my eye, and then you add coffee and Kalua and chocolate! Oh my! This sounds just heavenly. I have tried to find those wafers before and can never seem to locate them. Did you find them in the cookie section of the grocery store and if so, which store? I’d rather find them locally instead of having to pay shipping. Thanks for a great recipe!
Sue
June 12, 2015 at 12:28 pmI’ve found them in the cookie section of many stores, Shari, but it is sometimes hard to spot them. They tend to be off at the top or bottom of the shelves. You can always ask. I would also suggest looking for other wafer type cookies…Trader Joe’s sells several different kinds, if you have a store near you.
Shari Kelley
June 14, 2015 at 2:47 pmThank you very much, Sue! I shop at Trader Joe’s all the time so will look there. I will also look harder or ask at the regular grocery stores. I appreciate you letting me know. P.S. I just used my popsicle mold I won from you last year. It is great! Thanks again!
Sue
June 14, 2015 at 2:53 pmOh wow, I forgot that you won it! You’re welcome 🙂
Susan
June 12, 2015 at 10:23 amThese look divine!
Teresa
June 12, 2015 at 10:22 amThis looks fabulous for the warm weather. I love your old fashioned measuring cup with the coffee in it. Where did you find that glass cup?
Sue
June 12, 2015 at 10:32 amThat was a thrift store find!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
June 12, 2015 at 9:49 amStill gorgeous! I love the jars too – and the photos – craving chocolate now! Have a great weekend.
Monique
June 12, 2015 at 8:54 amLove the sweet little presentation Sue.
Monica
June 12, 2015 at 8:23 amOh my – I’m loving this. Turning any dessert into one that features more chocolate always gets my vote! This is really easy and sounds delicious. Love the single-serve and jar options – great to grab from the fridge for dessert after grilling and eating outside.
Sue
June 12, 2015 at 8:35 amThanks Monica – these are a family favorite around here – have a fun weekend!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness
August 2, 2013 at 7:15 pmI love it. This is an amazing looking dessert!
grace
July 13, 2012 at 10:12 pmi’ve never had a true icebox cake, but i’ll be darned if this isn’t one of the classiest desserts i’ve seen. how unexpected!
Stephanie
July 13, 2012 at 11:24 amBeautiful presentation Sue!
Jacquelyn Grandy
July 12, 2012 at 1:54 pmHi Sue! Sadly, I have never had the icebox cake, I guess I was a neglected child ? I might just make the classic version up for my kids as a quick throw together dessert and your version for John and I.
How do you get such close up photo’s with no blur. Are you using a tripod, high ISO or Aperture? Curious, as I am just starting to work on a manual setting.
Mary
July 12, 2012 at 1:06 pmOnce again, I’m wishing we were neighbors! I just last year tried the famous icebox wafer cake for the first time. I seriously could have eaten the entire thing. Completely addictive! This version though, oh. my. gosh. You rock. It’s a very good thing you can make these one at a time. I can only imagine how dangerous an entire cake would be!
I’ve missed seeing your posts! If I could just stay in town long enough to catch up, I’d be a very happy girl!! Have a beautiful day, Sue!
Cathy at Wives with Knives
July 12, 2012 at 12:42 pmI love those chocolate wafers. I remember my mom making the famous chocolate refrigerator roll when I was a small child. Individual servings are a great idea.
Magnolia Verandah
July 12, 2012 at 1:15 amLooks perfect especially in those glasses.
tiffany rose
July 12, 2012 at 6:56 amTiramisu is my favorite, I had one for my wedding cake. This looks to be a cool and fun variation, and easy too. Must try the yummy!
Ellen B Cookery
July 11, 2012 at 9:33 pmThis is so pretty. Something to serve at a dinner party since it has such an awesome presentation…
Katie
July 12, 2012 at 12:18 amThat last picture is gorgeous Sue!
Sue/the view from great island
July 12, 2012 at 1:00 amThanks, Katie!
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes
July 12, 2012 at 12:15 amOMG, decadent, deadly & devine and delicious!
Heather @girlichef.com
July 11, 2012 at 7:25 pmI don’t think I’ve ever tried that icebox cake…at least not that I remember. But I would LOVE these. Great serving sizes, too…it would help me keep myself in check ;P
From Beyond My Kitchen Window
July 11, 2012 at 6:35 pmIt looks so luscious. Ina makes a similar icebox cake with chocolate chips cookies. I have to wait until I have a party to have this delicious dessert. I lack self control!!!
Sue/the view from great island
July 12, 2012 at 12:53 amThat’s why I like this one, you can just make a couple at a time. Self control is not my thing either 😉
Kate
July 11, 2012 at 6:07 pmLooks fantastic. Great idea… can’t wait to hear your variations.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert
July 11, 2012 at 4:25 pmYum, yum, yum, yum, yum! What a great summer dessert. You know I love this one!! Beautiful photos too 🙂