Description
Alton Brown’s Icebox Cake delivers classic dessert magic with minimal effort. Layers of whipped cream and chocolate wafers create a delightful no-bake treat you can chill and slice for a cool, creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (710 ml) heavy cream, cold
- 70 chocolate wafer cookies
- 1 packet powdered gelatin
Main Flavoring Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch by 4-inch by 3-inch (20.3 cm by 10.2 cm by 7.6 cm) loaf pan with plastic wrap, creating generous overhangs on all sides for easy removal.
- Create a base layer by carefully positioning chocolate wafers across the bottom and vertically along the pan’s interior walls, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of cold water, allowing it to hydrate and bloom for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Gently heat the gelatin mixture over low heat, stirring until completely dissolved. Avoid boiling to preserve gelatin’s structural integrity.
- Remove from heat and incorporate espresso powder, pure vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur, stirring until uniformly combined.
- Using a stand mixer, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt on high speed until soft, billowy peaks form, approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Reduce mixer speed to low, gradually stream in the cooled gelatin mixture, then return to high speed and whip until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
- Transfer the whipped cream mixture into the prepared pan, filling approximately three-quarters of the space.
- Methodically arrange remaining chocolate wafers in 4 precise rows of 12 cookies, positioning them edge-down and leaving slight gaps between each cookie.
- Distribute remaining whipped cream between cookie rows, smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
- Fold plastic wrap overhang gently across the top, sealing the dessert completely.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 24 hours to allow complete setting and flavor melding.
- When ready to serve, carefully unwrap the plastic, transfer to a serving plate, slice cleanly, and present immediately.
Notes
- Cold ingredients guarantee a light, airy texture that elevates the entire dessert’s structure.
- Premium chocolate wafers and robust espresso transform this simple treat into an extraordinary experience.
- Precise wafer placement creates seamless layers that meld together like a delicious architectural masterpiece.
- Extended resting time allows flavors to develop deep, complex notes that dance across your palate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 294
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.4 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1.9 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg