Dreamy Ina Garten Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake Recipe by Ina Garten

A chocolate mocha icebox cake whispers decadent promises of pure indulgence.

Luxurious layers of creamy goodness melt together in a tantalizing dance of flavor.

Deep chocolate and bold coffee notes swirl seductively, creating a dessert that transcends ordinary expectations.

Silky textures beckon with each tempting spoonful, blending comfort and sophistication effortlessly.

Carefully selected ingredients sing in delicious harmony, transforming simple components into a culinary masterpiece.

The interplay of sweet and robust elements creates an irresistible symphony that will captivate your taste buds.

This dessert stands ready to transport you to a world of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Instructions for Mocha Icebox Cake Prep

Instructions for Mocha Icebox Cake Prep
  • Whip Up Creamy Mocha Magic

Grab your mixer and blend heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, Kahlúa, cocoa, espresso powder, and vanilla until luscious peaks rise and swirl dramatically.

  • Craft Cookie Foundation

Nestle chocolate chip cookies across the bottom of your springform pan, breaking pieces to create a seamless, delectable base that covers every inch.

  • Build Decadent Layers

Create a tantalizing tower by alternating smooth mocha cream and crisp cookie layers. Spread cream evenly across each cookie level, building five luxurious tiers that promise pure indulgence.

  • Chill and Transform

Seal the cake with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. During this time, flavors will dance and mingle, creating a harmonious dessert masterpiece.

  • Unveil and Celebrate

Release the cake’s edges with a gentle knife run, sprinkle delicate chocolate shavings across the top, and slice into elegant wedges. Serve cold and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Icebox Cake Variations and Adjustments

  • Boost Mocha Magic: Creative Twists for Irresistible Layers
  • Customize Cookie Base: Swap chocolate chip cookies with graham crackers, Oreos, or biscotti for unique flavor profiles and exciting texture variations.
  • Liqueur Love: Experiment with different liqueurs like Bailey's, amaretto, or rum to create personalized mocha cream variations that match your taste preferences.
  • Decadent Decorations: Top the dessert with chocolate-covered espresso beans, cocoa nibs, or caramel drizzle to enhance visual appeal and add extra flavor complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to 3 days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to simplify party planning and maximize convenience.

Serve Ina Garten’s Mocha Icebox Cake with Style

  • Serve with Decadent Coffee Companions: Pair this mocha-infused dessert with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich coffee undertones.
  • Elevate with Chocolate Drizzle: Create an elegant presentation by drizzling warm chocolate sauce or melted dark chocolate over each slice just before serving, adding a luxurious touch.
  • Garnish with Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle crushed espresso beans, cocoa nibs, or additional shaved chocolate on top to provide delightful texture and intensify the mocha experience.
  • Serve as Sophisticated Dessert Course: Present this elegant layered treat at dinner parties or special occasions as a show-stopping finale that combines creamy indulgence with bold coffee notes.

Save and Chill Mocha Icebox Cake

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Advance Prep Power: Whip up this dessert 24 hours before serving, giving flavors time to blend and cream to set perfectly in the refrigerator.
  • Portion Perfection: Slice and store individual servings in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for maximum 2 weeks without losing texture or taste.
  • Serving Strategy: Always remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the mocha whipped cream to reach ideal creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

All You Need for Ina Garten Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake

For Cream Layer:
  • Heavy Cream: Select organic, high-fat cream for richer texture and smoother whipping.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Choose creamy, fresh Italian-style cheese for luxurious smoothness.
  • Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for seamless blending and sweetness.
  • Kahlúa: Opt for authentic Mexican coffee liqueur for deep, robust flavor.
  • Cocoa Powder: Select high-quality dark cocoa for intense chocolate notes.
  • Espresso Powder: Choose finely ground, premium instant espresso for robust coffee essence.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pick pure, Madagascar bourbon vanilla for authentic, complex flavor.
For Cookie Base:
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies: Select crisp, buttery cookies with generous chocolate chunks for sturdy foundation.
For Garnish:
  • Shaved Chocolate: Use dark chocolate with high cocoa content for elegant, rich chocolate shavings.

Equipment for Assembling Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake

  • Electric mixer: Essential for whipping cream to perfect peaks quickly and evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining and beating cream ingredients smoothly.
  • 8-inch springform pan: Removable sided pan perfect for creating layered desserts with clean edges.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurately portioning ingredients.
  • Knife: Needed for running around pan edges and slicing cake.
  • Plastic wrap: Used to cover and protect cake while chilling.
  • Grater or vegetable peeler: Helpful for creating chocolate shavings as garnish.
  • Spatula: Assists in spreading cream evenly between cookie layers.
Print
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Dreamy Ina Garten Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake Recipe

Dreamy Ina Garten Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate mocha icebox cake melds rich mascarpone cream with espresso-soaked chocolate wafers. Layers of creamy indulgence chill into a luxurious dessert perfect for intimate gatherings and elegant dinner parties. You’ll savor each silky, coffee-infused bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (8-oz or 226 g) Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies
  • 12 oz (340 g) mascarpone cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Kahlúa liqueur
  • 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Shaved semisweet chocolate (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Whip Mixture: Combine heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, Kahlúa, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer, progressing from low to high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  2. Layer Foundation: Line an 8-inch springform pan with chocolate chip cookies, breaking cookies to fill gaps completely and create a uniform base.
  3. Cream Application: Spread one-fifth of the mocha cream evenly over the cookie layer, ensuring total and consistent coverage.
  4. Layering Technique: Systematically alternate between cookie layers and cream, creating precise, flat arrangements. Build five complete layers, finishing with a cream topping.
  5. Smoothing and Chilling: Carefully smooth the surface and wrap the entire cake in plastic. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to develop and texture to set perfectly.
  6. Finishing Touches: Remove springform pan sides by running a knife along the interior edges. Garnish with delicate chocolate shavings across the top.
  7. Serving: Present the cake chilled, cutting into elegant wedges that showcase the beautiful layered composition.

Notes

  • Ingredient Quality Matters: Use high-quality chocolate chip cookies and fresh mascarpone for the most luxurious taste and smooth texture.
  • Whipping Technique: Start mixing at low speed and gradually increase to prevent splattering and achieve perfect, glossy cream peaks.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Overnight refrigeration allows flavors to develop and helps the cake set into a cohesive, creamy dessert.
  • Cookie Placement Precision: Break cookies strategically to create a tight, even layer without gaps for a professional-looking finish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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