Barefoot Contessa-Inspired Mocha Chocolate Dream Cake Recipe

Decadent layers of chocolate and coffee dance together in this mocha chocolate icebox cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Ina Garten’s classic dessert blends rich flavors with minimal effort.

No baking required means you can whip up this elegant treat in minutes.

The silky mascarpone cream and deep chocolate notes create a sophisticated dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Crisp chocolate wafers soften into luxurious cake-like layers as they chill in the refrigerator.

Chilled and sliced, this dessert delivers a stunning presentation that will impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.

This make-ahead marvel will become your secret weapon for effortless entertaining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes (or overnight)

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 466 kcal

Servings: 8

What You Need to Make Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

• Double Cream: Provides luxurious richness and creates the cake's smooth, velvety texture.
• Mascarpone: Adds tangy depth and creates a silky, luscious consistency.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and enhances overall sweetness.
• Vanilla: Brings warm, aromatic undertones that complement the chocolate.

• Kahlúa: Infuses sophisticated coffee liqueur notes for an adult twist.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate essence and deep color.
• Espresso Powder: Amplifies rich coffee undertones and boosts chocolate complexity.

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Creates layered base, softens into cake-like texture, provides delightful crunch.

• Shaved Chocolate: Adds elegant finishing touch, introduces extra chocolate dimension and visual appeal.

Tools for Building Your Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

• Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping mocha cream to perfection with its powerful whisk attachment.
• Springform Tin (8-inch): Key for creating clean, removable cake layers with easy serving.
• Whisk Attachment: Perfect for achieving firm, fluffy cream peaks.
• Sharp Knife: Helps smoothly release cake edges and create clean slices.
• Clingfilm: Protects cake during overnight chilling.
• Grater or Vegetable Peeler: Useful for creating chocolate shavings as a topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

Layer-by-Layer: Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake Instructions

• Mocha Cream Mixture

Whip together rich, silky ingredients in a mixer until they transform into a dreamy, cloud-like cream with deep coffee undertones that will make your taste buds dance.

• Cookie Foundation

Create a stunning base by carefully placing chocolate chip cookies in a springform pan, ensuring every inch is covered with delightful cookie goodness.

• Layering Magic

Build multiple layers of heavenly mocha cream and crisp cookies, each layer adding depth and complexity to this decadent dessert.

• Refrigerator Transformation

Let the cake rest overnight, allowing the cookies to soften and meld with the cream, creating a luscious, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.

• Chocolate Finale

Carefully remove the cake from its pan, crown it with delicate chocolate shavings, and slice into elegant wedges that will impress everyone at the table.

Chill Tips & Swaps for Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

• Expert Tips & Twists
• Chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping to help cream reach perfect peaks faster.
• Swap chocolate chip cookies with chocolate wafers or espresso-flavored cookies for a different flavor profile and texture variation.
• Prepare this dessert up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to develop and making party planning stress-free.
• Dust with cocoa powder, drizzle melted chocolate, or top with coffee beans for an elegant and professional presentation.

Sweet Serving Suggestions for Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

• Hosting a Dessert Party: Create an elegant dessert table with this icebox cake as the centerpiece, surrounding it with fresh berries and espresso shots for a sophisticated touch.
• Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a rich, dark roast coffee or a small glass of Kahlúa to complement the mocha flavors and enhance the dessert's creamy texture.
• Decorative Delights: Garnish individual slices with a light dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream to add visual appeal and extra indulgence.
• Summer Celebration: Bring this chilled dessert to outdoor gatherings, picnics, or barbecues as a cool, make-ahead treat that will impress guests with minimal last-minute preparation.

Keeping Your Icebox Cake Perfect – Planning & Storage

• Refrigerate Smartly: Wrap the icebox cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Store in the coldest part of the fridge for maximum freshness.
• Extend Enjoyment: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The cookies will continue to soften, creating an even more delectable texture as time passes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert 1-2 days before your event for maximum flavor development and convenience. The overnight chilling process intensifies the mocha cream's rich taste.
• Freezing Option: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving for the best taste and texture.

Luxurious Barefoot Contessa Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic mocha chocolate icebox cake blends rich espresso and chocolate flavors into a luxurious no-bake dessert. Cool whipped cream and chocolate wafers create an elegant make-ahead treat perfect for coffee and chocolate enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 340 g (12 oz) mascarpone cheese
• 475 ml (16 fl oz) cold double cream
• 225 g (8 oz) Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies
• 100 g (3.5 oz) caster sugar
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) Kahlúa liqueur
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Droste)
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• Shaved dark chocolate, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Mocha Cream Preparation: Whip double cream, mascarpone, granulated sugar, Kahlúa, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer. Blend from low to medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
2. Cookie Base Construction: Line an 8-inch springform pan with chocolate chip cookies, strategically breaking some to create a complete, seamless foundation that covers the entire base.
3. Layer Assembly: Alternate layers of cookies and mocha cream, creating five distinct tiers. Spread each cream layer evenly, ensuring full coverage of the previous cookie layer. Conclude with a final lavish cream topping, smoothing the surface with a spatula for a polished finish.
4. Chilling Process: Wrap the pan securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This crucial resting period allows cookies to soften and absorb the mocha cream, transforming into a luxurious, cake-like texture.
5. Presentation: Carefully release springform pan sides by running a knife around the edge. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with delicate chocolate shavings. Slice into elegant wedges and serve thoroughly chilled, revealing a decadent dessert perfect for sophisticated occasions.

Notes

• Master Cookie Selection: Choose crisp, high-quality chocolate chip cookies that can absorb moisture without becoming overly soggy, ensuring a perfect texture transformation during chilling.
• Cream Whipping Precision: Achieve stable, voluminous peaks by starting at low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high, preventing over-beating and maintaining the cream’s luxurious consistency.
• Overnight Magic: Allow the dessert to rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, enabling cookies to soften and meld with the mocha cream, creating a sublime cake-like texture.
• Chocolate Garnish Finesse: Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to create delicate chocolate shavings, sprinkling them elegantly across the top for a professional and appetizing presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes (or overnight)
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg