Banana and Graham Cracker Icebox Cake

Discover a delightful easy dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, no-bake treat! This Banana and Graham Cracker Icebox Cake delivers layers of creamy goodness with fresh bananas, velvety pudding, and graham crackers that soften to cake-like perfection.

Craving a nostalgic dessert that’s both effortless and delicious? This recipe brings together classic flavors with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.

Dessert lovers and busy home cooks will appreciate how easy this no-bake cake is to assemble. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a stunning, layered dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether for a summer gathering or a make-ahead sweet treat, this icebox cake is an absolute winner!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap

Ingredients Overview

• Graham Crackers: Form the layers that absorb moisture and turn cake-like.
• Bananas: Add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Vanilla Pudding & Whipped Cream: Create a light, fluffy filling.

Ingredients

For the Icebox Cake

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
• 1 box (14 oz) graham crackers
• 3 large bananas, sliced

For Topping (Optional)

• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup caramel drizzle
• 1/4 cup chocolate shavings

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then gently fold in the whipped topping.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

1. Spread a thin layer of pudding mixture at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place a layer of graham crackers over the pudding, breaking them as needed to fit.
3. Spread a generous layer of pudding mixture over the crackers.
4. Arrange a layer of banana slices over the pudding.
5. Repeat the layers (graham crackers, pudding, bananas) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.

Step 3: Chill & Set

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
2. The graham crackers will soften, creating a cake-like texture.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1. Before serving, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, drizzle caramel, and add chocolate shavings for extra flavor.
2. Slice and enjoy chilled!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Chill Time

4 hours

Total Time

4 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~12 servings)

• Calories: ~280
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Protein: ~4g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between the graham cracker layers.
• Prevent Browning: Toss banana slices in lemon juice to keep them fresh.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate pudding instead?
Yes! Chocolate pudding makes a delicious twist on this recipe.

How long does this last in the fridge?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze banana icebox cake?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Berry Version: Swap bananas for strawberries or mixed berries.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between layers.
• Lighter Option: Use sugar-free pudding and low-fat whipped topping.

Banana and Graham Cracker Icebox Cake

Discover a delightful easy dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, no-bake treat! This **Banana and Graham Cracker Icebox Cake** delivers layers of creamy goodness with fresh bananas, velvety pudding, and graham crackers that soften to cake-like perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Icebox Cake**
• - 2 boxes 3.4 oz each instant vanilla pudding mix
• - 3 cups cold milk
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 3 cups whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
• - 1 box 14 oz graham crackers
• - 3 large bananas sliced
• #### **For Topping Optional**
• - 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• - 1/4 cup caramel drizzle
• - 1/4 cup chocolate shavings

Equipment

• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• - Plastic wrap

Method

 

1. #### **Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture**
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then gently fold in the whipped topping.
4. #### **Step 2: Assemble the Layers**
5. Spread a thin layer of pudding mixture at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Place a layer of graham crackers over the pudding, breaking them as needed to fit.
7. Spread a generous layer of pudding mixture over the crackers.
8. Arrange a layer of banana slices over the pudding.
9. Repeat the layers (graham crackers, pudding, bananas) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
10. #### **Step 3: Chill & Set**
11. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
12. The graham crackers will soften, creating a cake-like texture.
13. #### **Step 4: Garnish & Serve**
14. Before serving, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, drizzle caramel, and add chocolate shavings for extra flavor.
15. Slice and enjoy chilled!