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