Banana Icebox Cake
Sweet, creamy, and full of cozy nostalgia, this banana icebox cake layers banana pudding, ripe bananas, graham crackers, and whipped topping into one chilled slab of joy. It's an easy, no-bake dessert that tastes like banana cream pie hugged by a cake—perfect for potlucks or any time you need a make-ahead treat!
12
slices
Ingredients
Base & Layers
- 2 3.4 oz boxes (192 g) banana cream instant pudding mix or substitute vanilla if needed
- 3 cups (700 ml) cold milk
- 2 8 oz tubs (450 g) whipped topping thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 1 box (400 g) graham crackers about 14-16 oz, enough for 4 layers
- 4-5 ripe bananas peeled and sliced
Topping (optional)
- Banana slices to garnish
- Crushed graham crackers for garnish
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Plastic Wrap
Instructions
- Whisk the banana cream pudding mixes with the cold milk in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Fold in one tub of whipped topping gently, using a spatula, until just combined and fluffy.
- Spread a few spoonfuls of the pudding mixture over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to create a thin base.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom, breaking some as needed to cover completely.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the crackers, covering them evenly.
- Scoop about one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas and gently spread into an even layer.
- Repeat the process (graham crackers, bananas, pudding) two more times for three complete layers, finishing with a layer of graham crackers on top.
- Top the final cracker layer with the second tub of whipped topping, spreading evenly and smoothly over the surface.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, garnish with extra banana slices, crushed graham crackers, and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
This cake gets creamier and more cake-like the longer it chills. Bananas may darken after a day; for best look, add fresh on top just before serving. Try mixing it up with vanilla pudding, fresh whipped cream, Nilla Wafers, or even peanut butter between layers! See full post for all substitutions and storage details.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1.2mg