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Banana Icebox Cake

This classic Banana Icebox Cake is a no-bake, crowd-pleasing dessert layered with ripe bananas, fluffy whipped cream (or Cool Whip), and soft vanilla wafers. Chilled to perfection, it transforms into a creamy, cake-like delight ideal for summer, potlucks, or easy weeknight treats. Simple to assemble and endlessly customizable, it's the ultimate fridge-friendly comfort dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern-inspired, No-bake
Servings 10
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8" or 9x13" glass baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer (if whipping cream)
  • Silicone spatula or offset spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Plastic wrap or lid for covering

Ingredients
  

  • 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 tub Cool Whip)
  • 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box Nilla Wafers (or graham crackers)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional for tangy flavor)
  • Optional garnish: caramel drizzle, extra banana slices, wafer crumbs, mint

Instructions
 

  • Prepare whipped cream:
  • In a cold bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. If using cream cheese, beat it separately until smooth, then fold into the whipped cream.

Slice bananas:

  • Slice bananas into 1/4" rounds. Optional: toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Layer the cake:

  • In the bottom of your dish, create a base layer of wafers. Spread a layer of whipped cream mixture on top. Add a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat: wafers → cream → bananas, ending with a top layer of cream.

Chill:

  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften.

Serve:

  • Just before serving, garnish with banana slices, caramel drizzle, or cookie crumbs. Slice with a clean, warm knife and enjoy chilled.

Notes

  • Best Bananas: Use yellow bananas with small brown specks for peak sweetness and texture.
  • Stabilized Cream: For longer fridge life, add 1 tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix to the whipped cream to stabilize it.
  • Make Ahead: Great when prepped 1 day ahead. Layers meld beautifully overnight.
  • Cookie Alternatives: Try graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread for a twist.
  • Flavor Upgrade: Mix in a spoonful of peanut butter, Nutella, or swirl caramel into the cream for added depth.
Keyword banana icebox cake,, Cool Whip cake, easy banana dessert, layered banana pudding, nilla wafer banana dessert, no-bake banana dessert, no-bake cake, summer banana treat, whipped cream banana cake