Sweet-Tooth Ina Garten Mocha Icebox Cake Recipe

Mocha icebox cake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that whispers elegance and comfort.

Cold cream whips into luxurious peaks while coffee-infused notes dance across delicate layers.

Smooth mascarpone blends seamlessly with rich cocoa, creating a sophisticated balance of flavors.

Crisp cookies soften into tender planks, absorbing decadent liqueurs and creamy textures.

Each spoonful promises a delightful contrast between crunchy and silky elements that melt on your tongue.

Delicate yet indulgent, this chilled treat feels like a secret shared between friends.

Weekend gatherings or quiet evenings will never be the same with this stunning dessert waiting in the refrigerator: get ready to impress.

Icebox Cake Storage Guidelines That Work

• Freeze Whole: Seal the entire icebox cake in a freezer-safe container, protecting its layered structure. Wrap thoroughly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring a delightful dessert is always ready when unexpected guests arrive.
• Refrigerate Individual Slices: Cut remaining cake into single servings before storing. Place slices in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate up to 5 days, allowing quick grab-and-go treats for sudden sweet cravings.
• Room Temperature Handling: Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This slight warming helps soften the cream layers and enhances the chocolate and coffee flavors. Serve chilled for the best texture and taste experience.

Ways to Remix the Classic Mocha Dessert

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace chocolate chip cookies with double chocolate chip cookies and add dark chocolate shavings between layers for an intensified chocolate experience.
• Nutty Mocha Magic: Incorporate chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts between cookie layers to introduce a crunchy texture and complementary flavor profile.
• Espresso Caramel Crunch: Drizzle salted caramel sauce between layers and sprinkle crushed espresso beans on top for a sophisticated coffee-caramel enhancement.
• Seasonal Berry Blend: Add fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between layers to create a fruity contrast with the rich mocha cream, providing a refreshing summer-inspired version.

Closing the Chapter on Mocha Magic

Mocha icebox cake embodies pure culinary magic, blending rich chocolate chip cookies with silky mocha whipped cream.

Coffee liqueur adds sophisticated depth to this elegant dessert.

Layers of creamy mascarpone and espresso create irresistible complexity for chocolate enthusiasts.

Zero baking required makes this recipe ridiculously simple and impressive.

Ina Garten’s genius shines through her masterful combination of textures and flavors.

Readers, this incredible dessert demands social media celebration – snap a photo, share the deliciousness, and spread sweet mocha magic with friends who crave extraordinary dessert experiences.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Mocha Icebox Cake

• Decadent Layered Delight: This mocha icebox cake offers a luxurious no-bake dessert experience that combines rich chocolate chip cookies with velvety mocha whipped cream, creating an indulgent treat that feels like a special occasion.
• Effortless Elegance: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels. Simply layer cookies and cream, then let the refrigerator do the hard work of transforming simple ingredients into a stunning dessert.
• Coffee Lover's Dream: Infused with espresso powder, coffee liqueur, and cocoa, this dessert delivers an intense mocha flavor that provides a sophisticated twist on traditional icebox cakes. The deep coffee notes complement the sweet chocolate cookies perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared entirely in advance, making it ideal for dinner parties, gatherings, or when you want a stress-free dessert option. Prepare it the night before, and you'll have a show-stopping treat ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need for Ina’s Icebox Cake

• Heavy Cream: Cold cream ensures perfect whipped texture and provides rich, smooth base for the dessert.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese adds luxurious richness and stabilizes whipped cream.

• Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps stabilize whipped cream structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor with warm, classic aroma.
• Coffee Liqueur: Adds sophisticated mocha depth and subtle alcohol undertone.

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Crisp base that softens into cake-like texture when layered with cream.
• Cocoa Powder: Contributes deep chocolate flavor and rich dark color.
• Espresso Powder: Intensifies mocha profile with concentrated coffee essence.
• Semisweet Chocolate: Garnish that provides elegant chocolate shavings for topping.

How to Build Layers of Mocha Bliss

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

• Cold heavy cream
• Mascarpone cheese
• Sugar
• Coffee liqueur
• Cocoa powder
• Espresso powder
• Vanilla extract

Electric mixer

Whisk attachment

8-inch springform pan

Chocolate chip cookies

Semisweet chocolate bar

Step 2: Whip Up Mocha Cream

Start by combining all cream ingredients in the electric mixer bowl. Begin mixing on low speed to blend everything smoothly. Gradually increase mixer speed until the mixture transforms into thick, luxurious peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 3: Build Cookie Layers

Create a delicious foundation by carefully arranging chocolate chip cookies across the bottom of the springform pan. Break cookies if needed to cover every inch of the surface. Spread a generous layer of mocha whipped cream evenly over the cookies.

Step 4: Continue Layering

Repeat the cookie and cream layering process. Alternate between flat cookie layers and cream, creating five total layers. Ensure each layer is even and covers the previous one completely. Your final layer should be a smooth cream topping.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This waiting period allows flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly.

Step 6: Unveil and Serve

Remove the springform pan sides carefully. Sprinkle freshly shaved semisweet chocolate across the top for an elegant finish. Slice into wedges and serve chilled for a luxurious dessert experience.

Pro Tips for Setting Your Icebox Cake Perfectly

• Chill Your Cream: Refrigerate heavy cream before whipping to guarantee perfect, fluffy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Start whipping cream and mascarpone on low speed, gradually increasing to prevent messy splatters and create a silky-smooth texture.
• Cookie Quality Matters: Select fresh, crisp chocolate chip cookies to maintain ideal texture. Stale cookies will turn soggy and compromise the cake's delightful structure.
• Spread Like a Pro: Use an offset spatula or spoon's back to create perfectly even, smooth layers of mocha cream between cookies for a professional-looking dessert.
• Patience Pays Off: Let the icebox cake rest in the refrigerator overnight, allowing flavors to develop and the dessert to set into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece.

Ina Garten Mocha Icebox Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mocha Icebox Cake combines rich chocolate and coffee flavors in a luxurious no-bake dessert. Silky layers of whipped cream and chocolate wafers create an elegant treat that chills perfectly, promising a cool and indulgent experience for chocolate enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 g) Italian mascarpone cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream
• 3 (8-ounce/225 g each) packages chocolate chip cookies

Flavor Enhancers and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) coffee liqueur
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) instant espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Shaved semisweet chocolate

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Instructions

1. Craft the mocha-infused whipped cream by combining chilled heavy cream (236 milliliters), mascarpone cheese (226 grams), granulated sugar (50 grams), coffee liqueur (30 milliliters), unsweetened cocoa powder (15 grams), instant espresso powder (5 grams), and pure vanilla extract (5 milliliters) in an electric mixer’s bowl fitted with a whisk attachment.
2. Begin mixing on low speed to incorporate ingredients, then gradually increase speed until the mixture develops firm, stable peaks with a rich, velvety texture.
3. Select an 8-inch (20 centimeters) springform pan and create the first foundation layer by arranging chocolate chip cookies flat across the bottom, strategically breaking cookies to eliminate any visible gaps.
4. Delicately spread approximately one-fifth of the mocha whipped cream evenly over the initial cookie layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
5. Continue constructing subsequent layers by alternating chocolate chip cookies and mocha whipped cream, maintaining a precise pattern of five total layers.
6. Complete the dessert with a final luxurious layer of mocha whipped cream, smoothing the surface to create an elegant, uniform appearance.
7. Securely cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to develop.
8. When ready to serve, carefully release the springform pan’s sides and run a sharp knife around the cake’s perimeter to ensure clean separation.
9. Embellish the top with delicate shavings of semisweet chocolate, slice into wedges, and present the chilled dessert for an indulgent experience.

Notes

• Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Cold heavy cream whips up faster and creates firmer peaks, ensuring a luxurious texture for your mocha icebox cake.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Slowly blend mascarpone and cream at low speed to prevent messy splatters and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
• Cookie Quality Matters: Select fresh, crisp chocolate chip cookies that will maintain their structure when layered with creamy filling.
• Precise Layer Application: Spread mocha cream evenly using an offset spatula or spoon back, creating uniform and visually appealing cake layers.
• Strategic Resting Period: Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to intensify and develop a perfectly set, creamy dessert texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg