Peanut Butter & Strawberry Delight Icebox Cake
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Peanut Butter & Strawberry Delight Icebox Cake! This delightful treat features layers of creamy peanut butter and velvety whipped cream, perfectly complemented by the crunch of peanut butter sandwich cookies. Each slice is adorned with luscious strawberry jelly, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of miniature peanut butter cups, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This icebox cake is not only easy to prepare but also offers a refreshing coolness that makes it the perfect dessert for warm days or any special celebration. With its rich taste and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweetest cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heavy cream
2 cups (Chilled)
Powdered sugar
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Smooth peanut butter
1 cup
Instant vanilla pudding mix
3 1/2 ounces
Peanut butter sandwich cookies
14 ounces
Strawberry jelly
2 1/2 cups, divided (Measured)
Sliced strawberries
1 1/2 cups
Miniature peanut butter cups
2 cups (Roughly chopped)
Chopped dry roasted salted peanuts
1/4 cup (To garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a large bowl and set aside.
2
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and smooth peanut butter together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Gradually add the instant vanilla pudding mix, stirring until fully incorporated.
3
Gently fold 3/4 of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Set this creamy layer aside.
4
In a 9-inch square glass baking dish, arrange a single layer of peanut butter sandwich cookies, breaking them as needed to fit into the bottom of the dish.
5
Spread 1/3 of the peanut butter cream over the cookie layer evenly. Drizzle 3/4 cup of strawberry jelly over the cream, followed by 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries and 1/2 cup of chopped miniature peanut butter cups.
6
Repeat the layering process two more times: a layer of cookies, followed by peanut butter cream, jelly, strawberries, and peanut butter cups each time.
7
Finish with the reserved whipped cream on top, smoothing it out evenly across the layers. Add dollops of the remaining jelly on top and swirl gently with a knife or skewer to create a beautiful marbling effect.
8
Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and salted peanuts over the whipped cream layer for added crunch and flavor.
9
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
10
Once chilled, slice into squares and serve to enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Peanut Butter & Strawberry Delight Icebox Cake?
It is a no-bake layered dessert featuring peanut butter sandwich cookies, creamy peanut butter cream, strawberry jelly, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
Does this recipe require any baking?
No, this is a completely no-bake dessert that sets in the refrigerator.
How long should the icebox cake chill?
The cake should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
While smooth peanut butter is recommended for a velvety texture, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer extra bits of peanuts throughout the cream.
What kind of cookies are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of peanut butter sandwich cookies, such as Nutter Butters.
How do I make the whipped cream layer?
Beat chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until firm peaks form.
Can I substitute store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, you can use whipped topping if you prefer, though homemade whipped cream provides a richer flavor.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 9-inch square glass baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Is the cream cheese necessary for the filling?
Yes, the cream cheese provides stability to the peanut butter layer and helps it set into a sliceable consistency.
Can I use a different fruit jelly?
Certainly! While strawberry is traditional for a PB&J flavor, grape or raspberry jelly would also be delicious.
How do I create the marbling effect on top?
Add dollops of the remaining jelly over the final whipped cream layer and gently swirl them with a knife or skewer.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using certified gluten-free peanut butter sandwich cookies and ensuring your pudding mix is gluten-free.
How many layers are in this cake?
The recipe involves repeating the cookie and peanut butter cream layering process three times.
What is the purpose of adding instant vanilla pudding mix?
The pudding mix acts as a thickener and stabilizer for the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture.
Do the cookies stay crunchy?
No, the cookies absorb moisture from the cream layers as they sit, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture.
What are the garnishes for this cake?
The cake is garnished with chopped miniature peanut butter cups and dry roasted salted peanuts.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, it is best made 24 hours in advance to ensure the cookie layers reach the perfect texture.
Is there a substitute for miniature peanut butter cups?
You can use chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars if peanut butter cups are unavailable.
How many servings does this cake provide?
Depending on the slice size, a 9-inch square dish typically yields 9 to 12 generous servings.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended as frozen ones may release too much moisture and make the cake watery.
What if my whipped cream doesn't form peaks?
Ensure the heavy cream, bowl, and beaters are very cold before starting for the best results.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between each cut.
Can I omit the salted peanuts?
Yes, if you prefer a smoother topping or have a specific texture preference, you can leave the peanuts off.
What is an icebox cake?
An icebox cake is a dessert made by layering cream and cookies or wafers, which then softens into a cake texture in the refrigerator (the 'icebox').
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can serve it as a frozen dessert, though the texture of the fresh strawberries will change once thawed.
Why do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting prevents lumps in the whipped cream, ensuring a smooth and velvety topping.
Can I use strawberry jam instead of jelly?
Yes, jam works well and provides a more rustic texture with bits of fruit.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and structural integrity of the cake.
How long will the cake last in the fridge?
It is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of being made.