Banana Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert with layers of graham crackers, sliced bananas, and banana cream pudding, with a final layer of whipped topping. Then, it’s topped off with crushed graham crackers and more banana slices. If you love banana desserts, this may become one of your favorites! Plus, it is easy to put together! I also have a Banana Lush, another no-bake dessert you will want to check out.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pudding Mix: Look for two boxes (3.5 ounces each) of instant banana cream pudding mix.
Milk: I prefer to use whole milk to mix with the pudding mix. The higher fat content provides a creamier and richer texture. You can substitute 2% or 1% milk, but the texture may not be as creamy.
Bananas: Slice up 3-4 bananas for the layers of the dessert. I like to have an extra banana to slice for the topping, too, when ready to serve!
Whipped Topping: Store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip) can be used in the dessert. Or, make homemade whipped topping to use. You will need a total of 3 cups, which is about an 8-ounce tub of store-bought.
Graham Crackers: You will need about 3 1/2 sleeves of graham crackers for the dessert. There will be a total of four layers of crackers. You may also want to crush a few sheets of crackers for the topping for serving.
Why Is It Called An Icebox Cake?
Before we had refrigerators, there were non-mechanical chests that were insulated with blocks of ice to keep foods cold. The cakes are simple desserts that need to be chilled to be set before serving, so they would be stored in the ice chest, or icebox!
Variations Of Banana Icebox Cake
Although delicious as-is, there are some fun and tasty variations you could try! Here are some options:
- Try adding some chocolate to the cake by using chocolate pudding or a layer of chocolate ganache.
- Substitute chocolate graham crackers for the honey graham cracker layers.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the bananas for caramel banana icebox cake.
- Layer sliced strawberries with the bananas.
- For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in between layers.
- Make a dessert fit for Elvis by adding a layer of peanut butter to the dessert!
How To Store Banana Icebox Cake
Banana Icebox Cake is best enjoyed within a day or two of being chilled. It will last in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. However, the graham crackers may start to get a little soggy the longer it is stored.
Banana Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 2 packages (3.5 ounces each) instant banana cream pudding mix
- 2 ½ cups (612.5 g) whole milk
- 3-4 large bananas, sliced
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, divided (about 3 cups homemade)
- 3 ½ sleeves graham crackers, about 31 graham cracker sheets
Toppings
- sliced bananas
- crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add dry pudding mix and milk. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture together until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Gently fold in ½ cup of whipped topping until well combined.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Place them side by side, breaking pieces as needed.
- Top the graham crackers with an even layer of sliced bananas.
- Spread one-third of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, banana slices, and another ⅓ of the pudding mixture.
- Repeat with a third layer of graham crackers, banana slices, and the remaining pudding mixture.
- Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate* for 4 hours, up to overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with extra sliced bananas and crushed graham crackers for garnish.
Notes
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
What an easy dessert that everyone will love! I personally loved the creamy pudding and the flavor from the graham cracker layers. You can even make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Elizabeth
I love banana desserts, and this one is so good! You can't go wrong with lots of whipped cream, banana pudding, and graham crackers!
Rachael
If you are a fan of banana pudding, this is the dessert for you. You can make it up ahead since it's even better after it chills overnight.
Bella
This is a smooth dessert with a nice flavor and texture from the graham crackers! Great recipe for banana lovers!
Annabelle
If you're a banana lover, this is definitely worth trying and it's so easy to make!
Selena
So banana-y and fun! I love how easy and quick this is to put together!
You are a great cook. I love all your recipes. Thank you so much.
I love your recipes you have the best ideas and there simple enough for me to do thank you
Do you add half cup or half of the container of whipped topping with the pudding mixture?