Chocolate Chip Ice Box Cake – A Cool, Creamy Classic Made Gluten-Free
Updated Jul 07, 2025, Published Sep 28, 2023
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No bake desserts are the best because you don’t have to heat up your whole kitchen. Skip the oven and make this delicious Chocolate Chip Ice Box Cake. Made of layers of cookies and cream, this cake is rich in flavor.
If you’re looking for a make-ahead dessert that feels indulgent but is secretly simple, this Chocolate Chip Ice Box Cake might just be your new go-to. With layers of fluffy vanilla cream and crisp chocolate chip cookies that soften overnight into a dreamy, cake-like texture, it’s perfect for summer celebrations—or whenever you’re craving something sweet and no-bake.
Even better, it’s easy to make gluten-free thanks to the use of Homefree Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are certified gluten-free and allergy-friendly. And if you’re avoiding dairy? No problem. You can absolutely make this dessert dairy-free by swapping in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and using whipped coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No baking required: Perfect for hot days or when you just don’t want to turn on the oven.
Gluten-free and easy to adapt: With just a few swaps, it becomes a dairy-free treat as well.
Make-ahead magic: The longer it chills, the better it gets—ideal for prep-ahead entertaining.
Crowd-pleasing: It’s rich, sweet, and nostalgic, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- No baking required: Perfect for hot days or when you just don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Gluten-free and easy to adapt: With just a few swaps, it becomes a dairy-free treat as well.
- Make-ahead magic: The longer it chills, the better it gets—ideal for prep-ahead entertaining.
- Crowd-pleasing: It’s rich, sweet, and nostalgic, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Add fruit, drizzle with chocolate, or get creative with cookie layers!
What You Will Need
Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need to build this dreamy, creamy dessert:
- Cream cheese (or dairy-free cream cheese)
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream (or chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- Homefree Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tips and Variations
- Dairy-free version: Use plant-based cream cheese and the thick part of canned coconut cream (chilled overnight) instead of heavy cream.
- Layer creatively: Try alternating chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ones for a twist.
- Add-ins welcome: Stir in mini chocolate chips or fresh raspberries to the cream for texture and flavor.
- Garnish it right: Crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder all look and taste great.
- Chill time matters: Refrigerating overnight gives you the best texture—don’t skip this step!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually better when made the night before. The cookies soften into cake-like layers as it chills.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze individual squares for a firmer, ice cream cake-style treat. Let thaw slightly before serving.
What’s the best way to whip coconut cream?
Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop the solid cream and whip with a little powdered sugar until fluffy.
This dessert is easy to make, and it always impresses guests!
Get more cake recipes here!
Chocolate Chip Ice Box Cake
Ingredients
- 2 -8- ounce packages cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese, , at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream or coconut cream
- 15 ounces boxes Homefree Mini Chocolate Chips Cookies
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Slowly add in the cream while the mixer is going and continue to beat until everything is incorporated and the mixture is fluffy.
- Place a layer of cookies in an 8 by 8-inch casserole dish. Top with one third of the cream mixture, another layer of cookies, half the remaining cream mixture, another layer of cookies, and the remaining cream mixture. Crumble some cookies over the top, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
