Sink your teeth into sweet layers of delicious cookies and cream flavor with this Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake! Made with simple ingredients, it’s the best no-bake cake you’ll ever taste. 

a slice of mocha oreo icebox cake topped with chocolate chips on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake

Here are just a few reasons why it’s one of our favorite no-bake desserts:

  • It uses less than ten ingredients and requires no baking
  • Because it’s so simple to make, this Oreo icebox cake is a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen
  • Easy to make ahead of time, it’s perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, and more. 
  • Layers of sweet mocha whipped cream and chocolate Oreo cookies satisfy all your cravings

Why Is It Called an Icebox Cake?

As the name suggests, icebox cakes get their name from an icebox which is a non-mechanical form of refrigeration popular during the 20th Century. Originally called refrigerators, iceboxes were not able to automatically regulate their temperature, meaning users had to frequently fill them with ice.

In order to comply with the growing popularity of these food storage devices, food manufacturers such as Nabisco began printing icebox recipes like the classic icebox cake on the back of cookie and wafer boxes. The original cakes come together in a baking dish. Then, they are stored in an icebox (or freezer today) to chill and set. 

When Were Icebox Cakes Invented? 

Icebox cakes were introduced to American culture in the 1920s when the National Biscuit Company, now known as Nabisco, began to market and distribute chocolate wafer cookies to grocery stores and included an icebox cake recipe on the back of the packaging. 

close up image of a mocha Oreo icebox cake topped with mini chocolate chips in a baking dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This mocha Oreo icebox cake takes the original version up a notch with an extra infusion of flavors you’ll love! Here’s what you’ll need:  

  • Heavy Cream – This forms the base of the whipped cream layer. 
  • Sugar – Regulate granulated sugar creates a sweet whipped topping. 
  • Cocoa Powder – We love to sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder into the whipped cream for a rich taste. 
  • Vanilla Extract – This is crucial to enhance the rest of the ingredients and add extra depth. 
  • Espresso – Brew your favorite espresso or strong coffee, and place it in the fridge to chill. The flavor makes the mocha Oreo icebox cake to die for. 
  • Mascarpone Cheese – Not only does this thicken the whipped layer, but it also helps it stabilize and hold its shape. 
  • Cream Cheese – Used for an extra creamy texture and a slightly tangy taste. 
  • Oreo Cookies – We use regular chocolate Oreos. However, double-stuffed Oreos or any kind you like best will taste great. 
  • Mini Chocolate Chips – These are sprinkled on top for a little extra texture and a pretty presentation. We love dark chocolate chips, but you can use semi-sweet or even white chocolate chips if preferred.  

How to Make a Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake

The easiest cake you’ll ever make, this recipe requires absolutely no baking and just a few minutes. All you’ll need are a stand mixer and a baking dish! 

  1. Make homemade sweetened whipped cream. Combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar, espresso, cocoa, and vanilla. Start by beating the ingredients on a low speed, and gradually increase the speed to high until stiff peaks form. 
  2. Layer the cake. Arrange the Oreos in a single layer at the bottom of a baking dish. Spread part of the whipped cream mixture on top.
  3. Add another layer. Repeat until there are three layers of cookies and whipped cream, and make sure to end with a layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. 
  4. Chill. Cover the Oreo icebox cake with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Dust with powdered sugar and cookie crumbs if desired before serving.
side image of a piece of mocha Oreo icebox cake topped with mini chocolate chips on a white plate.

Tips and Tricks

  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a hand mixer and a large mixing bowl
  • Fill in any gaps in the Oreo layers by crushing up more cookies, and sprinkling them in any sparse spaces. 
  • Mix up the flavor! Experiment with different Oreos to create fun-flavored icebox cakes. 
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free Oreos, or swapping them out with your favorite gluten-free chocolate wafers. 
  • Create smooth, clean pieces of cake by running a knife under hot water, and wiping it clean after each cut. 
  • Use Cool Whip. To save time and make this recipe unbelievably quick, skip making the whipped cream layer, and opt for whipped cream instead. It won’t taste quite as rich and delicious, but it will still be good! 

How to Store

Cover and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Any longer than that, and it tends to become soggy.

Common Questions About This Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake

Why is it called an icebox cake?

When icebox cakes originated, refrigerators were referred to as ice boxes.

Can I make this recipe caffeine-free?

Sure! Use any decaf espresso or coffee you like best.

Do you put icebox cake in the fridge or freezer?

We recommend placing the cake in the refrigerator. However, you can store it in the freezer to speed up the chilling process, if desired.

More Delicious Oreo Desserts

Can’t get enough Oreos in your life? Check out more of our favorite cookie-loaded desserts! 

side image of a piece of mocha Oreo icebox cake on a plate.

Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake

5 from 1 vote
Author: Food Dolls
Servings: 12 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Sink your teeth into sweet layers of delicious cookies and cream flavor with this Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake! Made with simple ingredients, it’s the best no-bake cake you’ll ever taste.

Ingredients  

  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons strong brewed espresso or coffee, chilled
  • 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 36-40 Oreo cookies
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar, espresso, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Mix on low speed to combine. Slowly raise the speed, beating until firm peaks are fomred.
    2 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold, 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, 4 ounces cream cheese, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 3 Tablespoons strong brewed espresso, 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • To assemble the cake, arrange Oreo cookies in an 8 x 8 square baking dish. Make sure to break cookies to fill in the gaps.
    36-40 Oreo cookies, 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
    Oreos in a layer in the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Spread a third of the mocha whipped cream over the Oreos
    Mocha whipped cream being spread over the Oreos.
  • Continue layering the cookies and whipped cream until there are 3 layers of each, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
    Oreos and mocha whipped cream being layered in a baking dish.
  • Smooth the top, and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
    Mocha Oreo icebox cake topped with chocolate chips.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 1132IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Alia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do! Learn more about us!

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