Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake

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. 

Why You’ll Love This Mocha Oreo Icebox Cake

If you have a sweet tooth but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, this mocha Oreo icebox cake is the recipe for you! Here are just a few reasons why it’s a dessert dream come true: 

• It uses less than 10 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. 

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 cream. 
• 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, but 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 semi-sweet or even white chocolate can be used, too! 

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 the 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 in the bottom of a baking dish. Spread part of the whipped cream mixture on top. 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. 
3. Chill. Cover the Oreo icebox cake with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge overnight.

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

This mocha Oreo icebox cake can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can place the cake in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving to help it set faster, but we do not recommend keeping it frozen for large periods of time! 

More Delicious Oreo Desserts

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

• Oreo Peanut Butter Bars
• Oreo Tiramisu 
• Cookies and Creme Rice Krispies Treats
• The Best No Bake Oreo Pie Recipe