If you’re craving a dessert that’s delightfully rich, irresistibly creamy, and bursts with nostalgic peanut butter flavor, the Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This no-bake layered wonder combines crunchy Nutter Butter cookies with luscious peanut butter cream, creating a treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this cake delivers pure comfort in every bite, melding texture and flavor in the most satisfying way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward with ingredients that each bring their own magic — from the creamy base to the crunchy cookie layers. These simple staples come together to build a dessert that’s elevated in taste and texture without any fuss.
- 24 Nutter Butter cookies: The star of the show, these peanut butter sandwich cookies provide the perfect crunch and flavor foundation.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped into stiff peaks, it adds irresistibly light and fluffy texture to the filling.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness to balance the peanut butter’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle aroma that enhances all the flavors, rounding them out beautifully.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The peanut butter flavor powerhouse that defines the character of this cake.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the cream cheese and peanut butter mixture for that smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Crushed Nutter Butters or cookie crumbs for topping: Optional but highly recommended for crunch and visual appeal.
- Chocolate or peanut butter sauce for drizzling: Adds a decadent finish that you can customize to your taste.
How to Make Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by whipping the heavy cream along with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you reach stiff peaks. This is key because the fluffy texture will lighten the rich peanut butter cream and make your cake airy and luscious. Set this aside while you prepare the peanut butter mixture.
Step 2: Blend Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with creamy peanut butter until you have a smooth, velvety mixture. This blend forms the creamy heart of your icebox cake. Adding milk next makes the filling silky and easy to spread, so be sure to mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Take your time with this step—folding helps keep the fluffiness intact while fully incorporating all the rich flavors in the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Begin by spreading a thin layer of the peanut butter cream mixture in your dish, then carefully arrange a layer of Nutter Butter cookies on top. It’s okay to break some cookies to make them fit neatly. Cover the cookies with another layer of the creamy filling. Repeat the layering process until you finish with a generous layer of the cream mixture on top. This luscious layering is what makes this icebox cake a runaway favorite.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover your cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or, even better, overnight. This chilling allows the cookies to soften as they soak up flavors, transforming the texture into something dreamy and cake-like without any baking involved.
How to Serve Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle crushed Nutter Butter cookies or cookie crumbs over the top for an added crunch that excites every bite. A drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce not only adds a beautiful sheen but also an extra dimension of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh accompaniments like sliced strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their freshness balances the richness of the cake, creating a well-rounded dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, serve individual portions in clear cups or ramekins, layering the cookies and peanut butter cream right before guests’ eyes. You can also decorate with chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture that makes this classic Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. The cake holds up beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen over time, making each bite as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for a quick and convenient treat whenever you desire that luscious peanut butter goodness.
Reheating
This icebox cake is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. In fact, warming it might detract from its creamy texture, so keep it cool for the full flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast throughout the cake, giving you little bursts of peanutty crunch alongside the smooth, creamy layers.
How long should I chill the cake for the best texture?
For the most perfect soft yet slightly firm texture, chilling the cake overnight is ideal. This allows the cookies to fully absorb the cream mixture and soften into that signature icebox cake consistency.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Since Nutter Butter cookies contain gluten, you would need to substitute them with a gluten-free peanut butter cookie alternative to make the recipe gluten-free, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! This Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe is beloved by all ages thanks to its sweet, creamy, and peanut buttery flavors. Just make sure there are no peanut allergies among your guests before serving.
Can I prepare the cake in advance for parties?
Yes, this cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day or two in advance, and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors get better with time, making it perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a no-bake dessert that feels like a special treat, and this Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s simple to make yet delivers layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent anytime. I encourage you to give it a try for your next sweet craving or special occasion—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert lineup!
Print
Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring creamy peanut butter filling and crunchy Nutter Butter cookies. Whipped cream and cream cheese create a luscious texture that softens the cookies after chilling, making it an effortless yet indulgent treat perfect for warm days or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 24 Nutter Butter cookies
Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping (Optional)
- Crushed Nutter Butters or cookie crumbs
- Chocolate or peanut butter sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Set aside this fluffy whipped cream mixture for folding later.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until smooth and uniform. Gradually add the milk while mixing until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate it fully without deflating the whipped cream, creating a light, airy filling.
- Assemble Layers: In an 8×8-inch dish (or similar), spread a thin layer of the peanut butter filling on the bottom. Arrange a layer of Nutter Butter cookies over the filling, breaking some cookies to fit the dish as needed. Spread another layer of the peanut butter cream mixture over the cookies.
- Repeat Layering: Continue layering cookies and peanut butter cream, ending with a final layer of the cream mixture on top.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time softens the cookies and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle crushed Nutter Butter cookies or crumbs on top for texture. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate or peanut butter sauce for extra decadence.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a textural contrast in the filling.
- This cake benefits from being made a day ahead and kept chilled for up to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
