German Chocolate Icebox Cake: layers of homemade frosting, rich chocolate mousse, and chocolate graham crackers topped with whipped cream, pecans, and coconut.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE ICEBOX CAKE - White plate, wooden table, grey napkin, metal fork

Thereโ€™s no beating the classic German Chocolate Frosting, a rich, thick, creamy caramel sauce mixed with coconut and pecans. We could whip up a batch of the frosting and eat it straight with graham crackers (or a spoon if youโ€™re my hubby), precisely what inspired this recipe.

I love crafting new icebox cake recipes, especially since they require no baking. During the spring and summer months, no-bake recipes are my favorite go-to.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE ICEBOX CAKE - White plate, wooden table, metal work, grey napkin

German Chocolate recipes are great for parties, potlucks, and small get-togethers.

What is an ice box cake?

An icebox cake is a tasty and easy dessert that’s been around for ages. It’s a no-bake cake with just a few ingredients and simple prep, making it a hit for parties, potlucks, or just enjoying at home.

An icebox cake is a straightforward dessert: layer cookies or crackers with whipped cream, pudding, or other creamy fillings in a dish. Chill it in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld, resulting in its distinctive taste and texture.

How to create ice box Cake layers

  • Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with a single layer of chocolate graham crackers. Break the crackers into small pieces to cover the bottom if you need to fill in a few spots.
  • Divide the German Chocolate Cake frosting in half (I eyeball it). Spread half of the frosting over the bottom layer of graham crackers.
  • Add half of the chocolate mousse to the top of the German Chocolate Cake Frosting or the frosting, topping of choice, and then add another layer of chocolate graham crackers.
  • Repeat the steps to layer German chocolate frosting and the last half of the mousse. Top with a final layer of chocolate graham crackers.
  • Top the cake with desired toppings.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or foil & place in the fridge for 2-3 hours to chill and allow the mousse to set.
  • Cut icebox cake and serve with a caramel drizzle on top. Devour & enjoy!

Other German Chocolate-inspired recipes

Pin To Your Favoriteย Pinterestย Board!

german chocolate ice box cake collage with two images and recipe title

German Chocolate Icebox Cake

Prep: 2 hours 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 866 kcal
German Chocolate Icebox Cake – layers of homemade frosting, rich chocolate mousse, & chocolate graham crackers topped with whipped cream, pecans, & coconut.

Ingredients
 

German Chocolate Cake Frosting

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup Tate+Lyleยฎ Organic Raw Cane Sugar
  • 3 egg yolks beaten with 1 teaspoon water
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup flaked coconut

Icebox Cake

  • 24 chocolate graham crackers
  • 8 ounce cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup Tate+Lyleยฎ Organic Raw Cane Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 8 ounce container whipped topping

Topping

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup Tate+Lyleยฎ Organic Raw Cane Sugar
  • 1 cup toasted coconut for topping
  • 1 cup chopped pecans for topping
  • 1 cup jarred caramel sauce

Instructions
 

German Chocolate Cake Frosting

  • NOTE: If you do not wish to make the frosting, you can use 2 containers of store-bought coconut pecan frosting as a substitute. I prefer the taste of homemade frosting.
  • In a large saucepan, combine evaporated milk and cornstarch, and mix; add in sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low-medium heat until it reaches a slow boil. Stir constantly until thick – about 12 minutes from when it starts to slowly boil. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut. This frosting will thicken up as it cools. Let cool 1 hour before spreading on cake.

Chocolate Mousse

  • In a medium mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sugar, and milk, and beat together until smooth. Mix in cocoa and again beat until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in 8-ounce container of whipped topping.

Assembly

  • Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with a single layer of chocolate graham crackers. If you need to fill in a few spots, break into small pieces to cover the bottom.
  • Divide the German Chocolate Cake frosting in half (I just eyeball it). Spread half of the frosting over the bottom layer of graham crackers.
  • Add half of the chocolate mousse to the top of the German Chocolate Cake Frosting and then add another layer of chocolate graham crackers.
  • Repeat the steps again layering German Chocolate Frosting and the last half of the mousse. Top with a final layer of chocolate graham crackers.

Homemade Whipped Topping

  • Add whipping cream and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form. Spread over graham crackers.
  • Top the cake with toasted coconut and chopped pecans.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or foil & place in fridge for 2-3 hours to chill and allow mousse to set.
  • Cut icebox cake and serve with a caramel drizzle on top. Devour & enjoy!

Notes

Total time includes the time to chill. German Chocolate Cake Frosting from A Dash of Sanity Chocolate Mousse Recipe from Life Love and Sugar
Calories: 866kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 10gFat: 59gSaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 439mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 6gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 1235IUVitamin C: 1.1mgCalcium: 179mgIron: 2.9mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know what you think!

Similar Posts

13 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    Made this last night for a gal pal lunch today. Used store bought frosting. It was really good, everyone loved it and I shared the recipe with a few. I plan to make it again for Father’s day and I might try to make the frosting too.

    1. So glad to hear everyone loved it! The homemade frosting is definitely worth it, I hope you do give it a try!

  2. 5 stars
    This looks absolutely delicious! I love the idea of combining icebox cake sensibilities with the flavors of German chocolate cake. Genius!

  3. 5 stars
    As a chocolate lover, I cannot get enough of this cake! Recipe is so simple to follow and delicious!

4.80 from 10 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating