Chocolate Wafer Icebox Cake (Zebra Cake)

This chocolate wafer icebox cake is made with just 4 simple ingredients and is a no-bake recipe. Made with crisp chocolate wafer cookies and homemade whipped cream, this easy dessert is perfect for hot Summer days or special occasions.

Also known as Zebra Cake or Famous Chocolate Wafer Icebox Cake.

What is Zebra Cake?

I first heard about this cake when looking at various Depression-era recipes. This time of history always fascinates me, especially since it really isn't all that far in the past. My husband and I both had Grandparents who lived through it, so it's of particular interest.

Icebox cakes (like this chocolate wafer icebox cake) became popular during this time thanks to increased poverty, and later: sugar rations. Families were only allowed to purchase a certain quantity of certain ingredients, since a good chunk of the national supply needed to be sent overseas to feed the troops during WW2. During this time, easy recipes that used pre-packaged ingredients like cookies and crackers became very popular.

An Easy No Bake Dessert

Today, we love these shortcuts because we lead very busy lives. Between work, commute, and screen time, we don't tend to dedicate as much time to meal preparation - especially desserts.

This Zebra cake (also called Famous chocolate wafer icebox cake) is made with chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream and requires zero oven time. You just have to assemble, chill, and then you're ready to slice and serve!

But best of all? It actually tastes great! My husband has requested this as his Birthday cake, and lucky me - it's a total cinch to make. The texture and flavors are like a very simplified black forest cake (hold the kirsch). I just know you're going to love it as much as we do!

Ingredients

• Chocolate wafer cookies: These are made by Nabisco in the US and by Christie's in Canada. in the US they are branded "Famous Chocolate Wafers" and in Canada, they are simply "Chocolate wafers". You can find them in the cookie aisle in grocery stores, or grouped with the graham crackers.
• Heavy whipping cream: If you want to use homemade whipped cream (highly recommended), you're going to want to use heavy cream.
• Sugar: I recommend using powdered sugar (AKA confectioners' sugar)for the perfect texture and better stabilization. You could use regular granulated sugar if you prefer.
• Vanilla: A touch of vanilla extract is optional, but recommended.

Shortcut Option:

• Cool Whip: If you would prefer to take a shortcut, you can substitute the ingredients used for homemade whipped cream (heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla) and use a tub of Cool Whip instead.

For Garnish (optional)

• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries
• Mint leaves

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Wafer Icebox Cake

Whipping the Cream

1. Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk or paddle attachment. Or, use a large bowl with an electric hand mixer.
2. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form - about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stop the mixer and use the whipped cream as directed in the recipe.

Preparing the Cake

TIP: Line your platter with parchment paper before getting started for easy clean-up.

Step one: Smooth about ½-1 cup of whipped cream (or Cool Whip) into the center of a serving platter, forming a long, rectangular shape.

Step two: Spread a chocolate wafer cookie with a heaping tablespoon of whipped cream, sandwiching it with another cookie.

Step three: Place the sandwiched cookies on top of the rectangle of whipped cream, with their round sides facing left and right, forming a log.

Step four: Spread each of the crisp cookies with whipped cream. Sandwich it with the last cookie in the log, until the platter is filled or the cookies are used up.

Step five: Top the log of chocolate wafer cookies with the remaining whipped cream, and spread it so it covers the top and all exposed sides.

Chilling

Like all recipes for no bake icebox cake, this Zebra Cake requires some time to chill in the fridge. This is what transforms the firm, black cocoa wafers into a delicious cake-like texture. The whipped cream soaks into the cookies, turning them into something soft, delicious, and perfect for slicing.

• Chill your cake for about 8-12 hours (a little less or a little more will work fine) for the best results.
• I like to make it in the morning to enjoy it with the evening meal.
• If celebrating an afternoon party or birthday, you can prepare it the night before and allow it to chill overnight.
• Wrap it gently in plastic wrap. I like to poke a few toothpicks in the cake so I can drape the plastic wrap. This helps prevent smooshing the whipped cream.

Decorating

After your chocolate icebox cake has chilled and is ready to serve, you can go ahead and decorate the top of the cake however you like!

Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries have a nice contrast)
• Mint leaves
• A dusting of cocoa powder
• Mini chocolate chips
• A thin layer of crushed leftover cookies
• Drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce

HINT: Prepare your decorations and garnish ahead of time. Add the shaved chocolate, berries, etc to a small bowl and store in the fridge until needed. 

Slicing and Serving

Once your cake is ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into slices diagonally.

It's really important to slice it diagonally because this is what gives the interior of the cake that beautiful striped pattern (hence the name Zebra cake).

Variations and Substitutions

With Oreo cookies: Substitute the chocolate wafer cookies for Oreo cookies that have been separated, with the centers removed. Layer the whipped cream in an 8X8 baking dish (or springform pan), then add a layer of cookies. Alternate layers of whipped cream and cookie halves, ending with whipped cream.

With graham crackers: Substitute the chocolate wafer cookies for graham crackers. Either maintain a log-style cake or layer it into a baking dish, alternating layers of whipped cream and a single layer of graham crackers.

With Cool Whip: Substitute the whipped cream for an 8oz container of frozen whipped topping. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand!

With Cream Cheese: Soften half of a brick of cream cheese (4oz), and whip it until fluffy. Fold it together with most of an 8oz container of Cool whip. Use in place of the whipped cream in the recipe. 

Gluten-free: Make your own Gluten-free chocolate wafer cookies (Gluten Free on a Shoestring has a great recipe) and use those in place of the store-bought ones.

Recipe FAQ's

More No Bake Desserts

• No Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
• Lazy Cheesecake Salad
• No Bake Nutella Pie
• Berry Cheesecake Salad
• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

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