The Elvis Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
The Elvis Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
The Elvis: A Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake That Will Make You Sing
Ever find yourself craving something insanely delicious but absolutely cannot be bothered turning on the oven? I get it! That's where this chocolate peanut butter icebox cake comes to the rescue.
It's a no-bake dessert dream come true, trust me.
What's the Deal with Icebox Cakes Anyway?
Icebox cakes are classic , right? Think of them as the original easy dessert recipe . Born out of necessity (before everyone had ovens), they’re basically a layered dessert that chills in the fridge.
This recipe pays homage to Elvis, layering his favorite flavors into one amazing dessert. It is the perfect dessert for potlucks .
This version is seriously simple to throw together. We're talking like, 20 minutes of prep and then just letting it chill in the fridge.
The yield? About 8-10 servings, perfect for sharing, but honestly, I wouldn't judge if you kept it all to yourself! It's a perfect make ahead dessert .
Why You'll Fall in Love
Honestly, what's not to love about peanut butter chocolate dessert ? Beyond the obvious amazing flavor combo, this layered dessert is perfect for those hot summer days when you just can't bring yourself to even think about turning on the oven.
Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser, and who doesn't love a dessert that gets rave reviews? It's also incredibly adaptable, swap ingredients for a quick dessert that can be ready in no time.
It is the perfect dessert with peanut butter .
Ready to dive in?
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! We're talking about making a chocolate peanut butter icebox cake . And honestly, it's way easier than you think.
Think of it as the ultimate no-bake dessert . Let's break down what you need.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, pay attention. We need:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) of those delicious chocolate graham crackers , coarsely broken, for that perfect layered dessert .
- 5 tablespoons (71g) of melted unsalted butter.
- 8 ounces (227g) of softened cream cheese. Seriously, let it soften.
- 1 cup (240g) of creamy peanut butter filling . Go for good quality.
- 1 cup (200g) of sifted powdered sugar. Sifting is key!
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of milk.
- 6 ounces (170g) of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream.
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) of cold heavy cream.
- 1/4 cup (50g) of powdered sugar.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of vanilla extract
For the graham crackers, make sure they aren’t stale. You want that chocolate flavor to shine through. Softened cream cheese? Non-negotiable. Lumpy filling? No, thank you.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavor. The vanilla in the filling and topping is crucial. It rounds everything out. For a twist, a pinch of sea salt in the chocolate ganache intensifies the chocolate flavour.
Trust me on this! If you're out of vanilla extract, a tiny splash of almond extract will also do the trick.
I learned that the hard way when I ran out during a bake-off!
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this icebox cake recipe . Just the basics will do:
- A 9x13 inch baking dish .
- Mixing bowls.
- An electric mixer – hand-held or stand, your call.
- A rubber spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A double boiler, or microwave-safe bowl
Don’t have a double boiler? A glass bowl over a pot of simmering water works just fine. A whisk can stand in for the mixer in a pinch, though you might get an arm workout! Remember, this easy dessert recipe is all about having fun.
So, no need to stress about having all the fancy tools.
So, there you have it. The ingredients and equipment you will need to make an Elvis worthy chocolate peanut butter icebox cake .
Get yourself sorted and let's create some magic! The best part is this dessert for potlucks and can be made ahead!
The Elvis: Get Ready to Rock Your Kitchen with This Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
Oh my gosh, you guys. Get ready. I'm about to drop the easiest, most delicious recipe bomb on you. We're talking chocolate peanut butter icebox cake – sometimes called an Elvis dessert , a dream come true for anyone who loves the dynamic duo of chocolate and peanut butter.
Honestly, if you need a dessert for potlucks or just a quick dessert fix, this is it. Plus, it requires absolutely no baking.
Score! It's an easy icebox cake that you can literally throw together, chill, and devour.
Prep Steps: The "Mise en Place" Lowdown
First things first, let's get organized. It's all about the mise en place, darling! Get your chocolate graham crackers , cream cheese, peanut butter, and all that jazz ready to go.
This will make your life a million times easier. Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Nobody wants a lumpy peanut butter filling , you know? Also, if you are working with chocolate, remember to follow safety warnings to avoid burns.
Step-by-Step: Layering Our Way to Paradise
Ready to build this bad boy? Here's the super simple process:
- Combine 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate graham crackers with 5 tablespoons melted butter . Press it into a baking dish.
- Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese , 1 cup peanut butter , 1 cup powdered sugar , and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add ¼ cup milk until it's spreadable.
- Spread half the peanut butter filling over the crust. Top with more chocolate graham crackers . Then, add the rest of the peanut butter filling .
- Heat ½ cup heavy cream . Pour it over 6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate . Wait a minute, then stir until you get that divine chocolate ganache .
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake and spread it around.
- Whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream , ¼ cup powdered sugar , and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Frost with the whipped cream topping .
- Chill for at least 4 hours , but ideally overnight. The flavors seriously need time to meld.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Icebox Cake Game
Want to go from good to great? Here are my secrets.
- Don't skimp on the chill time. Trust me, overnight makes ALL the difference for this layered chocolate dessert .
- If your ganache is looking a little sad, add a tiny pat of butter. It'll give it a gorgeous shine.
- Want to make it ahead? This make-ahead dessert is perfect for that. Just assemble it a day or two before you need it! Common mistake you can avoid: Do not Freeze it.
Honestly, this no-bake dessert is so easy and crowd-pleasing, it will become your new go-to easy dessert recipe when you're too tired to bake.
It delivers that classic peanut butter chocolate dessert combo everyone loves. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for The Elvis: Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
Alright, so you're about to embark on the easy dessert recipe adventure of making this awesome chocolate peanut butter icebox cake ! Let's get into some notes to help you rock this no-bake dessert like a pro.
Honestly, this is such a simple and satisfying dessert with chocolate , even I can't mess it up! And trust me, that's saying something.
Serving like the King
Plating this peanut butter chocolate dessert is easier than you think. For a simple and elegant presentation, slice into squares and arrange on a plate.
Drizzle with extra chocolate ganache if you're feeling fancy. Or, go full-on Elvis style and top with extra chopped peanuts and a few banana slices.
Pair it with a tall glass of cold milk, just like the King would've wanted! For a bit of grown-up fun, a dark roast coffee would be great.
This is a winner for dessert for potlucks !
Storage Smart
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This layered dessert keeps great in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
I wouldn't recommend freezing it though; the whipped cream topping can get a bit weird after thawing. But honestly, who has chocolate peanut butter no bake leftovers for that long anyway? To reheat, there is no need to reheat.
This cake must be served chilled, straight from the fridge.
Shake It Up, Baby!
Want to spice things up? For a gluten-free version, swap in gluten-free chocolate graham crackers . You can also add sliced bananas between the peanut butter layers for an extra Elvis touch.
Alternatively, you can substitute using almond butter in place of the peanut butter, but the flavor will change. Also, try using Oreo cookies for a different texture and flavor profile.
A Little Nutrition, A Lotta Flavor
Okay, let's be real. This peanut butter chocolate dessert isn't exactly a health food, But, hey, everything in moderation, right? It does offer a bit of protein from the peanut butter.
Plus, chocolate can boost your mood! And remember, this easy icebox cake is all about enjoying a treat, not counting calories.
This cake is a quick dessert that tastes amazing.
So there you have it. This icebox cake recipe is easier than twisting the night away. Time to make this make ahead dessert and wow everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chocolate peanut butter icebox cake need to chill for? I'm impatient!
For the best results, chill your chocolate peanut butter icebox cake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully, kind of like letting a good cuppa steep properly. Trust us, it's worth the wait!
Can I make this chocolate peanut butter icebox cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the chocolate peanut butter icebox cake up to 2-3 days in advance. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
Help! My peanut butter filling is too thick. What can I do?
Don't panic! If your peanut butter filling seems too thick, simply add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not runny, think smooth like a good batch of custard.
I'm looking for variations. Can I add anything else to this chocolate peanut butter icebox cake?
You bet! Get creative! Sliced bananas are a classic addition to a peanut butter and chocolate combo, channeling Elvis's favourite flavours. You could also add a layer of crushed Oreos or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flair. For a more grown-up taste, a little coffee liqueur brushed on the graham crackers adds a subtle kick.
How should I store leftover chocolate peanut butter icebox cake?
Store any leftover chocolate peanut butter icebox cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. After that, the graham crackers might start to get a little soggy, but it will still be safe to eat, though the texture might not be ideal. Like a good cheese, it's best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Is there anything I should consider about the nutritional content of this cake?
This chocolate peanut butter icebox cake is a treat, so keep that in mind regarding portion size. It's relatively high in sugar and fat. For a slightly healthier version, you could use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute in the whipped cream, but remember, it's all about balance and enjoying a treat in moderation!
