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Are you a fan of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? What if I told you that you could enjoy the same classic flavors in the form of an icebox cake? That’s right, the PB&J Icebox Cake recipe is here to elevate your favorite childhood snack to a whole new level.
As a baker, I am always on the lookout for creative ways to put a spin on traditional desserts, and this recipe is undoubtedly one of my favorites. Combining creamy peanut butter with sweet jelly layers, crunchy graham cracker crust, and soft whipped cream, this decadent ice box cake truly takes the palate on an indulgent journey.
But don’t just take my word for it. This dessert has been tried and tested by foodies all over the world and has received rave reviews. So whether you’re planning a birthday party or simply craving something sweet and delicious, trust me when I say that this PB&J Icebox Cake recipe will be sure to impress.
Join me as I guide you through the steps of creating this dessert masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Do you enjoy indulging in decadent desserts that are easy to make and utterly delicious? If the answer is yes, then this PB&J Icebox Cake Recipe is perfect for you!
This cake combines all your favorite flavors from a childhood staple with a refreshing twist. The graham cracker and cookie crusted cake layered with peanut butter whipped cream, creamy vanilla pudding, and sweet strawberry jelly sandwiches will leave your taste buds begging for more. Even better, this recipe is so simple that anyone can make it with ease.
The smooth peanut butter, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh-whipped cream course effortlessly through your mouth while adding an extra layer of luxury to the decadent icebox cake. The crisp of the graham cracker crust envelops the desert without overwhelming any individual flavor. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a top-notch flavorful experience to treat everyone’s taste buds.
The recipe’s versatility allows you to play around with different variations such as combining grape jelly instead of strawberry jam or substitute crushed Mint Oreo cookies for the Graham Cracker crust to differentiate your dessert at your next get-together or holiday feast.
Furthermore, this PB&J Icebox Cake Recipe is conveniently accessible on multiple recipe-sharing platforms such as Food Network or Yummly, making it easier than ever before to access its ingredients and specifications.
This dessert will become one of your new favorites among the rich variety of cakes out there. So, when you want to take a stroll down memory lane while indulging yourself in a refreshing cheesecake, remember that no other recipe will help you achieve that quite like PB&J Icebox Cake!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this scrumptious PB&J Icebox Cake:
For the Graham Cracker Layer:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2 cups of heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Jelly Layer:
- 3/4 cup of grape jelly or your favorite flavor
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream or cool whip (optional)
- Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
Most, if not all, of these ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. Be sure to check and double-check that you have all these ingredients before starting to avoid any hassle later on.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this PB&J Icebox Cake! This cake is incredibly easy to make and requires no baking at all. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of smooth peanut butter, 8 oz of cream cheese (at room temperature), 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar until it turns smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate large bowl, add 3 cups of heavy cream and use an electric mixer to beat it until it forms soft peaks.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Next, fold in the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture gently. Be sure to fold in carefully to avoid over mixing.
Step 4: Layer and Chill
Now that we have our PB&J filling ready, take a 9×13-inch cake pan or dish and lay out one layer of graham crackers at the bottom. Spread half of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top. Then repeat with a second layer of graham crackers and spread remaining mixture over the top. Add another layer of graham crackers on top.
Pour 2 cups of strawberry jelly on top of this last layer of graham crackers. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
Step 5: Chill Overnight
Cover your cake with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and chill overnight in the refrigerator so that all components bind together well before serving.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to indulge in this irresistibly delicious dessert PB&J Icebox cake!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to add your own twist to this PB&J Icebox Cake Recipe? Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations that will make this dessert even more exciting!
– Try different types of jelly: While strawberry jelly is the classic choice for PB&J sandwiches, feel free to mix things up with grape, raspberry, or even apricot jelly for a fun twist.
– Use different cookies: Graham crackers are the go-to for most icebox cake recipes, but you can also use other types of cookies such as Nilla wafers, Oreo cookies, or even peanut butter sandwich cookies.
– Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla: If you want to add more chocolate flavor to this already decadent dessert, swap out the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding instead.
– Add fresh fruit: Consider layering fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries between the cake layers for a burst of brightness and flavor.
– Make it dairy-free: Substituting dairy products like heavy cream and cream cheese is possible with non-dairy options like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
– Experiment with the shape: You can make this dessert in different shapes and sizes. Instead of making a rectangular shaped icebox cake, use a dome-shaped cake pan for an impressive presentation.
Remember while experimenting with different variations or substitutions it’s essential to maintain consistency in quantity so that the recipe complies with your taste preferences. Be sure to unleash your creativity and have fun with it!
Serving and Pairing
Once the PB&J Icebox Cake is done, it’s the time to enjoy its luscious flavors. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to weekday gatherings with family and friends. Since it’s such a decadent ice box cake layered with peanut butter jelly sandwiches and whipped cream filling, a small piece goes a long way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
It can be served chilled straight from the refrigerator or frozen like an ice cream cake. With each slice, you’ll savor the taste of every flavour-packed bite of creamy peanut butter, tangy strawberry jelly and smooth graham cracker crust. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh strawberries for added texture and flavor.
As for pairing, vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt make a great accompaniment to this dessert. You can also add fresh mint leaves or crushed Oreo cookies for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, you can serve it with tea or coffee after dinner as a statement that this dessert is perfect for adults too.
No matter how you serve it or what you pair it with, the PB&J Icebox Cake will quickly become your new favorite dessert. So gather your friends and family for this decadent treat that everyone is sure to love!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once the PB&J Icebox Cake is assembled, it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least six hours, or overnight, so that the graham crackers absorb all the moisture and become soft. If you’re pressed for time, you can speed up the chilling process by placing it in the freezer for 1-2 hours, but be sure to move it back to the fridge before serving.
This cake is a perfect make-ahead dessert as it can be prepared up to two days in advance. Simply cover with plastic wrap or foil and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This also makes it a great choice for those busy days when you have other dishes to focus on but still want to wow your guests with something decadent.
Storing leftovers is easy too. You can cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If it lasts that long, that is!
When reheating, you can either warm individual slices in the microwave on low power or place the entire cake back in the refrigerator for half an hour before serving. Either way, ensure not to overheat as this may cause the cream cheese layers to melt and lose their shape.
Finally, if you plan on serving this cake at a special occasion or event, consider freezing it in advance. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks. Allow plenty of time for thawing (4-5 hours) in the refrigerator before serving though!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready and have gone through the recipe, let’s cover some tips for making this PB&J icebox cake perfect.
1. Use high-quality ingredients
Using high-quality and fresh ingredients can make all the difference in your final product. It helps to enhance the flavors and textures of your cake. For instance, use freshly whipped cream instead of store-bought alternatives for a richer taste.
2. Layer Thinly Sliced Strawberries on Each Layer
Our recipe calls for covering each layer with peanut butter and jelly and whipped cream, but it’s always great to add extra layers of thinly sliced strawberries for an extra pop of flavor.
3. Chill Your Mixing Bowl Before Whipping Cream
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before whipping the heavy cream. Doing so ensures that it will whip up faster and stay fluffy for longer.
4. Soften The Cream Cheese Before Mixing
Get the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients to avoid getting lumps. Cold cream cheese does not mix accurately as it tends to crumble or clump away.
5. Freeze The Cake For At Least 2 Hours
Our PB&J icebox cake needs adequate time to chill before serving. Freezing it for at least two hours is essential to prevent any melting when serving, ensuring a perfect consistency like ice cream.
6. Use Graham Crackers as Layers for Better Texture
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors of cookies as a base or in-between layers of your PB&J icebox cake recipe. Try using chocolate wafers or Oreo cookies, or even get creative by adding nuts or sprinkles for an added crunch.
7. Add Extra Peanut Butter& Jelly If You Want More Flavor
If you want to intensify the peanut butter and jelly flavor, increase the quantity by using a ratio from 2:1 0r 3:1.
So there you have it, these tried and true tips will help you create an indulgent and perfect PB&J icebox cake every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the PB&J Icebox Cake recipe is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and jelly lovers. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a beautiful and delicious dessert that you’ll want to share with everyone. With its layers of graham crackers, creamy peanut butter filling, and sweet jelly, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out and be sure to make it your own by adding your favorite variations. You won’t regret making this decadent icebox cake. Whether you’re serving this as a birthday cake or whipping it up as an after-dinner treat, its bold flavors and creamy texture will impress even the toughest critics.
So why not take a chance on this recipe? Head to your nearest grocery store, pick up the ingredients and get baking! Trust me, you won’t regret it. This PB&J Icebox Cake is a must-try for all dessert enthusiasts.
PB&J Icebox Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 3 1/2 ounces instant vanilla pudding
- 14 ounces peanut butter sandwich cookies
- 2 1/2 cups strawberry jelly, divided
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
- 2 cups miniature peanut butter cups, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped dry roasted salted peanut
Instructions
- Beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until firm peaks form. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
- Mix together the cream cheese, peanut butter, and pudding mix until smooth and creamy. Add 3/4 of the whipped cream and fold gently until well combined.
- Lay out a layer of peanut butter cookies in the bottom of a 9-inch square glass baking dish in a single layer, breaking up any cookies to make them fit.
- Pour 1/3 of the peanut butter cream over the cookies and spread out evenly. Top with 3/4 cup jelly, 1/2 cup strawberry slices and 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups.
- Repeat the process twice more with another layer of peanut butter cookies, cream, jelly, strawberries and peanut butter cups.
- Top with the reserved whipped cream and spread out evenly. Dollop teaspoons of jelly over the top and swirl into the cream with a knife or skewer.
- Sprinkle with the remaining peanut butter cups and salted peanuts. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.