The Once-Popular Cake Style That Deserves A Fall Makeover

Icebox cake is a 1920s dessert that we still enjoy, though its glory days are behind it. A creation that reached the height of its popularity in the 1950s and '60s, it typically consists of whipped cream, cookies, and assorted flavorings assembled in layers. It's partly the product of a technological marvel, as its allure grew alongside the availability of consumer refrigeration equipment. That's because this fabulous no-bake recipe must be kept cold for several hours before serving to allow its soft elements to congeal. During that period, the cookie layer can also soak up all the flavorful goodness. 

Since this is a versatile dessert, you can flavor it to fit the mood for different times of year. Making a caramel apple icebox cake would offer the perfect twist for the fall season, as this recipe features apple pie filling, graham crackers, and caramel sauce, along with whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and cream cheese.

After mixing the ingredients as needed, the cake is built in layers in a loaf pan and chilled in the refrigerator overnight. One of the great things about icebox cake is that recipes are endlessly adjustable. That means you can swap out elements for ingredients and flavorings that best suit your taste. When it comes to fall-themed flavors, maple brown sugar cookies amp up the sweetness of the dessert. Some recipes also call for booze-infused whipped cream, and rum is an excellent pairing for sweet treats. For an all-ages appropriate dessert, swap the alcohol for a pumpkin spice blend and flavor the whipped cream with spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.

Icebox cakes gained their popularity thanks to two modern advances: better accessibility to refrigeration equipment and the development of pre-packaged cookies and cakes, which subverted the need to make baked goods from scratch. They are also synonymous with Nabisco, as the company's 1938 recipe for Famous Chocolate Icebox Cake is considered a defining moment for the dish. In fact, celebrity chef Ina Garten described her take on that dessert as capable of making grown men cry. Sadly, Nabisco's chocolate wafer cookies are no longer available, as they've been discontinued by the manufacturer. Fortunately, you won't need them for an autumn-inspired version.

When it comes to caramel apple varieties of icebox cake, remember that cookie selection is about more than flavor. Steer away from cookies that are too dense and thick, as they can pose issues with texture. Graham crackers work well in this recipe, but almond cookies are another option to consider. You can also take a page out of Ree Drummond's recipe book and use frozen pound cake for your cookie layers. When it comes to constructing the dish, plastic wrap is recommended to help the dessert keep its shape in the refrigerator. In lieu of wrap, apply cooking spray to the interior of your cake pan to ensure easy release when it's time to serve.