Are you ready for the ultimate dessert hack? This Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake is as easy as it is delicious—and trust me, it’s going to be a total crowd-pleaser! Think about the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, all layered together to create a dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for more. The best part? It’s no-bake, so you get all the indulgence without the effort. We’re talking a dessert that’s both impressive and low-maintenance—a perfect combo in my book!
The base of this cake is none other than the classic Nutter Butter cookies—those crunchy, peanut butter-filled beauties. We layer them with a dreamy, silky cream cheese mixture, then let it chill in the fridge to meld the flavors together into a mouthwatering masterpiece. It’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or simply treating yourself on a lazy afternoon. And did I mention it’s super simple to make?
Let’s dive into how you can whip up this showstopper!
Why You’ll Love Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake
No-Bake & Easy:
One of the best things about this cake is how simple it is to make. No baking required—just layer, chill, and enjoy! You’ll love how quickly it comes together, leaving you plenty of time to relax or get the rest of your meal prepped.
Creamy & Crunchy:
The Nutter Butter cookies offer the perfect crunchy texture, while the cream cheese filling is smooth, rich, and full of flavor. Every bite is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and peanut buttery goodness!
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it at a family dinner, or just making it to satisfy a sweet craving, this dessert is incredibly versatile. It’s easy enough for a casual evening but impressive enough to wow your guests at a party.
Kid-Friendly:
Kids love this one! The peanut butter flavor is always a hit, and since it’s so easy to make, they might even want to help assemble it.
Make-Ahead:
This cake only gets better as it sits in the fridge, which means it’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, letting the flavors develop while you focus on other things.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this irresistible Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake:
For the Cake:
- Nutter Butter Cookies: The star of the show! These peanut butter-filled cookies will create the base of your cake. They’re crunchy, nutty, and perfectly complement the creamy filling.
- Cream Cheese: For the luscious, smooth filling. Make sure to soften the cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy, this gives the cake its airy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: For sweetness without any gritty texture. This helps balance out the richness of the cream cheese.
- Peanut Butter: The key to bringing out the full peanut flavor in the filling. You can use creamy or chunky depending on your preference.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor of the filling and give it a more rounded sweetness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making this Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake is a breeze. Here’s how to put it all together:
1. Prep the Cream Cheese Filling:
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This might take a minute or two, but you want it nice and smooth to avoid lumps. Once it’s smooth, add in the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and light and fluffy.
2. Fold in Whipped Topping:
Next, gently fold in the whipped topping (also known as Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping—fold it in slowly and gently so the mixture stays airy and light.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Now comes the fun part! Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer the bottom with Nutter Butter cookies. You don’t need to worry about breaking them, just arrange them in a single layer, covering the entire base.
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cookies, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then add another layer of Nutter Butter cookies on top of the cream cheese filling.
Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly across the surface. Make sure to cover all the cookies, leaving no gaps.
4. Chill:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This step allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld together. The cake will have a smooth, almost mousse-like texture by the time it’s ready to serve.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cake is chilled and set, slice it into squares and enjoy the magic of creamy, peanut-buttery perfection. Feel free to garnish with extra Nutter Butter cookie crumbs or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake
This cake is absolutely fantastic on its own, but here are a few ways you can elevate the experience:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream:
For the ultimate indulgence, serve a slice of Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream complements the cake perfectly and adds a cool factor.
With Chocolate Sauce:
A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the top of the cake will make it even more decadent and irresistible.
With Extra Nutter Butter Crumbs:
Crush up a few Nutter Butter cookies and sprinkle the crumbs over the top of the cake for added texture and peanut butter goodness.
Pair with Fresh Fruit:
If you’re looking to balance out the richness, a handful of fresh berries—like raspberries or strawberries—on the side would offer a refreshing contrast.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead:
Since this cake needs time to chill, it’s perfect for making ahead. It’s a great dessert to prepare the night before, so it’s ready and waiting when you need it.
Switch Up the Cookies:
While Nutter Butter cookies are the obvious choice, you could swap them for other types of cookies if you prefer. Oreo cookies, shortbread, or even chocolate chip cookies could work—though the peanut butter flavor of Nutter Butter is truly unique.
Add Toppings:
Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can garnish the top with mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
Store Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. As the cake sits, the cookies will soften even more, making the layers more velvety and delicious.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble the cake, refrigerate it, and serve it the next day. It actually tastes better after it sits for a while!
Q2: Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer fresh whipped cream, you can use it instead of the whipped topping (Cool Whip). Just make sure to whip it to stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture.
Q3: How long does the cake need to chill?
A3: The cake should chill for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set perfectly.
Q4: Can I make this cake in a smaller size?
A4: Yes! If you don’t need a full 9×13-inch cake, you can easily halve the recipe and make it in an 8×8-inch pan or even in individual servings in small containers.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cookie?
A5: Absolutely! While Nutter Butters are ideal for this recipe, feel free to swap them out for other cookies like Oreos, shortbread, or even graham crackers for a different twist.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake is best served chilled, so just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy it!
Q7: Can I freeze this cake?
A7: Yes! You can freeze this cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q8: Can I add chocolate to the filling?
A8: Yes! If you’re a chocolate lover, you can melt some chocolate and swirl it into the cream cheese filling or even layer it between the cookies for a chocolatey twist.
Q9: Can I make a gluten-free version of this cake?
A9: Definitely! Use gluten-free Nutter Butter cookies or another gluten-free cookie of your choice, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q10: Can I make this cake without peanut butter?
A10: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or have allergies, you can skip it altogether or substitute it with almond butter or even Nutella for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake is the kind of dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s no-bake, easy to assemble, and
a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its creamy, peanut buttery goodness. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing it with family, or bringing it to a party, this cake will always be a hit. It’s simple, indulgent, and totally irresistible! So, get ready to dive in and enjoy every sweet, creamy bite—your taste buds are in for a treat!
PrintNutter Butter Ice Box Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake is a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert that combines creamy layers of whipped topping and rich peanut butter flavor with crunchy Nutter Butter cookies. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet treat. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) Nutter Butter cookies (about 36 cookies)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip (whipped topping)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
Instructions
-
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will form your peanut butter filling.
2. Layer the Cake:
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of Nutter Butter cookies, arranging them in a single layer.
- Spread about 1/3 of the peanut butter filling evenly over the cookies, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add another layer of Nutter Butter cookies on top of the filling, followed by another layer of the peanut butter mixture. Repeat this process until all the cookies and filling are used up, finishing with a layer of the peanut butter filling on top.
3. Top with Cool Whip:
- Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top layer of the cake, covering it completely. If desired, you can drizzle some melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup over the top for extra flavor and decoration.
4. Chill the Cake:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, slice into squares and serve! The cookies will soften, making this cake a deliciously creamy and peanut buttery treat.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: This cake is ideal for making ahead since it needs several hours (or overnight) to chill. It’s perfect for prepping the day before a gathering or event.
- Peanut Butter Variations: For a richer peanut butter flavor, feel free to add more peanut butter to the filling. If you like chocolate, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or mix some chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling.
- Cool Whip Substitution: If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, then use it as a substitute for Cool Whip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg