This no-bake Gingersnap Icebox Cake has alternating layers of gingersnap cookies and cinnamon whipped cream. Filled with warm spices, it's no fuss and perfect for the holidays.

slice of cake on a plate with platter of cake in the background

Why you will love this cake

Gingersnap icebox cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that requires only a handful of ingredients. This delicious concoction is filled with the flavors of the season, making it the perfect holiday dessert, like these festive maple leaf sugar cookies and these spice cake mix cookies.

What is icebox cake?

An icebox cake is an old-fashioned dessert made by layering wafers, cream, and sometimes fruit or nuts. It is then refrigerated to set up. The wafers will soften, bringing a cake-like texture to the dessert.

side view of cake with layers of cookies and cream visible

Chocolate wafer cookies, Oreos, and graham crackers are commonly used. Chocolate chip cookies or gingersnaps, as in this version, are also delicious options. Make sure to start with a crisp cookie, as the cookies will soften as the cake sets up in the fridge.

Ingredients

This dessert requires just a few ingredients. Gingersnap cookies have a great crispy texture and provide warm holiday flavors. Heavy cream is whipped with some powdered sugar for sweetness. Ground cinnamon and vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) add complementary seasonal flavor.

Easy to make

This no-bake gingersnap icebox cake is as easy as whipping, layering, and refrigerating.

Whip the cream together with sugar and flavorings until stiff peaks form.
Spread a thin layer of cream on the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Arrange a layer of cookies in the pan, breaking some apart to fill in the gaps.
Spoon ⅓ of the cream over the cookies. Spread evenly. Top with another layer of cookies.
Add ½ of the remaining cream, spread evenly, and top with another layer of cookies.
Top with remaining cream, spreading evenly.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (preferably) or for 4 hours (minimum).
Crush the remaining cookies and sprinkle over the top.
Run a knife around the outside of the cake and remove the outer band of the pan.
Slice and serve.

four sequential pictures of layering cookies with whipped cream

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Storing

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Can I freeze an icebox cake?

Yes, icebox cake can be frozen. Prepare the cake according to directions and refrigerate overnight. The cookies need time to soften and become cake-like before freezing. Transfer to the freezer and flash-freeze until firm. Then, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Serving

Gingersnap icebox cake is perfect to serve during the holiday season. The flavors are festive and it's is so easy to make. Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea. This deliciously creamy concoction will have you coming back for seconds.

slice of icebox cake and a fork on a plate

Equipment

Stand mixer | Liquid measuring cup | Measuring cups and spoons | 9-inch Springform pan

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