Creamy Bourbon Vanilla Icebox Cake
A quick and easy icebox cake featuring layers of bourbon-infused vanilla cream and graham crackers, delivering a nostalgic yet sophisticated dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 package graham crackers or vanilla wafers (about 12 oz)
- Optional: fresh berries for garnish (strawberries or raspberries)
- Optional: shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls
Instructions
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 15 minutes before whipping.
- Pour 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (3 to 5 minutes).
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gently add 8 oz room-temperature mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup bourbon. Beat just until combined and smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with a single layer of graham crackers or vanilla wafers, breaking some to fit snugly.
- Spread about one-third of the bourbon vanilla cream evenly over the cracker layer and smooth gently.
- Repeat layering with crackers and cream two more times, finishing with a thick layer of cream on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice with a sharp knife and enjoy.
Notes
Chill mixing equipment before whipping cream for best results. Gently fold mascarpone into whipped cream to maintain airy texture. Let cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing if too firm. Do not rush chilling time; overnight is best for texture. Substitute bourbon with vanilla or almond extract for non-alcoholic version. Variations include dairy-free options and adding chocolate or fruit layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: bourbon, vanilla, icebox cake, easy dessert, layered cake, no bake, creamy, mascarpone, graham crackers