Icebox desserts have been around since World War I, when new packaged ingredients gave housewives dessert options that needed little-to-no baking time. Many of these grocery store staples included a recipe on the back of the box. (Remember the “mock apple pie” on the box of Ritz crackers?) Among the most popular was the Chocolate Refrigerator Roll on the box of Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers. Layers of chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream are assembled and then chilled, no baking required. This is a great summer dessert option, and you don’t have to worry about how long you cream the butter or whether your cake will rise.
Icebox desserts have always been popular at Magnolia Bakery, from our signature (and trademarked) Icebox Cake to the peanut butter icebox pies and bars. Building on this theme, I added a few new ones to our repertoire, including tart Key Lime Bars with a whipped cream topping and Grasshopper Pie Icebox Bars that taste like thin chocolate mint candy.
TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT ICEBOX DESSERTS
Many icebox desserts call for whipped cream, either in the main event or as a topping or garnish. I recommend using pasteurized (not ultra-pasteurized) heavy cream. Ultra-pasteurized heavy cream has been heated to 280°F and above to extend its shelf life and won’t whip up as fluffy as just pasteurized. Make sure you purchase heavy cream, not whipping cream.
If it’s hot in your kitchen, you’ll never get fluffy whipped cream unless you chill all the elements involved. Before you begin, place your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. Start mixing on low speed so that you don’t splash all over. As soon as the cream starts to thicken, increase the speed and whip until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip or you will wind up with butter.
The cream cheese you purchase also makes a difference. Don’t skimp on quality, as cheaper cream cheese can be wet. Low-fat cream cheese doesn’t have the flavor and richness needed for these recipes, so always use full-fat cream cheese (preferably Philadelphia brand).