No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake
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There’s something truly special about a no-bake dessert, especially when it’s as bright and refreshing as this Tropical Icebox Cake. I love whipping this up for summer gatherings or even just a cozy night at home when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this dessert comes together quickly, using simple ingredients like fresh bananas, creamy banana pudding, and a medley of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi. The layers of graham crackers and whipped topping add a delightful texture that makes each bite feel like a mini vacation. Plus, it chills for just 30 minutes before serving, so you won’t be left waiting long to dive in. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of the tropics to your table without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake
- No-Bake Simplicity: You’ll love how easy it is to throw this together without turning on the oven. Perfect for warm days!
- Tropical Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi gives this dessert a refreshing, fruity vibe that’s hard to resist.
- Creamy and Dreamy: With layers of creamy banana pudding and whipped topping, each bite feels like a little slice of heaven.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe makes a generous amount, so it’s ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply sharing with family and friends.
- Quick Prep Time: In just 20 minutes, you can have this delightful dessert ready to chill, making it a go-to for last-minute cravings!
Ingredients Needed To Make No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Bananas, sliced
- Graham crackers
- Milk
- Cream cheese, room temperature
- Instant banana pudding mix
- Whipped topping
- Crushed pineapple
- Diced pineapple
- Diced mango
- Kiwis, peeled and sliced
How To Make No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake
- In a bowl, mix the milk, crushed pineapple and its juice, and pudding mix until thickened.
- Stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Fold in one cup of whipped topping.
- Line a baking dish with graham crackers.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add half of the banana slices on top.
- Layer more graham crackers over the bananas.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the graham crackers and top with more banana slices.
- Add the last layer of graham crackers.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top.
- Add pineapple chunks, diced mango, and sliced kiwi on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How long does the No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake need to set?
The cake needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps the layers meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use any other type of cookie, like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Just crush them into similar-sized pieces to layer properly.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dessert up to a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had more time to blend together.
How should I store any leftovers?
Store any leftover icebox cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
If you prefer a different flavor, like vanilla or chocolate, feel free to substitute the banana pudding mix with your choice. Just adjust the fruits to complement the new pudding flavor.
What if I don’t have whipped topping?
If you don’t have whipped topping, you can use freshly whipped cream as a substitute. It will give a similar creamy texture and slightly different flavor.
No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake
Equipment
- 1 7×10 or 9×11 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 bananas, sliced large
- 16 graham crackers may need to adjust depending on the size of your baking dish
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3.4 oz instant banana pudding mix
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 8 oz crushed pineapple
- 1 cup pineapple diced
- ½ cup mango, diced
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced thin
Instructions
- Add the Dairy Free milk, crushed pineapple and juices, and pudding mix to a bowl. Mix until thickened.
- Mix in the cream cheese.
- Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping.
- Line a 7×10 baking dish or 9×11 baking dish with graham crackers. The 7×10 will give you a thicker dessert while the 9×11 will give you a thinner dessert.
- Spread half of the banana pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Top with half of the banana slices.
- Top with more graham crackers.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the graham crackers and top with bananas.
- Add the rest of the graham crackers.
- Spread the whipped topping over the top.
- Top with the pineapple chunks, mango, and kiwi.
- Allow to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set up.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
This No-Bake Tropical Icebox Cake is my go-to for a sweet, refreshing treat that’s super easy to whip up. It’s perfect for when you want a dessert that’s as light and fruity as a summer day without heating up the kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can mix and match fruits to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
