Horchata Icebox Cake

No-bake recipes make it much simpler to get dessert on the table, especially when you have no interest in turning on the oven. While there are plenty of ovenless dessert recipes to choose from, icebox cakes in particular are perfect when you want something that’s creamy, cold, simple to prepare and easy to customize.

One kind of icebox dessert flavor you may not have thought of or tried before is horchata icebox cake. The cinnamon-y drink makes a natural addition to the creamy texture and sweet flavors of a traditional recipe. The no-bake summer dessert folds horchata into cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding mix and whipped topping for the ultimate filling. The fabulous horchata filling is layered with a base of graham crackers, which soften as the dessert is chilled for a spiced, refreshing treat. Make this cinnamon dessert ahead, store it in the fridge and serve it for any occasion.

Ingredients for Horchata Icebox Cake

• Graham crackers: The base of this icebox cake is made with graham crackers. The crackers soften overnight.
• Cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese in the filling to add a creamy texture without any lumps, as well as a touch of tangy flavor.
• Instant vanilla pudding: Instant vanilla pudding mix helps provide flavor, sweetness and structure.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is added to the filling and sprinkled on top to enhance the horchata flavor.
• Horchata: Instead of using milk in the instant vanilla pudding mix, swap in horchata. This acts the same as milk would, while amping up the flavor of the filling,
• Frozen whipped topping: Grab a tub of frozen whipped topping, let it thaw and fold it into the filling for a fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Add granulated sugar to the cinnamon and sprinkle it on top of the dessert for a flavorful finish.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the base

Arrange a base layer of graham crackers in an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to break the crackers to fit to cover the base of the dish.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, pudding mix and cinnamon until blended. Gradually beat in the horchata until smooth.

Fold in the whipped topping.

Step 3: Layer the icebox cake

Spread one-third of the filling mixture over the crackers.

Repeat the layers twice (another layer of graham crackers, then another a third of the filling, then another layer of graham crackers, then the rest of the filling on top).

Step 4: Top and chill

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the cake. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the icebox cake overnight.

Horchata Icebox Cake Variations

• Use another pudding: While vanilla instant pudding is used for a filling that lets the flavors of the horchata shine, you can swap in another flavor. Consider cheesecake or French vanilla. Or, try making this horchata icebox cake with coconut cream instant pudding for a unique spin.
• Amp up the cinnamon: There’s a balanced cinnamon flavor incorporated into the filling and sprinkled on top. But if you really love cinnamon, try swapping in cinnamon graham crackers as the base to enhance it further.
• Try other cookies: Create a spin on this horchata icebox cake with another base instead of graham crackers. Consider shortbread cookies, wafer cookies or even chocolate cookies.

How to Store Horchata Icebox Cake

With multiple layers of creamy filling, this icebox cake should be kept covered and chilled in the refrigerator.

How long does horchata icebox cake last?

Store this icebox cake chilled in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How far in advance can you make horchata icebox cake?

Icebox cake is the ideal make-ahead overnight dessert. Prep this horchata icebox cake the day before you plan to serve it and let it sit in the fridge until the next day. If needed, you can make it up to two days ahead of time.

Horchata Icebox Cake Tips

How can you decorate a horchata icebox cake?

This horchata icebox cake is sprinkled with cinnamon sugar on top, but you could also top the cake with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, crushed cookies or fresh fruit.

How do you get a clean slice of icebox cake?

Use a very sharp knife to cut an icebox cake. Wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth between each cut for even cleaner slices.

Can you use homemade horchata for horchata icebox cake?

This icebox cake can be made with either store-bought horchata or homemade horchata.