The keto diet, with its focus on low carbohydrates and high fats, has revolutionized the way many approach desserts. Among the delightful creations born from this lifestyle is the keto icebox cake, a no-bake dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This article delves into the world of keto icebox cakes, offering a comprehensive guide to making your own delicious, sugar-free version of this classic treat.
The Allure of the Icebox Cake
The icebox cake, a dessert made by layering cream, fruit, nuts, and wafers, and then setting it in the refrigerator, gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s alongside the rise of the "icebox," a non-mechanical refrigerator that became a staple kitchen appliance. The icebox cake is supposedly derived from similar desserts such as the charlotte and the trifle but made to be more accessible for housewives to prepare. It's a dessert celebrated for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. Now, with a keto twist, this beloved dessert can be enjoyed without the guilt.
Keto Chocolate Chip Icebox Cake: A Detailed Recipe
This recipe is a sugar-free, gluten-free, and low-carb version of the classic icebox cake, featuring layers of crispy keto chocolate chip cookies and freshly whipped cream. The best part is that it requires minimal effort and comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for creating a light and airy mousse. Ensure it's well-chilled; consider placing your mixing bowl and mixer whisks in the freezer for about 20 minutes before use. Heavy cream must have no less than 36% milk fat, according to FDA labeling standards.
- Cream Cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese is recommended due to its limited additives.
- Sweetener: Allulose is the preferred sweetener as it doesn't crystallize when cold. Erythritol sweeteners can result in a gritty texture when cold. Allulose is 70% less sweet than other keto sweeteners.
- Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use your favorite crunchy keto chocolate chip cookies. A total of 21 cookies are needed, arranged in 3 rows of 7 cookies each. Adjust the amount of whipped cream based on the number of cookies. Some recommended brands include:
- Kiss My Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
- HighKey Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Eat Different Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Lakanto Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
- Vanilla: Imitation vanilla is recommended for its less alcoholic taste, but real vanilla extract can be used, especially if storing leftovers in the freezer.
Preparation
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with the allulose and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped cream in the bottom of the dish to hold the cookies in place.
- Spread whipped cream on both sides of one cookie and place it upright along one side of the pan.
- Spread whipped cream on one side of the next cookie and line it so the whipped cream faces away from the first cookie.
- Repeat until the row is complete (7 cookies per row).
- Place the remaining cream cheese in a piping bag and pipe the whipped cream into any gaps along the sides and in between the cookies.
- Add a top layer of whipped cream.
- Cover the cake loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cream is very cold when whipping. Chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before use.
- Cream the cream cheese and allulose first to ensure smoothness.
- Use any type of crunchy keto cookie.
- Add chopped berries to the whipped cream for a twist, but consume within a day or two due to the water content of the berries.
- For a spring twist, spread some lemon curd before spreading the whipped cream.
- Use a silicone loaf pan for easy removal. If using a different pan, use a parchment sling or cling wrap.
- Warm your knife in hot water and wipe it clean for a clean cut. Freezing before slicing is optional.
- Leftover whipped topping can be stored in the freezer or mixed with peanut butter or cocoa powder for a simple dessert.
- This dish can also be made in a small 6-inch spring form pan.
Keto Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
Another delightful variation is the Keto Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake, perfect for hot summer days. This no-bake dessert combines the creamy texture of cream cheese and whipped cream with the fresh taste of strawberries.
Ingredients
- Catalina Crunch Keto Cinnamon Toast or Honey Graham Cereal (or sugar-free cookies)
- Butter (salted)
- Cream cheese (full-fat or light)
- Sugar-free confectioners sugar (Truvia or Swerve)
- Heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries
Preparation
- Place keto cereal in a food processor and blend until crumbly.
- Mix melted butter with 2 cups of the prepared keto cereal crumbs in a small mixing bowl.
- Add 2 cups of the prepared crumbs to the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking dish and press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a medium-size mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and blend with a hand mixer on medium-high until creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar-free confectioners sugar.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream. On low speed, whip until soft peaks form (4-5 minutes), gradually increasing the speed to medium. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/4 cups of sugar-free confectioners sugar. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form (8-9 minutes total).
- Fold two cups of the prepared whipped cream into the cream cheese mix.
- Remove the crust from the refrigerator and add 1 cup of the cream cheese mix on top of the crust.
- Place 1 cup of the diced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Top strawberries with 1 cup of the prepared whipped cream.
- Assemble the dessert ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips and Variations
- Use a different sugar-free cookie for the base of this cake.
- The sugar-free sweetener can be substituted with regular confectioners’ sugar.
- To use pre-made whipped topping, you will need 4 cups or 16 ounces.
- Substitute your favorite berries for the strawberries or layer with other fruits like kiwi or peaches.
Keto Ice Cream Cake: An Even Simpler Delight
For those who love ice cream, a keto ice cream cake is an excellent choice. This recipe is more of a method than a strict recipe, allowing for endless customization.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Base Ingredients
- Keto-friendly low-carb ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Shortbread crust (keto-friendly)
Instructions
- Select your favorite flavor of keto-friendly ice cream.
- Prepare a shortbread crust that complements the ice cream flavor. For fruit-flavored ice cream, try a lemon almond shortbread dough. For nut-based ice cream, a pistachio almond shortbread dough would be ideal.
- Crumble baked shortbread crumbs in between the layers for added crunch.
- Assemble the cake and freeze until firm.
Tips for Serving
- Insert popsicle sticks into the end of the slice for a fun twist.
- This cake is perfect for parties and gatherings.
Low Carb Chocolate Wafer Strawberry Icebox Cake
This Strawberry Icebox Cake is made with low carb, grain-free chocolate wafer cookies.
Ingredients
- For the wafers:
- Almond flour
- Cocoa powder
- Erythritol
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Stevia
- For the filling:
- Whipping cream
- Powdered erythritol
- Vanilla extract
Preparation
- Prepare the wafers:
- Preheat the oven to 300F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine almond flour, cocoa powder, erythritol, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, butter, vanilla, and stevia and stir well until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles of dough using a 2 ¾ inch diameter cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Gather up scraps of dough and reroll until too little is left to roll out. You should get about 50 cookies.
- Bake cookies until firm to the touch, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Prepare the filling:
- Whip cream, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until it forms semi-stiff peaks.
- Assemble the cake:
- Use at least a 9-inch cake stand or plate.
- Place one wafer in the center of the plate and 6 wafers in a circle around it.
- Add the filling on the wafers.
- Repeat the layers.
General Tips for Keto Icebox Cakes
- Customize with toppings: Sugar-free white chocolate chips, sliced fruit, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut can add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.
- Make ahead: Icebox cakes are perfect for making ahead of time, as they need time to chill in the refrigerator.
Why Choose Keto Icebox Cake?
Keto icebox cakes are an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet due to their low carbohydrate content and use of keto-friendly sweeteners. They offer a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without compromising your dietary goals. Additionally, they are incredibly versatile and can be customized with various flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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