12 Icebox Cakes That Were Made for Summer

Our grandmothers were onto something. With literally no baking or cooking required, the icebox cake is extremely easy to prepare, making it this season’s dream dessert. Sandwich the tender cake layers with creamy filling, seasonal fruit, or your favorite flavors, and summer hosting is so much easier. Scroll through for our favorite varieties of icebox cakes that will let you spend more time by the pool instead of heating up the kitchen.

Grandma’s Icebox Cake

Sometimes, simple really is best. In this recipe by Brown Eyed Baker, graham crackers and fresh vanilla give it a sweet, subtle taste that will appeal to even the pickiest of guests.

Banoffee Icebox Cake

Don’t knock this combo of banana and toffee until you’ve tried it: Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at once, it’s the ultimate dessert when you’re craving a mixture of textures and flavors. This recipe by My Frosted Life uses three-ingredient homemade toffee syrup for a unique kick.

Nutella Biscoff Icebox Cake

Who doesn’t love Nutella? And in icebox cake form, it tastes almost like gelato. Imagine you’re on the streets of Italy with this recipe by Life, Love and Sugar, which is then topped with hazelnut chocolates for a truly decadent treat.

Summer Berry Ice Cream Cake

Now’s the perfect opportunity to buy those super fancy ice creams you’ve always wanted. This recipe by Camille Styles uses flavors like strawberry basil and berry lime to create the pretty layers for the base. Finish with fresh berries to make individual slices once the cake is cut.

Chocolate Espresso Icebox Cake

Calling all mocha lovers: This cake from Alexandra Cooks combines rich chocolate with cooled espresso for a decadent dessert that takes only 20 minutes of prep time. Make it a day ahead for a fuss-free dessert that is a true crowd-pleaser.

Cherry and Chocolate Icebox Cake

Cherry desserts are extra special because cherries are only in season during the summer months. Take advantage of this vibrant fruit, and create this refreshing cake by Stemlit Growers with chocolate wafers, white chocolate chips, and cream cheese.

Frosted Animal Cracker Icebox Cake

If you like animal crackers, you’re going to love this cake by Sugar & Cloth. Perfect for birthday celebrations (young and old) or any event that calls for a cake reminiscent of your childhood.

Meyer Lemon Thyme Icebox Cake

This lemon beauty from She Wears Many Hats would be perfect for a bridal or baby shower. Stack it as high as you wish using thin vanilla cookies, and voila—you just made a cake without the oven.

Strawberries and Cream Icebox Cake

There’s something about strawberries and ice cream that means pool parties and backyard grilling. This cake from Mind Over Batter is no exception, with its refreshing strawberry whipped cream and fresh fruit on top. Slice it up right away to avoid any meltdowns in the summer heat.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Nutella Icebox Cake

This cake by Half Baked Harvest whips Nutella and espresso into mascarpone cheese, which is then drizzled freely on top of chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Icebox Cake

When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or dig around for countless ingredients. Instead, opt for an indulgent dessert (like this one from The Pioneer Woman) that only requires chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, pretzels, and a refrigerator.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake

For a fresh twist on a classic, try this cookie cake by Domesticate Me. Although it looks like a professional dessert, it’s extremely easy to make—made even easier thanks to store-bought chocolate chip cookies. All you need to finish it off is a glass of milk.

This post was originally published on June 16, 2017. It has been updated with new information.