Icebox cake

Icebox cake is a type of dessert that originated in the United States during the early 20th century. It is named for the "icebox", a term referring to the early refrigerator models where the cake would be stored to set and cool.

History

The icebox cake became popular in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, a time when iceboxes were a common household appliance. The cake was a convenient and simple dessert to prepare, requiring no baking and making use of the icebox, which was a relatively new invention at the time.

Preparation

The traditional icebox cake is made by layering chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream. The cake is then left to set in the refrigerator (or "icebox") overnight. During this time, the moisture from the whipped cream softens the cookies, giving them a cake-like texture. The cake can be layered in a loaf pan or a springform pan, and is typically garnished with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit before serving.

Variations

There are many variations of the icebox cake, with different types of cookies and fillings used. Some popular variations include using graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or ladyfingers in place of the chocolate wafers, and incorporating flavors such as lemon, strawberry, or mocha into the whipped cream. Some recipes also include layers of pudding, custard, or cream cheese.

Cultural Significance

The icebox cake is considered a classic American dessert, and is often associated with nostalgia for the early 20th century. It is a popular choice for summer gatherings and potlucks due to its simplicity and the fact that it can be prepared ahead of time.

See Also

• List of American desserts
• History of the refrigerator
• Wafer
• Whipped cream