Mocha Chip Icebox Cake

4.8
(8)

This mocha chip icebox cake is an absolutely luscious dessert, and it is quite amazing what happens to the texture of the cookies after chilling. The cookies become almost cake-like, contrasting with creamy mocha mousse, while the chocolate chips stay firm. It's one of the easiest and most delicious chilled desserts ever.

2
closeup of a slice of layer cake (Chef John's Mocha Chip Icebox Cake) on a white plate with the cut cake on a serving plate in the background
2
Prep Time:
20 mins
Chill Time:
12 hrs
Total Time:
12 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
12
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1/3 cup white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur

  • 2 cups cold heavy cream

  • 12 ounces mascarpone cheese or cream cheese

  • 4 (8 ounce) packages chocolate chocolate chip cookies (about 45), such as Tate’s Bake Shop Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Directions

  1. Add sugar, coffee powder, cocoa powder, vanilla, coffee liqueur, and cream to a mixing bowl. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until the mixture thickens, but before soft peaks form. Add mascarpone and beat just until stiff peaks form—if mixed any further, the cream will separate. Refrigerate mocha cream until ready to use.

  2. Line a 9-inch springform pan with a round of parchment paper. This step is optional.

  3. Place 8 cookies in bottom of pan, and then break a 9th cookie into smaller pieces, and use pieces to fill in gaps. Transfer in 1/4 of the mocha cream, and spread out evenly. Add another layer of cookies; press them lightly into the filling. Add another 1/4 of the mocha mixture, and spread out evenly. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of cookies, for a total of 5 cookie layers, and 4 filling layers. Wrap and chill for 12 to 24 hours.

  4. When ready to serve, run a thin knife between the edge of the cake and the inside of the springform pan ring. Release the spring, and gently slide the ring off. Slice and serve.

    mocha chip icebox cake on glass cake plate topped with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa

    John Mitzewich

    Chef's Note:

    This recipe was adapted from Ina Garten's Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

678 Calories
53g Fat
46g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 678
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 53g 68%
Saturated Fat 29g 145%
Cholesterol 159mg 53%
Sodium 419mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 40g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 69mg 5%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 160mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.