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    Home » Desserts

    4 Ingredient No Bake Apple Layer Cake

    Published: Nov 1, 2021 · Modified: Aug 7, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Maybe you love and crave fall flavors, but you don't have the time or desire to bake. This no bake apple layer cake—or icebox cake--is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that requires no oven time. And you only need just a few ingredients!

    A square plate holds apple layer cake layered with a white cream topping. Diced apples are visible on top, sprinkled with cinnamon. A small bowl of cinnamon sugar and a cup of coffee are in the background.

    What is an apple layer cake or icebox cake?

    The icebox cake came about in the 1930's when iceboxes were being promoted in the United States as a new kitchen appliance. Icebox cakes are made a lot like a trifle. Layers of cookie are layered between beds of whipped cream. It's then refrigerated to allow the cookies to soften so they become more cake like in taste and texture. No bake desserts are popular for everything from cheesecake, cake, and cookies!

    Jump to:
    • What is an apple layer cake or icebox cake?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Storing your apple layer cake
    • Variations
    • FAQ
    • 4 Ingredient No Bake Apple Layer Cake
    A glass baking dish filled with layers of apple spice icebox cake, sliced apples, and a creamy white frosting. The dish is on a wooden board, with a small bowl of cinnamon sugar and a cream pitcher in the background.

    Ingredients

    Icebox cakes only require just a few ingredients:

    • Cookies--graham crackers or ginger crackers
    • Frozen whipped topping
    • Apple pie filling
    • Cinnamon

    Instructions

    • In an 8x8 inch pan, layer a single layer of graham crackers or ginger crackers. Generously top with thawed whipped topping. Place another layer of graham crackers followed by another layer of whipped topping on top., then another layer of graham crackers. Top the final layer of graham cracker with apple pie filling.
    • Cover and place cake in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours but up to 8-12 hours before serving to allow the crackers to soften. Remove from fridge and top with additional whipped topping and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve.

    Substitutions

    You can make some easy substitutions to fit your dietary needs or preferences.

    • Gluten free: Simply substitute gluten free graham crackers or gluten free ginger thins.
    • Vegan: You will want to make sure the graham crackers or ginger cookies you use are vegan. You will also want to use a plant based frozen whipped topping.
    • Dairy free: Make sure your graham crackers or ginger cookie thins you are using are dairy free. In addition you will want to use dairy free frozen whipped topping.

    Storing your apple layer cake

    The no-bake apple layer cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.

    Freezing is not recommended for this cake, as the texture of the whipped cream can change when frozen and thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.

    Variations

    You can make some variations of this cake. Instead of graham crackers you can use ginger cookies or ginger thins. You can even use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies. The key is to use a cookie that will soften nicely when chilled.

    You may also experiment with different fruits too! This cake is versatile and can be adapted to include other fruits. Pears and berries are popular variations of this cake too!

    A white square plate holds a layered no-bake cake featuring alternating slices of apple and a white cream topping. A small bowl of cinnamon sugar and a cream pitcher are visible in the background. The dessert is resting on a wooden board with a linen cloth.

    FAQ

    Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

    Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling to save time. However, homemade filling offers a fresher flavor and allows you to control the sweetness and spice level.

    What if my graham crackers don't soften?

    If your graham crackers are still a bit too firm after chilling, try leaving the cake in the refrigerator for a few more hours. If you’re short on time, you can also lightly brush the graham crackers with apple juice or milk before layering them to help them soften faster.

    Can I make individual servings?

    Yes instead of making 1 large cake you can also make individual servings. You can assemble this dessert in individual jars or ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. Simply layer the ingredients as you would in the larger dish, then chill and serve.

    A square plate holds apple layer cake layered with a white cream topping. Diced apples are visible on top, sprinkled with cinnamon. A small bowl of cinnamon sugar and a cup of coffee are in the background.

    4 Ingredient No Bake Apple Layer Cake

    Traci Wennerholm
    Delicious apple layer cake with cream, graham, apple and sweet apple spice! The best part is there is no baking required and you only need a few ingredients to make it!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 244 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 8x8 inch square pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box gluten free graham crackers
    • 1 tub frozen whipped topping thawed
    • 2 cups apple pie filling
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon can substitute apple pie spice

    Instructions
     

    • In an 8x8 inch pan, start by laying down a single layer of graham crackers.
    • Generously spread a layer of thawed frozen whipped topping over the graham crackers.
    • Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the whipped topping, followed by another layer of whipped topping.
    • Place a final layer of graham crackers on top.
    • Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the top layer of graham crackers.
    • Cover the pan and refrigerate the cake for 8-12 hours to allow the graham crackers to soften and absorb the flavors.
    • Before serving, remove the cake from the fridge and top with additional whipped topping. Sprinkle with cinnamon or apple pie spice for added flavor. Slice and serve.

    Notes

    See notes in post for substitutions, variations and storing instructions. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 65IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword apple layer cake, icebox cake, no bake dessert, no-bake cake recipe
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