Key Lime Icebox Cake

Craving a cool, creamy dessert with a zesty citrus kick? This Key Lime Icebox Cake is the ultimate no-bake treat that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.

Made with layers of graham crackers, tangy lime pudding, and whipped topping, this chilled cake brings tropical flavors straight to your kitchen—no oven required.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this easy icebox cake is the perfect crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

This Key Lime Icebox Cake combines a few simple ingredients to create a decadent, citrus-packed dessert. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Filling & Topping

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant French vanilla pudding mix (dry mix only)
• ¼ cup key lime juice (or regular lime juice as a substitute)
• 1¼ cups milk
• Zest from 2 small limes (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed and divided

Base & Garnishes

• 12 graham crackers (you may need a few more, depending on your pan)
• Optional toppings: green sprinkles, extra lime zest, lime wedges, or fresh berries

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes this no-bake dessert even easier to assemble. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Electric Mixer – To whip the cream cheese and combine the pudding mixture smoothly.
2. Mixing Bowls – One large bowl for mixing and smaller bowls for prepping ingredients.
3. Zester or Microplane – For finely grating the lime zest without getting any of the bitter white pith.
4. Spatula – Essential for gently folding in the whipped topping and spreading layers evenly.
5. 8-inch Square Dish (Deep) – Use a dish that’s at least 2½ to 3 inches deep to accommodate all the layers.
6. Plastic Wrap or Lid – For covering the dish while chilling.

Preparing the Key Lime Filling

Creating the creamy, tangy filling is where all the flavor magic happens. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to ensure a smooth, thick, and luscious key lime base for your cake.

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 1½ to 2 minutes. The goal here is to eliminate any lumps and create a creamy base for the pudding layer.

Step 2: Add Pudding Mix and Lime Juice

Next, add the dry instant French vanilla pudding mix and ¼ cup key lime juice to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined. Don’t worry if the mixture seems thick—that’s exactly what you want at this stage.

Step 3: Gradually Add Milk

Pour in the 1¼ cups milk slowly, mixing continuously until the texture smooths out into a thick pudding. Some small lumps are perfectly fine, but keep mixing until everything looks cohesive.

Step 4: Fold in Lime Zest and Whipped Topping

Once the pudding mixture is ready, gently stir in the zest from 2 small limes to boost that fresh citrus aroma. Then, fold in half of the Cool Whip container. Be gentle—this helps keep the texture light and airy without deflating the whipped topping.

Assembling the Icebox Cake

Now it’s time to build those irresistible layers. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Layer the Bottom

Spread about ¼ cup of the pudding mixture in a very thin layer on the bottom of your deep 8-inch square dish. This helps the first layer of graham crackers stick in place.

Step 2: Add Graham Crackers

Lay graham crackers over the pudding layer, breaking them as needed to create a flat, even base.

Step 3: Layer and Repeat

Spread ⅓ of the remaining pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and another layer of pudding. Do this one more time so you have three layers of pudding and three layers of graham crackers total, ending with pudding on top.

Step 4: Final Cool Whip Layer

Spread the remaining half of the Cool Whip over the top as a fluffy final layer. Smooth it out with a spatula for a clean finish.

Chilling the Cake

To bring all the flavors together and soften the graham crackers into a cake-like texture, chilling is essential. Here’s how to do it right:

Refrigerate or Freeze — Your Choice

Once fully assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator overnight (at least 8 hours), or in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours. Chilling allows the graham crackers to absorb moisture from the pudding and cream, transforming into a soft, sliceable dessert.

Serving and Decoration

Presentation is just as important as flavor—especially if you’re serving this at a summer party or special occasion. These topping ideas will elevate your Key Lime Icebox Cake from simple to stunning.

Suggested Garnishes

• Lime Zest – Add extra brightness with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest just before serving.
• Green Sprinkles – A fun, festive touch—perfect for birthdays or spring celebrations.
• Thin Lime Wedges or Twists – Place a few on top or around the edges for an elegant look.
• Fresh Berries – Raspberries or blueberries provide a pop of color and a sweet contrast to the citrus.

Serving Tips

• Use a sharp, clean knife to slice the cake, wiping between cuts for neat edges.
• For smaller gatherings, you can also portion the dessert into individual cups during assembly for easy grab-and-go servings.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with iced tea, lemonade, or a tropical cocktail for a refreshing dessert course.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Your Key Lime Icebox Cake Fresh

After serving, if you have leftovers (which is rare with this crowd-pleaser!), you can store the remaining cake right in the dish.

• Refrigerate: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The graham crackers will continue to soften slightly but the flavor stays just as bright.
• Freeze: If you want to make this cake ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Cover well and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

There’s something irresistible about the combination of tart lime, creamy vanilla pudding, and soft layers of graham crackers—and this Key Lime Icebox Cake brings it all together with zero oven time required. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but is secretly simple, making it perfect for both casual dinners and summer parties alike.

With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh citrus, you can whip up a cool, creamy dessert that’s bursting with tropical flavor. Whether you garnish it with sprinkles, berries, or extra zest, this cake is endlessly customizable and always refreshing.

So next time you’re craving something sweet and zesty, give this no-bake beauty a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your dessert rotation.