Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake was a huge hit! Layers of chocolate ganache, chocolate mousse and chocolate graham crackers are topped with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat that’ll put you in a chocolate coma!

If you’re a chocoholic like me, you should also check out my Hot Chocolate Cake and my Drunken Chocolate Truffle Cake!

A Big Slice of Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake on a plate

Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake

So you know what I don’t love? Jeans shopping. If I want to feel not so hot about myself, jeans shopping will surely do it. That must be why I usually wear my jeans until they start to have holes in them before I’m willing to go shopping for them again.

I did a little jeans shopping on Sunday and Monday and the experience was as expected. I tried on mountains of jeans and barely found some that actually fit. Seriously, why is it that every. single. pair. fits differently. I could try on the same size of jeans but because they’re different styles they’d all fit differently. Some big, some so small I can’t put them on.

What is up with that?

And then I find a pair that actually fits well and they come with holes in them. That’s the exact problem I was trying to get rid of to begin with.

Rich Chocolate Icebox Cake in a Pan with a couple slices removed
The Best Chocolate Mousse Cake on a Plate

Fortunately I was able to find a couple pairs. My favorites were from Express, surprisingly enough. They fit quite well.

Then I did some shoe shopping, which I sometimes have the same problem with. I love shopping for fun shoes like heels. I could buy those babies all day long. But when looking for the basics that I wear most of the time, it’s hard to find stuff I like that fits well.

I finally walked holes right into the bottoms of my favorite flats so I had to get new ones. I literally got the same brand and size assuming they’d fit just as comfortably. Then I wore them for a little bit yesterday and already had problems with them rubbing. Grrr.

I’d rather shop for cute dresses, tops and heels any day. I just don’t like to wear those every day. Darn it!

Chocolate Icebox Cake Slice on a Plate
A Slice of Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake on a Plate

I would eat this chocolate icebox cake every day, however. Only problem is, I’d end up jeans shopping again because they wouldn’t fit me anymore if I ate this every day. I will certainly eat my share though.

Tips for Making This Decadent Chocolate Icebox Cake

I absolutely love the simplicity and ease of making icebox cakes. And you can mix up the flavors, making them fun to play with.

This time around I decided to go all in with the chocolate. I mean, when is tons of chocolate not a good idea?

The chocolate mousse-like layer is not a true mousse, but is very mousse-like in texture. It’s also delicious. The chocolate ganache is thicker, so they contrast each other nicely.

The chocolate graham crackers help give the cake it’s structure and hold everything together. Plus, they’re more chocolate.

Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake in a Pan
A Serving of Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake on a plate

Then it’s topped with chocolate sauce and mini chocolate chips. Heavenly, I tell you. And if you wanted, you could totally add more chocolate sauce between the layers. You know, if that’s your kind of thing.

This cake was a big hit. All my taste testers were fans. Some of my favorite taste testers are my co-workers kids and I hear there was an argument over who got the last piece of this particular cake. 🙂

Other Chocolatey Treats to Try

Nutella Biscoff Icebox Cake
Cinnamon Apple Icebox Cake
Chocolate Cake Recipes for Any Occasion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Icebox Cake
Death by Chocolate Devils Food Cake

Shop the recipe

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon
Death By Chocolate Icebox Cake slice on white plate close up
Recipe

Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 15-18 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Death by Chocolate Icebox Cake was a huge hit! Layers of chocolate ganache, chocolate mousse and chocolate graham crackers are topped with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat that’ll put you in a chocolate coma!


Ingredients

  • 14.4 oz box of Chocolate Graham Crackers

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 8 oz cool whip (or homemade whipped cream*)

CHOCOLATE GANACHE

  • 11 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM AND TOPPINGS


Instructions

TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

1. Combine cream cheese, sugar and milk together in the bowl of a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer. Mix until completely combined.
2. Add cocoa and mix until smooth.
3. Fold in the cool whip.

TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE GANACHE

1. Place chocolate chips in a metal bowl.
2. Microwave the heavy cream until it starts to boil. Remove from microwave and pour over chocolate chips.
3. Cover bowl with saran wrap for 5-7 minutes.
4. Whisk chocolate and cream until smooth.

TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM

1. Add the heavy whipping cream, cocoa and powdered sugar to a large mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
2. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

1. Place a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
2. Top graham crackers with half of the mousse mixture and spread evenly.
3. Spread half of the chocolate ganache on top of the mousse mixture and spread evenly.
4. Place another layer of graham crackers on top of the chocolate ganache
5. Spread remaining mousse mixture on top of graham crackers.
6. Pour remaining ganache on top of mousse mixture and spread evenly.
7. Top ganache with one more layer of graham crackers.
8. Top cake with chocolate whipped cream and spread into an even layer.
9. Finish cake off with chocolate sauce and mini chocolate chips, if desired.
*If making homemade whipped cream, I recommend 1 1/4 cups whipping cream and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 452
  • Sugar: 36.1 g
  • Sodium: 168.5 mg
  • Fat: 27.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50.7 g
  • Protein: 5.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 35.6 mg

Filed Under:

Enjoy!

This post includes affiliate links.

Share a Comment

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

90 Comments
  1. Niki

    Love all the chocolate in this dessert! Never enough in my opinion!!

    As for jeans, I have been told that sizes can vary within sizes because they cut the jeans in a stack, say like 20 pairs at a time, thus providing a lot of variance. (I have even seen video, bascially think of a saw cutting through materiral) Since I learned this I always grab several of the same size to see how each fits – the length is usually what frustrates me the most. too short to be average, too tall to be petite.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      That makes perfect sense. I’ve noticed that too – that the same size can vary. I’ve been having the same problem with length too. What a pain!

  2. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking

    Chocolate is definitely the way I want to go! This cake looks easy and so chocolatey!! Gorgeous photos as always!
    Ugh jeans shopping is pretty much a guarantee that I will leave feeling depressed and fat…usually without jeans…I’m glad you found some!!

  3. Angelyn+@+Everyday+Desserts

    just had death by chocolate ice cream on Monday and now I feel like this death by chocolate icebox cake is the next overly chocolately thing that I need to consume. love this!

  4. Michelle @My California Kitchen

    I can see why this cake was a huge hit! It’s really hard to say no to all that chocolate! I would probably have fought someone over the last slice, too!

  5. Julia @ Sprinkled With Jules

    I hate jean shopping too. My last experience was just like yours. I picked out a couple all in the same size, some I couldn’t even get one, and some were too big! I’ll have to check out Express for jeans, I have a giftcard there that I need to use! 🙂 Maybe I should wait until AFTER eating this to try on jeans though… It looks dangerously delicious.

  6. Sheri Nudelman

    This looks like a professionally prepared cake — totally perfect! You set a high bar, but I am going to give it a shot.

    Question — how long do you suggest refrigerating the cake before serving it so it’s optimal for company?

    Thank you!

  7. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    I seriously want to go to your house for dessert. . like everyday. Can we make this happen?! 😛 and the fact that this is no-bake is dangerous!! Looks SO good!! I always used to have the hardest time with jeans shopping but now The Gap is my go-to. . I like their skinny jeans! 🙂

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      I’ve always liked Gap too! I actually went to the mall to go to Gap, but they were closed down. 🙁

  8. Cassie

    This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it! I can totally relate about the jean shopping. You are right…how come none every fit! That is why I like to buy purses so much!

  9. Melanie @ Carmel Moments

    I definitely think this will be the death of me! Oh my! I’m such a chocolate girl that I’ve got to give this cake a try.

  10. Renee@Two+in+the+Kitchen

    This looks amazingly decadent Lindsay! Thanks so much for the shout out on my donuts!! 🙂

  11. Jacklyn Jessa

    As I’m reading your post, it almost sounded as though it was one of my own! I am exactly like you when it comes to shopping, especially for jeans/pants. And the ONLY kind I have found that fit are from Express! That’s the only place I go for pants (I have found a couple pairs from Target too, but not jeans). That chocolate ice box cake looks awesome! Can’t wait to try it!

  12. Mir

    Lindsay, you are not alone. I hate jeans shopping. It sends me into a downward spiral of anger. Worse than shopping for bathing suits!
    Chocolate can cure all, though. This looks amazing! Love the pattern on top, too.

  13. Chichi

    I can so relate to jeans shopping Lindsay. Jeans shopping is torture for me.lol
    Speaking of this death by chocolate ice box cake, i love it.

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I’m the baker, recipe developer and photographer behind Life, Love and Sugar. I love sharing trusted recipes with helpful tips to give you great results.

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29