Tate's Icebox Cake

YOU THOUGHT I'D NEVER TELL

As the chronically online say, “you’ve all been asking…”. But actually. You have. This is my most sought-after family recipe, and dare I say, my claim to fame.

Sorry to everyone who texted me for the recipe and got left on read. I never intended on sharing it, and I’m honestly not sure what prompted me to change my mind. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s a fabulous pic I took of the cake in good light recently, maybe it’s my generous spirit, maybe I want attention. It’s probably all of these things. I’ve also been working behind the scenes on a bunch of fun stuff to come, so it’s been a minute since you’ve been served a BIG treat.

a messy, godlike profile

The origins of the Icebox Cake are pre-refrigeration, when you would just use a chunk of ice in a literal box to keep stuff cool. Sends a shiver up my spine. I am an ice queen, so relatively certain I would not have weathered this era. The cake’s namesake comes from the fact that it has to be assembled a day in advance and kept in the icebox (refrigerator) overnight. It’s better on day 2, aging like a fine wine the longer it sits.

my childhood, in sleeve form

I grew up on the classic Icebox Cake with Nabisco Chocolate Wafers, recipe on the back of the box. There was no family birthday or celebration without this unfussy delicacy. My parents still call the refrigerator the icebox and it’s 2024 (sometimes I even catch myself doing it). I like to think this speaks to the sheer power of the dish.

my 1st birthday, unaware my life was about to change

Over the years, we tweaked and experimented with different ingredients and preparations, ultimately landing on the Tate’s iteration as a near-perfect alternative to the classic. I started making this wildly popular Tate’s Icebox Cake for all my friends’ birthdays when I moved to LA, and I will continue this tradition as long as people keep telling me it’s the best cake they’ve ever had.

my love language is painfully clear

And this is just a few of many. If I’ve made you this cake, you are very near and dear to my heart. If I love you and you know it and I HAVEN’T made you this cake, your time will come. Maybe you need to throw an awesome party and invite me?

I am so obsessed with it that one time a WONDERFUL friend (shoutout, Carly) made it for me on MY birthday. I truly don’t want anything else.

my love language goes both ways btw

OK, ENOUGH LORE. Time for what you came for. I feel like Willy Wonka, feverishly deciding to open the gates of my factory after 100 years of mystery and allure. May the chocolate river floodgates open…

Since this recipe is top top top top tier, it is for paid readers only. To my loyal supporters, thank you immensely. I trust you will protect your dignity and keep this secret in the Anti-Spam family.

The formula for this cake is simple, yet perfect. It’s light and not too sweet, which to me is the best part. And it REQUIRES NO BAKING. You can make it into any shape and size you want, to fit any platter or dish, and for any occasion.