A fun, fruity twist on traditional banana pudding.
Icebox cakes combine convenience with decadence.
This fun take onbanana puddingis creamy and light.
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Hadas Smirnoff
Why Is It Called Icebox Cake?
Iceboxes could store large blocks of ice, along with perishable items, like cakes or pies.
These types of desserts quickly grew in popularity.
Freezing is also not recommended for this cakethe custard may separate or become grainy once thawed.
Variations for Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake
This simple cake is just made to be customized.
Store leftover icebox cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Any longer, and the fruit will start to break down and the dessert will become soggy.
4large bananas, sliced
1(16-oz.)
Whisk together egg yolks and half-and-half in a small bowl.
Add to sugar mixture; whisk until smooth.
Bring mixture just to a boil over medium, whisking constantly.
Boil 1 more minute, whisking constantly; remove from heat.
Add butter and zest; whisk until butter melts.
Gradually whisk in juice just until blended.
Cool custard mixture:
Fill a sink or large bowl halfway with ice.
Pour custard mixture into a metal bowl; place bowl on ice.
Let stand, stirring occasionally, until custard is cold and slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
(Crackers will not completely cover bottom.)
Spread half of custard on top of strawberries.
Repeat layers once, beginning and ending with graham crackers.
Remove cake from pan:
Lift cake from pan, using plastic wrap as handles.
Remove plastic and transfer to a serving platter.
Spread on top of cake.
Top with crumbled graham crackers and strawberry halves.
Measure the pudding and divide into two equal portions for perfectly even layers.
