Sugar-Free Icebox Cake – Creamy, Cool, and Low-Carb Layered Bliss

Sugar-Free Icebox Cake – Creamy, Cool, and Low-Carb Layered Bliss

I grew up on the OG version made with Cool Whip and graham crackers. It was delicious—and straight-up carb chaos. This keto-friendly twist swaps in sugar-free crispy cookies and homemade whipped cream that sets up just like the real thing.

💡 Why This Recipe Actually Works (Low-Carb Edition)

The trick to icebox cakes is time. You layer crisp cookies and whipped cream, then let the fridge work its magic: the cookies soften, the cream firms up, and it becomes sliceable heaven. Using Voortman sugar-free cookies keeps the flavor classic while slashing carbs.

🧾 Ingredients That Kept It Keto

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream – Whips up thick, holds the layers together
  • 1/3 cup Swerve Confectioners (or powdered allulose) – Sweetens without grit or aftertaste
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract – Classic flavor boost
  • 2 packages Voortman Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (8 oz each) – Crunchy, low-sugar cookies that soften beautifully overnight

Want stricter keto? I’ve got cookie swap options below to drop the net carbs even more.

🔁 Low-Carb Substitutions That Hold Up

IngredientKeto-Friendly SwapWhy It Works
Voortman cookiesHighKey, Catalina Crunch, homemade keto cookiesLowers carbs, higher protein, fewer ingredients
Swerve confectionersPowdered alluloseAllulose melts smoother, zero aftertaste
Whipping creamCoconut cream (for DF version)Adds fat and still whips well

⚠️ Learn From My Low-Carb Fails

What Went WrongWhy It HappensHow to Fix It
Cookies didn’t softenToo little chill timeChill at least 6 hours, preferably overnight
Cream too runnyUnder-whipped or over-whippedWhip to stiff peaks, don’t walk away
Grainy textureGranular sweetener usedUse only powdered sweetener (not granulated)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

  1. Whip cream, sweetener, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
  2. Layer cookies in the bottom of an 8×8 pan, breaking as needed.
  3. Spread 1/3 of the whipped cream over cookies.
  4. Repeat: cookies, cream, cookies, cream (use 3 layers of cream total).
  5. Crumble reserved cookies over the top.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours (overnight is best).
  7. Slice, serve cold, and try not to eat half the pan.
Sugar-Free Icebox Cake – Creamy, Cool, and Low-Carb Layered Bliss
Sugar-Free Icebox Cake – Creamy, Cool, and Low-Carb Layered Bliss

🧠 Keto Tricks That Made This Work Better

  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream—it sets faster and firmer.
  • If your cookies are super crunchy, sprinkle a tiny bit of almond milk between layers to help them soften faster.
  • Want to get fancy? Add a layer of sugar-free chocolate shavings or drizzle with keto caramel between cream layers.

🧊 Keeping It Keto-Friendly All Week

  • Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days (if it lasts that long).
  • Freezer: Slice and freeze individually for a “cream bar” feel—just let thaw 15 mins before eating.
  • Meal prep tip: Build in jars for portioned treats—easy to grab and track.

❓ Real Keto Questions, Real Answers

Are Voortman sugar-free cookies keto?
They’re low-sugar, not zero-carb—about 6–8g net carbs per serving, depending on variety. Fine for a treat in moderation.

Can I make this 100% strict keto?
Yes. Use homemade almond flour cookies or HighKey cookies, and allulose-sweetened whipped cream. That drops net carbs to ~3–4g per slice.

Will the cookies really soften?
Yes! The whipped cream acts like frosting and hydrates the cookies—classic icebox cake magic.

🧮 Full Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings w/ Voortman Cookies)

NutrientAmount
Calories~290 kcal
Total Fat27g
└ Saturated Fat~16g
Cholesterol~80mg
Sodium~120mg
Total Carbs~8g
└ Fiber2g
Net Carbs~6g
Protein~2g

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Sugar-Free Icebox Cake – Creamy, Cool, and Low-Carb Layered Bliss

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: minutesRest time:6 hours Total time:6 hours 15 minutesCooking Temp:100 CServings:8 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:290 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

This no-bake sugar-free icebox cake layers crisp cookies and whipped cream into a sliceable dessert that softens into a dreamy, chilled treat—no oven, no sugar, all satisfaction.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Whip cream, sweetener, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
  2. Line 8×8 pan with first layer of cookies.
  3. Spread 1/3 of whipped cream. Repeat layers.
  4. Crumble reserved cookies over the top.
  5. Chill 6+ hours, slice, and serve cold.

Notes

  • Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream.
  • Swap cookies for HighKey to lower net carbs even more.
  • Add berries or keto chocolate drizzle between layers for a flavor twist.
  • Makes a great frozen summer dessert when served semifreddo-style.

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