share this recipe

No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake (Eggless & Dairy-Free Option!)

prep time: 30 min | chill time: 1 day | total time: 1 day

This No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake a.k.a biscuit cake is layered with biscuits (or graham crackers), fluffy coconut cream, and toasted coconut. Completely eggless with an easy dairy-free option, it's a creamy make-ahead dessert perfect for sharing.

Coconut Icebox Cake – no baking required!

Some of my favorite desserts are the ones that look beautiful but take very little effort to make, and this recipe is exactly that. I created this cake because I wanted a simple dessert that really let the coconut shine. The combination of soft biscuit layers, fluffy coconut cream, and toasted coconut creates something that’s elegant enough for celebrations but easy enough to make anytime.

When I first shared this recipe on Instagram, I had no idea how much people would love it. It quickly became one of my most viral recipes, and thousands of you recreated it at home. I received so many messages saying you made it for birthdays, family gatherings, holidays, and dinner parties, and everyone kept asking for the recipe.

That’s exactly why I wanted to add it to my website. It’s one of those dependable recipes that always gets compliments, can be made ahead, and never lasts long once it’s served. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too.

What Is an Icebox Cake?

If you’ve never made an icebox cake before, you’re in for a treat! An icebox cake is a classic no-bake dessert that’s assembled in layers and chilled instead of baked. As it rests in the refrigerator, the biscuits (or graham crackers) absorb moisture from the cream and soften into tender, cake-like layers. The result is a beautifully sliceable dessert with a light, creamy texture without ever turning on the oven.

Why This Cake Tastes Better the Next Day?

This dessert actually improves as it chills. Over time, the biscuits soften into delicate cake-like layers while the coconut cream becomes even creamier and the flavors meld together beautifully. If you can make it the night before, you’ll be rewarded with the best texture.

Eggless No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake layered with fluffy coconut cream
Homemade no-bake coconut dessert with toasted coconut

 

What You’ll Need to Make No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake

Ingredients for No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake

Ingredients for Whipped Cream

  • Whipping cream (or dairy-free alternative): For a dairy-free version, use plant-based whipping creams such as Country Crock Plant Cream, Silk Dairy-Free Whipping Cream.
  • Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without making the frosting heavy, keeping it smooth and stable.
  • Vanilla extract: It adds warmth and sweetness that ties everything together.

How to Make No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake

Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the cold whipping cream, vanilla, and coconut extract (if using), then whip until thick and fluffy. Fold in the shredded coconut.

Mixing cream cheese and powdered sugar for coconut filling
Adding whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture
Finished fluffy coconut cream filling ready for layering
Mixing shredded coconut into the coconut cream filling
Fluffy coconut cream filling ready for layering icebox cake
soaking biscuits in coconut milk for layering icebox cake

No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake Assembly: 

Prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Quickly dip each biscuit into the coconut milk and arrange a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a generous layer of coconut cream over the biscuits and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, leaving room for the final topping.

Whip the topping ingredients until stiff peaks form. Spread over the cake, decorate with toasted coconut, cover, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving for the best texture.

Layering biscuits with fluffy coconut cream
Spreading coconut cream into an even layer
Building layers for a No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake
Spreading coconut cream over cookies:biscuits for icebox recipe assembly
No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake topped with toasted coconut
Slice of creamy No-Bake Coconut Icebox Biscuit Cake

FAQ’s About No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake

No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake topped with toasted coconut

Watch This Video for Strawberry and Cream Cake

Did you make this Vegan-Friendly No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake

This No-Bake Pudding Cake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any celebration! Snap a photo, share your masterpiece and tag me @pastrybysaloni I’d love to see your stunning bakes.

If this recipe has you craving more, you’re in for a treat! My collection of irresistible vegan desserts has everything from rich, chocolatey delights to perfectly fluffy pastries.

Here are three must-try favorites:

 

And finally… grab a copy of my cookbook Vegan Baking Made Simple – this is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about baking traditional recipes without dairy or eggs! Available on Amazon HERE

Slice of creamy No-Bake Coconut Icebox Biscuit Cake
No ratings yet

No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake (Eggless & Dairy-Free Option)

This No-Bake Coconut Icebox Cake is layered with biscuits (or graham crackers), fluffy homemade coconut cream, and toasted coconut. Completely eggless with an easy dairy-free option, it's a creamy, make-ahead dessert that's perfect for sharing.

Author: Saloni Mehta
Rate
Yield: 12 servings
Prep: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 day
Total: 1 day

Equipment

Ingredients

Coconut Cream

  • 340 g Cream Cheese cold, see notes for options
  • 150 g Powdered Sugar or icing sugar
  • 720 ml Whipping Cream cold; see notes for options
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp Coconut Extract optional
  • 55 g Shredded Coconut or desiccated coconut preferably unsweetened

Whipped Cream Topping (You can also use 3-4 cups cool whip or coco whip and skip this step)

  • 360 ml Whipping Cream cold ;see notes for options
  • 40 g Powdered Sugar or icing sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Cake Assembly

  • 30 Marie Biscuits or 20 sheets Graham Crackers


  • 120 ml Coconut Milk or any milk of choice
  • 50 g Shredded Coconut toasted; plus extra for decorating

Instructions

For the Coconut Cream

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until fully combined with no lumps remaining.
  • Add the cold whipping cream (in 2 additions), vanilla extract, and coconut extract (if using). Whip until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and holds medium to stiff peaks.
  • Gently fold in the shredded coconut until evenly combined.

For Whipped Cream Topping

    You can also use 3-4 cups cool whip or coco whip topping and skip this step
  • In a clean mixing bowl, use a whisk to whip the cold whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Cover and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Cake Assembly

  • In a pan on low-medium heat, toast 55g (1/2 cup) of shredded coconut until golden brown and set it aside to cool in a clean bowl.
  • Pour the coconut milk into a bowl. Working one at a time, dip each biscuit into the coconut milk, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Arrange a single layer of milk soaked biscuits in the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) deep baking dish.
  • Spread about 6 - 7 scoops (about a ½-inch layer) of the coconut cream evenly over the biscuits using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with a layer of toasted shredded coconut.
  • Repeat the layers (approx. 3 times) of dipped biscuits, coconut cream, and toasted coconut until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a coconut cream layer.
  • Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top of the dish for the whipped cream topping.
  • Spread the prepared whipped cream evenly over the cake and finish with the toasted shredded coconut.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the biscuits to soften into tender, cake-like layers and the filling to fully set. Slice chilled and enjoy.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the filling is whipped, this dessert is not suitable for freezing, as the texture may change after thawing.

Notes

  • Cup vs. Weighing Scale: US cup measurements are provided as a guide and can vary depending on how ingredients are measured. For the most accurate and consistent results, use a digital kitchen scale and weigh your ingredients in grams.
  • Teaspoons & Tablespoons: Always use proper measuring spoons rather than regular eating spoons for accurate measurements.
  • Cream Cheese: Use full-fat block-style cream cheese for the best texture and stability. Keep it cold but slightly softened so it blends smoothly. Dairy-free options: Violife, Kite Hill, or Tofutti vegan cream cheese.
  • Whipping Cream: Use cold heavy whipping cream (at least 35% fat) for the fluffiest coconut cream. Chill the bowl and beaters for even better results. Dairy-free options: Silk Dairy-Free Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative, Country Crock Plant Cream, or well-chilled Let's Do Organic Heavy Coconut Cream.
  • Coconut Extract: Optional, but recommended if you want a more pronounced coconut flavor.
  • Shredded Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut works best. Lightly toast the coconut for the topping to enhance its flavor and add a subtle crunch.
  • Biscuits: Marie biscuits, digestive biscuits, or graham crackers all work well. Dip them quickly in the coconut milk don't soak them for too long or they'll become too soft.
  • Coconut Milk: I recommend canned full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor. Shake or stir well before using.
Saloni Mehta Pastry Chef and Food Blogger

Meet Saloni

I’m a former pastry chef with a love for breads, cakes and everything in between! My recipes are easy to follow, egg free and are designed to be shared with others!

popular recipes

How to make moist brookies without eggs
Eggless Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting and can be made vegan dairy-free.

Get new recipes first!

Check out my Cookbook

Get tips from a pro!

Did you try this recipe? Leave a review!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Try these recipes next!

error: Content is protected !!