No-Bake Italian Cream Cake Recipe

Super creamy and loaded with flavor, this no-bake Italian cream cake is incredibly easy to make. It might just become your next favorite dessert. 

Jump to:

• What is Italian Cream Cake?
• Can I Add Different Flavors to This No-Bake Cake?
• What Goes Into No-Bake Italian Cream Cake?
• Kitchen Tools Needed
• How to Make a No-Bake Italian Cream Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Tips & Tricks to Make the Italian Cream Cake
• Serving Ideas & Suggestions
• Recipe
• Discussion

What is Italian Cream Cake?

A creamy layer of pineapple sandwiched between vanilla wafers and then topped with whipped cream, coconut, and cherries or pineapple is what makes up the Italian cream cake. Since it is an icebox cake, you won’t need to use the oven, which is another plus. 

Can I Add Different Flavors to This No-Bake Cake?

The basic idea behind making this Italian cream cake is to follow the steps and use just the ingredients that you need. After all, you really want to keep it a no-fuss and easy dessert- right?

But if you really want to experiment, you can try throwing in some add-ons too. Keep in mind that whatever you are planning to add to the cake should really complement the existing flavors. Here are a few good ideas to get you going. 

Softened and whipped cream cheese: This can act as a nice heavier and creamier replacement for the cool whip. You can also alternate layers of cool whip and this one to balance it all out. 

Crushed Oreos: Perfect if you want to enjoy a bit of chocolate flavor, and a crumbly texture to the cream cake. 

Sliced strawberries: These are healthy, and again, lend a pop of color and a slight tart flavor to the cake.  

Frozen blueberries: Blueberries are incredibly healthy, and adding them in a layer can complement the flavors of the cake quite well. 

Chopped walnuts: These can be a good addition to the top of the cake. They can lend the cake a bit of a crunchy element too. 

What Goes Into No-Bake Italian Cream Cake?

You’ll need just a few ingredients to make this deliciously creamy dessert. 

• 1 box vanilla wafers (300g)
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding
• ⅓ cup coconut shreds
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
• Fresh pineapple or cherries to garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

• 9"x9" baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

How to Make a No-Bake Italian Cream Cake

In a square baking dish, put down a layer of vanilla wafers or a crunchy vanilla cookie and set aside.

Using a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice.

Then, add in the pineapple with juice and stir to combine.

Add in the instant pudding mix and stir to combine.

Begin layering the cake by pouring ⅓ of the pudding mixture over the vanilla wafers.

Top with another layer of cookies, and more pudding.

Repeat again then top with whipped topping.

Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Top with shredded coconut, dollops of whipped cream, and cherries or pineapples before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips & Tricks to Make the Italian Cream Cake

Ready to give this creamy recipe a shot? You might want to focus on these little tips and tricks to really get the recipe to hit perfection.

• Don’t fancy the coconut on top? You can substitute with some chopped pecans instead. This will lend a nice crunchy texture to your Italian cream cake. 
• Make sure you allow the finished-up cake to refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, preferably more. This time will allow the vanilla wafers to soak up all the liquid and the juices, and become cake-like in texture, and your cake will taste just like you want it to. 
• Make sure you don’t skip the fresh lemon juice in the recipe. The lemon juice is what lends the otherwise sweet cake a nice tart flavor and complements the flavor of the pineapple too. 
• Remember to cover the cream cake with aluminum foil or cling wrap before you refrigerate it. This will keep away any of those weird fridge smells from getting into your dessert. 

Serving Ideas & Suggestions

Serving this Italian cream cake is as easy as 1-2-3. All you need to do is cut out a slice or a square and serve! 

But, if you really want to take things up a notch, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side. This can be a great idea to work on when you’ve got some guests and want to serve this as a nice, fancy dessert. You can also top it all off with some mini cookies dunked halfway into the ice cream scoop. 

Loved this no-bake cake recipe? Want to try some more? Check out these delicious sweet treats that get ready in minutes! 

• No Bake Oreo Banana Parfait
• Decadent Creamy Vanilla Caramel Pudding
• No Bake Vegan Lemon Coconut Truffles
• The Best No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe