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Pioneer Woman Peach and Brown Sugar Icebox Cake

Pioneer Woman Peach and Brown Sugar Icebox Cake - recipe card

A no-bake Southern-inspired dessert featuring layers of cinnamon-spiced vanilla wafers, whipped cream infused with brown sugar and vanilla, and juicy sliced peaches. The cake softens in the refrigerator overnight, creating a tender, spoonable texture with bright peach flavor and rich caramel notes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups sliced fresh peaches, peeled and pitted (about 2 medium peaches)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 60 vanilla wafer cookies (about 5 ounces), such as Nilla Wafers

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 3-4 minutes. The cream should hold its shape firmly when the whisk is lifted; do not overwhip or it will separate into butter.
  2. In a separate small bowl, toss 2 cups sliced fresh peaches with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out juice and soften the fruit.
  3. Select a standard 8×4-inch loaf pan. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafer cookies, flat side down, covering the bottom in a neat pattern, breaking cookies as needed to fill gaps. Use about 15 cookies for each layer.
  4. Spread one-third of the whipped cream mixture evenly over the cookies, reaching the edges. Arrange half of the peach slices over the cream, overlapping slightly.
  5. Repeat layers: another 15 cookies, another third of the cream, remaining peaches. Finish with a final layer of 15 cookies and the remaining cream. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Cover the loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the cream surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal for full softening.
  7. To serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan, invert onto a serving platter, and gently lift off the pan. Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold.
  8. If desired, garnish with additional fresh peach slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert does not freeze well as the cream and peaches will become watery upon thawing. For best texture, allow at least 4 hours chilling time; overnight is preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach icebox cake, no-bake dessert, peach dessert, Southern dessert, brown sugar whipped cream, vanilla wafer dessert, summer dessert, icebox cake recipe, peach and brown sugar