🍓 No-Bake Icebox Cookie Custard Cake with Mascarpone & Oreo Crumble

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A dreamy mash-up of strawberry cake, cookies ’n cream icing, and mascarpone-rich frosting. This cake looks bakery-worthy but comes together so easily—with layers you don’t even need to frost perfectly!

⏱️ Quick Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Bake Time (Cake & Crumble): 35 minutes

  • Chill Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: ~1.5 hours

  • Servings: 10–12

  • Skill Level: Intermediate

  • Occasion Tags: Birthday • No-Fuss Dessert • Crowd-Pleaser

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

For the Strawberry Cake:

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix (or homemade equivalent)

  • 3 large eggs

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk

  • 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional)

For the Oreo Crumble:

  • 10 Oreo cookies, crushed

  • 2 Tbsp melted butter

  • 1 Tbsp sugar

For the Cookies ’n Cream Icing:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 2–3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • 8 crushed Oreos (with cream)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra Oreo crumble

  • Sliced strawberries

  • Strawberry glaze (optional drizzle)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Strawberry Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk until smooth.

  • Fold in chopped strawberries (if using) for added freshness.

  • Divide evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Oreo Crumble

  • Mix crushed Oreos with melted butter and sugar.

  • Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp.

  • Let cool completely—this adds crunch and texture.

3. Prepare the Cookies ’n Cream Icing

  • Beat butter until fluffy and creamy (3–5 minutes).

  • Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream.

  • Adjust cream until smooth and spreadable.

  • Gently fold in crushed Oreos—this is your cookies ’n cream heaven!

4. Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a plate or board.

  • Frost the top generously with cookies ’n cream icing.

  • Sprinkle a layer of Oreo crumble.

  • Add second cake layer, and cover top and sides with the remaining icing.

  • Garnish with more Oreo crumbs, sliced strawberries, or even a drizzle of strawberry glaze.

5. Chill & Slice

  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean, beautiful layers.

💬 Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is the perfect union of childhood nostalgia and grown-up elegance. It has the fun of a strawberry snack cake, the richness of mascarpone cream (inspired by classic tiramisu), and the whimsy of Oreo crumble layered in. You don’t need a piping bag or hours of decorating to make this look and taste spectacular.

🍰 Ingredient Tips & Variations

Ingredient Tips & Swaps
Cake Mix Use homemade strawberry cake batter or white cake with added strawberry extract.
Oreo Crumble Sub with golden Oreos or chocolate graham crackers for a different texture.
Mascarpone You can blend 4 oz mascarpone into the icing for a richer, custard-like twist.
Buttercream Prefer cream cheese frosting? Swap 1 stick butter for 8 oz cream cheese.

🎂 Serving Suggestions & Flavor Variations

🍓 Add More Strawberry

  • Stir 2 Tbsp strawberry jam into the icing for fruity richness.

  • Drizzle strawberry glaze on top or between layers.

🍫 Turn It Chocolate

  • Use chocolate cake base instead of strawberry.

  • Replace Oreo crumble with crushed chocolate chip cookies.

🧁 Make It Cupcakes

  • Use the same batter and icing for cupcakes—bake 18–20 minutes.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days. Let come to room temp before serving.

  • Freezer: You can freeze cake layers before frosting. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month.

  • Icing Tip: If frosting is too soft after making, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before assembling.

📊 Nutrition Info (Per Slice – est.)

  • Calories: ~450

  • Carbs: 52g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Sugar: ~40g

Allergens: Dairy, gluten, eggs

❓FAQs

Q: Can I skip the Oreo crumble?
A: Absolutely—just use more frosting or layer fresh strawberries instead.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble and chill it a day in advance for the best flavor and texture.

Q: What if I don’t have mascarpone?
A: Sub with softened cream cheese or just use buttercream—the texture will be different but still delicious!

👩‍🍳 Kristy’s Note

This cake is one of my favorite “bake now, wow later” recipes. It’s whimsical enough for birthdays, indulgent enough for holidays, and flexible enough for casual weekends when you’re just craving something amazing. And if you’re a cookies ’n cream fan—this icing is next-level!

🍓 More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Bars

  • W-W Vanilla Yogurt Cake with Berries

  • Chocolate Oreo Poke Cake

  • Lemon Raspberry Icebox Cake

💌 Bake & Share!

Made this no-bake cookie custard cake? I want to see it!
📸 Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram or comment below with your twist.
Let’s bake up something beautiful—without breaking a sweat!

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