This is a sponsored conversation brought to you by Smart & Final. All opinions and experiences are 100% my own.
It is hot here in Phoenix and the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. How about you? But with all the BBQ’s, pot lucks, and parties I am always asked to bring a dessert. With this heat an Ice Box Cake is a perfect choice. Ice Box Cakes have been around since the 1920’s can you believe that? It all started with chocolate wafers and whipped cream. I have a fun twist on that Classic Chocolate Ice Box Cake.
With the addition of First Street Cream Cheese and a few other First Street products this twist on the Classic Chocolate Ice Box Cake is a snap to put together!
With summer here there is so much to do I am always glad when I can do my shopping in one stop! Smart & Final is one place I always love to go. I can find every thing I need and don’t need a membership but I get membership pricing. I also love that I don’t have to buy huge quantities to get those great prices. Let me share with you the fun promotion Smart & Final has going on for this summer! It’s no secret that the good people at Smart & Final love Summer! Food, friends, fun & sun… What could possibly be better? How about winning their “#SoGoodTogetherContest” Photo Contest? Simply snap a pic during your next summer gathering and post it with #SoGoodTogetherContest hashtag for a chance to win $2,500 in Smart & Final Gift Cards. The picture with the most votes as the end of the contest will be crowned the winner! How easy is that and who couldn’t use $2500 to spend at Smart & Final?
Smart & Final + Summer =#SoGoodTogetherContest
“From June 30 through July 31, shoppers can enter the contest by posting images of their favorite Smart & Final products to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #SoGoodTogetherContest or online HERE . Participants will have the chance to win a weekly prize of $150 in Smart & Final gift cards, as well a grand prize of $2,500 in Smart & Final gift cards, which will be awarded to the photo receiving the most votes. Complete contest rules can be found HERE.”
This Ice Box Cake is so creamy and delicious there will be no leftovers. It makes a large “cake” which is another reason its perfect for your summer parties. Ice Box Cakes take a crisp cookie or graham cracker and turn it into a soft layer of goodness. I love graham crackers and love that they are in this Ice Box Cake. I remember as a little girl I would love to dunk my graham crackers in milk until they were so saturated with milk they were soft and yummy.
Another twist is the layer of chocolate ganache on the top of the cake. I really really love milk chocolate and I was so happy to find First Street Milk Chocolate Chips at Smart & Final, if you prefer Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips go ahead and swap them out for the Milk Chocolate! But look at that layer of deliciousness on the top of the cake! Yes it covers the whole cake. To put that finishing touch on the top of the cake finish it with First Street Whipped Topping. It is so light and fresh its the perfect touch.
Classic Chocolate Ice Box Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium size mixing bowl using an electric mixer cream together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy around 1-2 minutes.
- Add the half & half and both packages of pudding to the creamed cheese. Whip on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until fully combined and creamy. .
- In the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish arrange one layer of graham crackers breaking to fit as needed. Spread with ½ of the chocolate filling. Repeat another layer of chocolate graham crackers top with remaining chocolate filling. Top with a third layer of graham crackers.
- In a microwave safe dish heat the heavy cream for about 20 seconds. Add in chocolate chips and allow to melt. Stir until chocolate chips are incorporated in the cream to create ganache, cool slightly.
- Pour the slightly cooled ganache on top. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, top each piece with First Street whipped topping, fresh mint leaf (if desired)Store chilled.
So go ahead and take that photo and enter it in the #SoGoodTogetherContest photo contest, because $2,500 in Smart & Final gift cards is up for grabs! Plus head to Smart & Final to grab your ingredients to make this Classic Chocolate Ice Box Cake.
