Passover Matzo Icebox Cake [Recipe and Video] (2024)

Passover Matzo Icebox Cake with vanilla cream, mocha cake layers and chocolate ganache frosting is a perfect dessert for your Pesach Seder. This recipe can be made strictly kashrut or not.

Every year, Jews all around the World, scramble to prepare their homes for Passover. It is a daunting task, yet it needs to be done with meticulosity.

Passover is the major Jewish holiday or “spring festival” where Jews celebrate as a commemoration, led by Moses, of their liberation by G-d of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

During Passover, Jewish law forbids the consumption of Chametz (fermented grain products), so Kosher food, which is normally fine to eat, may not fit the guidelines during Pesach. The laws for Israeli, Ashkenazi and Sefardic Jews are a bit different.

Also, many Jewish people raised Reform may not follow strict kashrut and may simply give up flour, bread and pasta type products. Kosher products containing cornstarch like some instant puddings would not be a concern.

Dessert, yes, you can have your matzo and eat it too….for dessert!

Please make sure to follow your level of kashrut when considering this Matzo Icebox Cake for Passover.

Ingredients for Matzo Icebox Cake

• Passover Matzo – the box should be labeled for Passover
• Kosher for Passover Instant Pudding orJello Instant Pudding
• Chocolate Frosting – or make it yourself, recipe below.
• Espresso
• Milk

Kosher for Passover Instant Pudding orJello Instant Pudding is mixed in with the milk.

The pudding needs to be whisked well. This Rösle Stainless Steel Flat Whisk makes the task easier.

Chilling the pudding for about five minutes will help to firm it up quicker.

What is Matzo Icebox Cake?

It is a layer cake made with matzo, pudding, whipped topping and chocolate frosting. It needs no baking and is reminiscent of a chocolate coated, creamy eclair.

This idea came from two other of my recipes. A no-bake old fashion sheetcake made with graham crackers, which also requires no baking and my Chocolate Eau Claire Cake (Eclair Cake), which tastes just like a Napoleon.

The whipped topping should be carefully folded in.

Can Matzo Icebox Cake Be Made without Cool Whip?

Sure it can. As you see, this recipe is definitely not from scratch. If you would prefer to first make my Perfect Homemade Whipped Cream recipe (which is Kosher for Passover) and then fold it into the pudding, rather than using Cool Whip (which is Kosher, but not Kosher for Passover), it is absolutely fine.

The whipped cream is a bit softer than the Cool Whip.

We like to use Bustelo espresso for a nice and strong flavor. Regular strong coffee is very nice too.

You can even make a larger pot of coffee in the morning and use the extra for making Passover Matzo Icebox Cake.

The coffee gives a nice mocha flavor. Any liquid can be used.

Wine is wonderful in this recipe.

Grape soda, cherry juice, lemonade, plain water, ice tea, anything you fancy.

Soaking the matzo helps to open up the pores and allows the pudding to sink in and soften up to a cake like texture.

Various extracts, like almond or amaretto extract, mint extract, orange extract, cherry extract can be mixed into the pudding for various flavors.

They can also be mixed into the liquid too.

How to Make Passover Matzo Icebox Cake

• For strict kashrut, ensure all ingredients are labeled Kosher for Passover.
• In a large bowl, mix the pudding and milk together until smooth.
• Then, gently fold in the whipped topping.
• Alternate layers of matzo and pudding mixture in a baking dish.
• Top withchocolate Frosting and chill.

This is just a guide to how you assemble it. The full recipe is at the bottom of the post.

Passover Matzo Icebox Cake is so simple to make.

Each pudding layer should have about the same amount of pudding.

Keep layering until done!

Variations for Passover Matzo Icebox Cake

The possibilities are endless and they can be customized to whatever flavor you love. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Grape Wine Matzo Icebox Cake– Use wine or grape juice instead of coffee.
• Black and White Matzo Icebox Cake– use one box of vanilla and one box of chocolate and alternate layers. Prepare each box of pudding separately.
• Chocolate Peanut Matzo Icebox Cake – substitute chocolate pudding in place of vanilla pudding and top with crushed peanuts.
• Pistachio Matzo Icebox Cake– substitute pistachio pudding for the vanilla and top with crushed pistachios.
• Cheesecake Matzo Icebox Cake– use cheesecake flavored pudding in place of vanilla pudding.
• Sugar-free Matzo Icebox Cake– use sugar free pudding and sugar free cool whip to reduce sugar content.

These suggestions should keep you busy for a while.

The pudding will seep into the matzo and firm up.

CanIcebox Matzo Cake Be Made in Advance?

• Yes, definitely.
• Matzo Icebox cake needs to be made a day in advance.

It needs to be covered with a cling wrap to keep in the moisture.

Microwave the chocolate frosting just a bit, so that it can be stirred.

The whipped frosting should be easy to spread, but still very thick. Be careful not to get it hot.

The frosting should be soft enough to stir, but not liquid. Be careful not to heat for too long.

Can Matzo Icebox Cake Be Made Without Canned Frosting?

• Yes, definitely it can.
• Store bought chocolate frosting works really well, but since it is not Kosher for Passover some of you may want to make your own
• Just about 20 seconds in the microwave, a good stir and it is perfect for spreading.

How Do you Make a Kashrut Homemade Ganache?

Use this easy 3 ingredient ganache recipe. It’s delish and super quick.

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspooninstant espresso granules

Combine all ingredients in a double-boiler and whisk until smooth. Then, wait a few minutes to cool and pour over Passover Matzo Icebox Cake.

Another way to make Passover Matzo Icebox Cake is to use a 13×9 glass pan.

Then just pour the frosting over the top and spread. It is actually much easier to use the larger pan and my preferred method.

I am not the best at cake decoration and just pouring it over the whole pan is easier for me. But, i wanted you to see the layers.

Can Matzo Icebox Cake Be Frozen?

• It can!
• Wrap it tightly in foil and store in a baggie or FoodSaver bag and pop it in the freezer.
• Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Passover Matzo Icebox Cakes cuts really easily. It is soft and incredibly delicious.

Such a tall cake and a big bite.

Watch the video below as I walk you through every step and detail of this recipe. I’ve given you a ton of information above, but sometimes a visual of the process helps so you can follow along. I have my own cooking show on my YouTube Channel, so be sure to check it out and subscribe!

Watch my video and then scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card.

Tips and Tricks to Passover Matzo Icebox Cake

1. Buy ingredients according to your level of kashrut.
2. Let the pudding chill in the fridge for about five minutes before adding in the whipped topping.
3. Prepare the cake at least 24 hours in advance.
4. A 13×9 pan is the least amount of work for this recipe.

Time for me to taste….

This Matzo Layer Cake is so fantastic. It truly tastes like a Napoleon.

Happy Passover everyone!

Oh, by the way, you sure don’t need to be Jewish to enjoy this wonderful Matzo Icebox Cake!

More Passover Recipes to Make:

• Instant Pot Matzo Brei {Jewish Passover French Toast}
• Homemade Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish {Jewish Fish Balls}
• Pressure Cooker Passover Vegetable Matzo Lasagna
• Air Fryer Passover Matzo Taco Chips

There are tons of Jewish recipes on the blog and I hope you will enjoy all of them. Actually, I know you will.

Kitchen Equipment and Essentials

• J.A. Henckels Classic 8 inch Chef’s Knife
• Anchor Hocking Glass (Liquid) Measuring Cups
• Rösle Stainless Steel Flat Whisk– a MUST have, probably my most used utensil
• di Oro Living Silicone Spatulas Set
• Pyrex Oblong Glass Baking Dish

Please don’t feel that you need any of these tools to make delicious food. I use high end equipment as I find they last longer, so it is cheaper in the end than having to replace items. Always use the best that you can afford; don’t break the bank!

Caring is sharing! If you would like to support This Old Gal, please share this recipe on Social Media, so that I can continue to bring you more wonderful recipes!

Here is the handy printable recipe.

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