Mother'S Icebox Sugarless Cake

Prep: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Mother's Icebox Sugarless Cake offers a delightful combination of crunchy graham crackers, sweet marshmallows, tart cherries, and warm spices. Perfect for those seeking a sweet treat without added sugar, this no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and ideal for sharing at gatherings or family celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 lb. marshmallows
  • 1 bottle maraschino cherries
  • 4 c. chopped nuts
  • 1 box seedless raisins
  • 1 c. sweet milk
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. allspice

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the sweet milk and marshmallows, stirring constantly until the marshmallows are melted.
  2. Add the graham cracker crumbs, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, seedless raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the melted mixture, and stir well.
  3. Line a bowl or pan with waxed paper and lightly grease it with softened margarine.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared container and press evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. The next day, remove from the refrigerator and take the cake out of the bowl, discarding the waxed paper.
  7. Wrap in Saran Wrap and keep refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the melted marshmallow mixture. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with toasted coconut for added texture. Instead of maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries or another fruit of your choice. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan for a better hold when slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own but can be complemented with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Heavenly Pineapple Pie for a delightful dessert spread. For a fun twist, serve with a side of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers wrapped tightly in Saran Wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage; just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To serve, allow the frozen cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Icebox Sugarless Cake contains roughly 895 calories, with 11g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 28g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

895 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.7g 21% DV
Total Fat 48.2g 62% DV
Carbs 114.1g 41% DV
Fiber 27.8g 99% DV
Sugar 36.8g 74% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 216.7mg 9% DV
Potassium 725.7mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 148mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 361.4mg 28% DV
Iron 8.7mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sugar instead of marshmallows?

Using sugar instead of marshmallows is not recommended, as marshmallows provide both sweetness and a unique texture to the cake. However, you could try using a sugar-free marshmallow substitute if needed. Adjust the amount of sweet milk accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as a substitute. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, enhancing this sugarless cake while keeping it delicious and satisfying.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To add a chocolate flavor, consider mixing in some cocoa powder into the melted marshmallow mixture or adding mini chocolate chips to the batter. This will create a delightful variation, bringing a rich chocolate twist to your Mother’s Icebox Sugarless Cake.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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