Ina Garten's Mocha Icebox Cake Has a Genius Shortcut, and It's My New Favorite

It all starts with a package of chocolate chip cookies.

Jacob Fox

Is this the best dessert from beloved chef Ina Garten?

It just might be.

The make-ahead dessert stars a homemade mocha cream and Ina’s favorite store-boughtchocolate chip cookiesfrom Tate’s Bake Shop.

Here’s what I thought of Ina’s recipe, including why the cookies make all the difference.

Here’s a quick look at how to make it.

What Does Mocha Cake Taste Like?

Ina’s mocha cake is the perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors.

The mocha cream isn’t too sweet, with the perfect coffee flavor.

It’s a great flavor match for the buttery chocolate chip cookies.

The cake firmed up nicely after the overnight chill, and I couldn’t stop eating it.

Everyone who tried a slice loved it.

I couldn’t stop eating this cake.

It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

It’s one of those desserts that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

And, it’s incredibly easy to pull togetherwe had the whole thing assembled in under 30 minutes.

I think Ina might be right; this cake would make a grown man weep tears of joy.