Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Another spectacular baking masterpiece by Bobbie Lloyd. The Magnolia Bakery Handbook of Icebox Desserts has a variety of recipes, from pie crusts all the way to elaborate desserts such as Bananas Foster Cheesecake. There are many recipes within each category and a good variety within each section. The sections of this cookbook are Icebox Cakes, Icebox Pies, Cheesecakes, Icebox Bars, Banana Pudding, Puddings, and Base Recipes.

I tried several recipes from this cookbook and had positive results with all of them. The Classic Icebox Cake was easy to prepare and assemble, and the cake was delicious. The Banoffee Pie was also delicious, but the preparation was a bit more involved, took longer and the ingredients were a little more difficult to find. The Swirled Blueberry Jamboree was simple and so tasty. My family enjoyed all of these desserts when I prepared them.

My family's favorite recipe was "The Magnolia Bakery's Famous Banana Pudding". The recipe was fairly simple to follow, with a short list of easy-to-find ingredients. The preparation and assembly were clearly described and easy to follow. The final product was amazing - super rich and creamy, though I do need more practice on layering the ingredients in a trifle bowl so that it looks like the images in the cookbook.

The cookbook had a nice, simple structure, and I enjoyed reading Lloyd's tips and tools of the trade at the beginning of the cookbook. The font used in the recipes is easy to read, and the photos are a gorgeous showcase of all of the desserts. Overall this is a cookbook I would purchase and recommend to others. I enjoyed reviewing this ebook, but will probably purchase the actual book version.

Thanks to Bobbie Lloyd, Harvest Publishing/William Morrow Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This cookbook should come with a warning: you might gain 100 pounds just reading it. The recipes are so rich and tempting, I was hungry the entire time I flipped through the pages.

The best part? The recipes are so easy to follow. The ingredients are simple, nothing weird or hard to find, and the directions are clear enough that I never second-guessed a step. The photos? Absolutely gorgeous—good luck resisting the urge to make everything at once.

If you love icebox desserts, this book is a must-have. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself making "just one more" every weekend.

Was this review helpful?

Bobbie Lloyd, you made my mouth water, and my ideas for fun summer treats turning! This was SUCH a great book. It was well written, and beautifully done.

Was this review helpful?

Spoiler alert: fans of Schitt’s Creek should buy this book solely because it finally defines the proper way to “fold in” an ingredient. This cookbook could have saved David and Moira.

Jokes aside this book has so many wonderful recipes but truthfully my favorite element is the tips section. Reading through the section about ingredients was a great reminder of things long forgotten. The clip suggestion for lining a pan at the beginning of the icebox bar section is priceless. The photos and simple step by step directions make each recipe approachable no matter what skill level you may be. Bonus points for banana pudding getting its own chapter but banana cream is also featured several other categories. It’s my all time favorite flavor.

Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this so much I’ll purchase a physical copy when it’s available.

Was this review helpful?

This is my new favorite dessert book. Outstanding, delectable photography accompanies the recipes, The recipes are simple to execute, but big on impact. I was especially happy to see the Banana Pudding recipe, which is a favorite in my extended family!

With icebox cakes, cheeecakes, and multiple pudding recipes, this is one you can't miss, especially as summer approaches!

This is one that I am going to have to invest in a physical copy when it is published. Thank you so much Netgalley and William Morrow | Harvest foe the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

It's not often that I say that cookbooks are delightful, but this book is truly delightful. There's something about the ease of which most of these desserts can be assembled that makes it enjoyable to read even without making them. I'm a die hard Magnolia Bakery fan (since 2001, former New York City resident here), and I own all of their cookbooks. I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this one! Though the ownership has changed hands since it opened in the mid-90s, 401 Bleecker Street has remained a Mecca for dessert lovers everywhere, and this handbook does an excellent job of providing the same enchanting feel.

The photography is delightful, consistent, and realistic. When I look at the images I don't feel overwhelmed by the thought of making something from start to finish no matter the skill level. I really appreciate the simplicity of the book overall. This collection strikes me as being something that even a beginner could pick up and run with, which I would have appreciated 20 years ago when I started baking regularly. That being said, and this is an issue I have with several of the Magnolia books (though I don't have a recommendation for how to fix it), I really hate flipping back and forth between a staple/base recipe and the recipe I'm aiming to make. I would much rather have the staple recipes in one place as well as repeated with each recipe than flip back and forth. It helps me stay focused, and helps me fell less overwhelmed.

Bravo Bobbie Lloyd on this wonderful collection of recipes, perfect as we move into spring and summer months. We appreciate you more than you realize!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy to review.

Was this review helpful?

This cookbook is incredible! I have never had the pleasure of going to Magnolia Bakery before and haven’t been to NYC in years, yet the recipes in this cookbook are explained so clearly that they are easy to create! I am not confident in my abilities, nor do I have the patience for baking cheesecakes, but even the directions for the cheesecakes seem straightforward and easy to follow.
The icebox cakes and pies are mouthwatering and ridiculously easy. A hand mixer or stand mixer is a must because of whipping cream, though I’m sure using Cool Whip would be an easy substitute. The hidden, unexpected bonus, is the dozen or so banana pudding variations at the end of the book, along with staple recipes for brownies, cookies, red velvet cake, ganache, lemon curd, etc.
I was excited about the ARC digital copy, and am convinced to buy the hardcover when it is released. It is that good!

Was this review helpful?

I’m one for a simple dessert that doesn’t require baking. Magnolia Bakery’s icebox cake book delivers in this area!

I am a big fan of Magnolia’s cupcakes and banana pudding, so this book had my attention. I am most excited for the cookies and cream ice box cake, cheesecakes, and different puddings. The classic pudding recipe is included with base recipes for cakes and cookies.

This will make a perfect gift for any Magnolia lover!

Was this review helpful?

First off, beautiful images! I wish I had the physical copy, because I know the images would be nice and glossy. The presentation is great, and I know any person who has gone to that iconic bakery and gotten their banana pudding would love to know how to make it themselves. I was surpised to find so many different iterations of banana pudding that the author thought of. There are a surprising number of recipes, though a lot of them are very similar to each other. I just got some mini springform pans, and am super excited to try the mini cheesecake recipes in them!I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful recipe book that I cannot wait to try. Each chapter represents a different category from icebox cakes/pies to my personal favorite, cheesecakes and different types of banana pudding. The photos throughout the book are making me so excited to try these recipes. This book would make a great gift for someone special or a great addition to your personal cookbook collection.

Thank you William Morrow Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

A beautifully presented collection of warm-weather desserts, including a whole chapter of banana pudding variations and non-banana alternatives. While many recipes don't require baking, they aren't all oven-free. Would make a lovely gift for Mother's Day or a bridal shower. Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for a digital review copy.

Was this review helpful?

I love a beautiful cookbook and this is definitely one! Magnolia Bakery has the best recipes, me first being introduced to their banana pudding recipe years ago. Overall this is a solid dessert cookbook with options for everyone! I like that there was also instructions on how to make basic recipes in order to elevate your skill. This would also make a nice gift.

Was this review helpful?

As summer and warmer temperatures approach, I'm enjoying devouring the icebox recipes featured in this collection. The recipes seem clear, easy-to-follow, and Lloyd includes helpful hints for things like effective liquid measurements and other baking tips at the beginning of the book and as part of chapters. The photographs are beautiful, and I'm motivated to make an icebox pie (the Coconut Cream Pie looks divine) today!

Was this review helpful?

I’ve made a few recipes from this book and while some were difficult my family enjoyed it. My goal is to make all the recipes by summer.

Was this review helpful?

This cookbook features very easy recipes. I highly recommend it; it's worth buying. If you love to cook, this book is for you. The recipes are simple to make

Was this review helpful?

After making Magnolia Bakery’s viral banana pudding and having it be a total hit at a party, I was more than ready to get my hands on more of their recipes. Icebox desserts have such a nostalgic and homemade quality to them; they always remind me of a family specialty you can only find once a year at a sunny cookout. This cookbook is full of delicious and unique options to add to your rotation.

I learned a lot about baking fundamentals like making perfect whipped cream, baking elevated staple desserts, and even saw some recipes you can guarantee that guests have never tried. Photography can make or break a cookbook, and Magnolia Bakery nails this with beautiful imagery for every single recipe. It just makes you want to try everything! It's an easy 5 stars from me.

Here are the 7 recipes that stood out to me.

• Cannoli Icebox Bar: Are you kidding me? As a Sicilian American I am so psyched about this one, the plating with mini ice cream cones is so fun.
• Roasted Strawberry Crisp Pudding: I really want to mess around with this one and add matcha cream. I love the layered presentation in individual glasses.
• Butterscotch Pudding With Snickerdoodle Cookies: I have never seen anything like this but that flavor combination sounds insane. I’m crossing my fingers for this being an early fall favorite.
• Biscoff Swirl Cheesecake With Biscoff Cookie Crust: This looks straight out of a high-end bakery. Rich and elegant. If a home baker served this to me I’d be so impressed.
• Banana Cream Pie: They’ve perfected banana pudding, so I really trust them to knock this one out of the park.
• Apple Crisp Icebox Bar: I’m 100% breaking this out when apple season rolls around in late summer.
• Deep-Dish Peanut Butter Cup Icebox Pie: I’m going to be adding their chocolate ganache recipe as a base layer here.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Magnolia Bakery for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Great book with great pictures. The recipes are easy to understand and all sound award winning. Can't wait to try these!

Was this review helpful?

This has some great desserts. I cannot wait to try a few! I mean....cold brew banana pudding! Yes, please! I will definitely be buying this after having perused this ARC. The desserts seem pretty easy to make as well. I think sometimes in cookbooks the recipes can be intimidating but this one seems do-able! I mean, it's no bake so how bad can one mess it up??

Was this review helpful?

A beautifully written cookbook! This is a great way to make no bake desserts with a wow factor. The pictures are beautiful and the dishes look delicious. Can't wait to dig into each recipe.

Was this review helpful?

Magnolia Bakery is an institution and this book is an amazing collection of recipes. The instructions are clear for home bakers and the recipes are easily replicated.

Was this review helpful?