Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Ice cream cakes are the perfect blend of two of the best desserts: cake and ice cream. They make an ideal centerpiece for birthdays, summer parties, or any special celebration. And the best part? You can easily make an ice cream cake at home, customized with your favorite flavors and toppings.

In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for the ultimate ice cream cake. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients, tips on variations, and step-by-step instructions for creating a delicious cake that will be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive in!

this Recipe

What is an Ice Cream Cake?

An ice cream cake combines layers of ice cream and cake (or crushed cookies) into a delightful frozen dessert. The layers of ice cream are typically frozen until firm, then stacked with additional layers of cake, frosting, or other fillings. You can get creative by mixing and matching ice cream flavors and customizing the toppings. In short, it’s a versatile and refreshing dessert that will cool down any hot day.

Ingredients List for Ice Cream Cake

You don’t need many ingredients to make a simple ice cream cake, but the magic is in the details. Here’s what you’ll need to create a basic ice cream cake:

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 box of cake mix (any flavor) or 1 batch of your favorite homemade cake recipe
• 3 large eggs (if using a boxed mix)
• ½ cup oil (as directed by the cake mix)
• 1 cup water (as directed by the cake mix)
• 2 quarts of ice cream (your choice of flavors)

For the Cookie Crust (Optional):

• 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Fillings and Toppings:

• Hot fudge sauce or caramel sauce
• Crushed cookies or candy pieces (like Oreos, peanut butter cups, or sprinkles)
• Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about an ice cream cake is that you can tailor it to your taste. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Cake Flavor Options: You can use any flavor of cake—chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or even funfetti! If you don’t want to use traditional cake, try using crushed cookies, brownies, or even a layer of cookie dough as a base.
2. Ice Cream Flavors: Customize your cake with your favorite ice cream flavors. Popular choices include vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry. You can mix and match flavors to suit your preferences.
3. Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free ice cream and dairy-free whipped topping to make a vegan-friendly or lactose-free ice cream cake.
4. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix or crushed gluten-free cookies for the base to make a gluten-free ice cream cake.
5. Filling Variations: Add layers of crushed cookies, candy, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of hot fudge or caramel between the ice cream layers for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making an ice cream cake requires some patience as each layer needs time to freeze, but the process itself is simple. Follow these steps to make a beautiful ice cream cake from scratch.

1. Prepare the Cake Layer

1. Preheat the oven: If you’re baking a cake layer, start by preheating the oven to the temperature listed on your cake mix or recipe.
2. Bake the cake: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box or your favorite homemade cake recipe. For a simple cake base, you only need one 9-inch round cake layer. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
   • Tip: For a thinner cake layer, you can use a 9-inch springform pan or a shallow round pan to bake your cake.

2. Prepare the Cookie Crust (Optional)

1. Crush the cookies: If you prefer a cookie crust instead of a cake layer, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
2. Mix with butter: In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened.
3. Press into pan: Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes to set.

3. Soften the Ice Cream

1. Let ice cream soften: Take your chosen ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s soft and spreadable but not melted.

4. Assemble the Ice Cream Cake

1. Prepare the cake pan: If you're using a springform pan, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. If you used the same pan to bake the cake, clean it thoroughly before assembling the ice cream layers.
2. Layer 1 - Cake: Place the cooled cake layer (or the cookie crust) at the bottom of the pan. Trim the edges if needed to fit snugly.
3. Layer 2 - First Ice Cream Flavor: Spread your first ice cream flavor (about 1 quart) over the cake or cookie base. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. Freeze for about 30 minutes or until firm.
4. Layer 3 - Add Toppings (Optional): After the first ice cream layer is set, you can add a layer of crushed cookies, chocolate chips, candy pieces, or drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce.
5. Layer 4 - Second Ice Cream Flavor: Spread your second ice cream flavor (about 1 quart) on top of the first ice cream layer. Again, smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. Freeze: Place the cake back in the freezer for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow the layers to firm up completely.

5. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

1. Beat the cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
2. Frost the cake: Once the ice cream cake is fully set, remove it from the freezer and release it from the springform pan. Frost the entire cake with the whipped cream mixture, smoothing the top and sides. You can use a spatula or an offset knife for a clean, professional finish.

6. Decorate the Cake

1. Add toppings: Now it’s time to get creative! Decorate the top of the cake with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, fresh fruit, crushed cookies, or candy pieces—whatever suits your theme or flavor combination.
2. Freeze again: Place the decorated cake back in the freezer for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure everything is set.

7. Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, remove the ice cream cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices and serve immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting the cake cool before adding ice cream: Ensure the cake layer is fully cooled before adding ice cream on top. A warm cake will melt the ice cream too quickly and create a mess.
• Skipping freezing between layers: Be sure to freeze each layer of ice cream for at least 30 minutes before adding another layer or frosting to prevent the layers from mixing together.
• Using hard ice cream: Let the ice cream soften slightly before spreading it to avoid ripping the cake or creating uneven layers.
• Not freezing long enough: Make sure to freeze the assembled cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and structure.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve with extra toppings: Keep a bowl of extra toppings like hot fudge, sprinkles, or crushed cookies on the side for guests to add to their slices.
• Add fresh fruit: For a refreshing twist, serve each slice with fresh berries or sliced fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even bananas.
• Personalize for the occasion: Customize the cake to match the event by using different color sprinkles, birthday candles, or themed cake toppers.

How to Serve Ice Cream Cake

• Time your serving: Remove the cake from the freezer about 5-10 minutes before serving to make it easier to cut through the layers.
• Use a hot knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut through the cake. This will help prevent the ice cream from sticking to the blade.

Presentation Ideas for Ice Cream Cake

• Drip Effect: Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauce over the edges of the cake for a dramatic drip effect.
• Piping Whipped Cream: Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to pipe whipped cream swirls around the edges or top of the cake for an elegant touch.
• Layer with Colors: For a colorful surprise, choose two different ice cream flavors with contrasting colors (like strawberry and pistachio) to create a visually appealing slice.

Ice Cream Cake Recipe Tips

• Use a springform pan: A springform pan makes it easy to remove the cake without ruining its shape. Simply release the sides and lift the cake out.
• Plan ahead: Ice cream cakes require time to freeze between layers, so plan to make the cake the day before you need it.
• Experiment with flavors: Get creative with ice cream flavors, fillings, and toppings to customize the cake to your taste or the occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does ice cream cake last in the freezer?
An ice cream cake can be stored in the freezer for up to a week if wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

2. Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, ice cream cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the cake layers and freeze them up to a week in advance. Add the whipped cream frosting and decorations on the day you plan to serve it.

3. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular round cake pan lined with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake. Be sure to leave enough overhang to lift the cake out once it’s frozen.

4. Can I use store-bought cake?
Absolutely! To save time, you can use a store-bought cake layer or even pre-made cookies for the base. This cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.

5. How do I store leftover ice cream cake?
Wrap leftover slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.

Conclusion

Making an ice cream cake at home is easier than you think and is guaranteed to be a hit at any event. By following this recipe, you’ll have a customizable dessert that brings together the best of both cake and ice cream worlds. From choosing your favorite flavors to decorating the cake with your choice of toppings, you can make a delicious, eye-catching frozen treat everyone will love. Happy baking (and freezing)!

Print