Ice Cream Cake

Growing up, ice cream cakes were at the top of my list to get to eat at a birthday party… And why not? Ice cream paired with whipped cream, chocolate fudge, cookie crunchies and sprinkles? Yum. I promise you, making your very own ice cream cake is easy to do! All you need is a little bit of time and patience to let the layers set in the freezer. The cake recipe itself is very straightforward and simple to follow.

Pro tip - you can use this exact recipe/process, but change up the ice cream flavors for a new cake every time! Try this recipe without the ice cream sandwich ring for a simpler cake that is just as show stopping.

Recipe for Ice Cream Cake: ⁣⁣

Ingredients Needed:

10 oreo cookies *or similar crushed up

1 ½ tablespoons melted butter

2 flavors of ice cream (3-4 cups of each)

Optional - 7 or 8 ice cream sandwiches cut into quarters

½ cup heavy cream (for fudge layer)

1 cup of chocolate chips (semisweet)

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 ½ cups heavy cream (for whipped cream layer)

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Optional toppings - oreo cookies, crushed cookies, melted chocolate, nuts, sprinkles or other toppings as desired.

Servings Made: 1 cake (8 inch round, about 3-4 inches tall). This usually serves about 10-15 people.

Time to Make (includes inactive setting time in the freezer): 5-6 hours

How to Make:

Step 1 - Make the crunchy cookie layer

Mix crushed Oreo cookie bits with melted butter and spread onto a parchment lined baking tray. Bake at 350 deg F for about 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool down. Store these in an airtight container or zipper top bag until you need to use them. You can do this step the day before if you need to.

Step 2 - Ice cream layers

Prepare your cake pan by lining an 8 inch round cake pan (springform pans work well) with parchment or wax paper. Place the parchment or wax paper around the sides of the pan and place a layer of saran wrap on the bottom of the pan to help removal of cake when it is complete.

Take out the first flavor of ice cream you are using to thaw from the freezer. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the ice cream to thaw out enough to be spread.

Optional - Ice Cream Sandwich Ring

Cut up 7-8 ice cream sandwiches into quarters and place in a ring around outside of springform pan prior to spreading first layer of ice cream.

Once you have lined the outer rim with sandwiches (skip this step if you are not using ice cream sandwiches), spread your first layer of ice cream. You need about 3-4 cups. Smooth out and then put this in the freezer for about 1-2 hours to let the layer set.

Step 3 - Make fudge layer and cookie bits layer

Microwave ½ cup heavy cream for about 30-45 seconds in a microwave safe dish or bowl. Pour this over 1 cup of chocolate chips (semisweet), add ½ teaspoon vanilla and 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup. Allow this to melt for a few minutes then whisk together with a manual hand whisk until fudge is smooth.

Let this mixture cool to just over room temperature and then pour quickly over your first frozen ice cream layer. Top fudge with a layer of your oreo bits (you made these in step 1). Freeze for 1-2 hours. 

Step 4 - Second Ice Cream Layer

Take out 3-4 cups of your second ice cream flavor to thaw for about 15-20 minutes. When spreadable, put this layer over your oreo and fudge layer, smooth out and top with more cookie bits or any other decorations if you wish. Put this into the freezer for 2-3 hours or overnight to set.

Step 5 - Whipping cream and toppings

Make whipping cream by mixing 1 ½ cups heavy cream with ½ cup icing sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix on high with an electric mixer for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Using piping bag and piping tip or a large zipper top freezer bag with the corner cut off, decorate the top of the cake as you desire. You can even just spread a nice even layer of whipped cream and smooth out with a spatula. Top with oreos, and sprinkles or other toppings. Freeze until ready to use.

Pro tip - if you want to save time, don’t make your own whip, use ready made cool whip or similar.

Make sure to remove cake from the freezer about 15-20 minutes before you wish to serve it so you can easily slice into it.

Enjoy!

This recipe has been adapted from www.lifeloveandsugar.com Copycat DQ Ice Cream Cake.

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