Description
This Homemade Ice Cream Cake is a dreamy, nostalgic dessert with a rich chocolate cookie crust, layers of vanilla and cookies & cream ice cream, and a fluffy whipped cream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or anytime you crave a cool, creamy slice of happiness. It’s easy to prepare ahead, customizable with your favorite flavors, and guaranteed to bring big smiles!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), finely crushed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Ice Cream Layers:
1½ quarts vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
1½ quarts cookies and cream ice cream (softened slightly)
For the Whipped Frosting:
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Toppings:
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup crushed chocolate cookies
Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookies and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
Freeze the crust for at least 15 minutes while preparing the next steps.
2. Build the Ice Cream Layers
Spread softened vanilla ice cream over the chilled crust. Smooth into an even layer with a spatula.
Freeze for 30–45 minutes until the first layer is firm.
Spread the cookies and cream ice cream evenly over the vanilla layer.
Freeze again for at least 1 hour or until completely solid.
3. Whip the Frosting
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
4. Assemble and Decorate
Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and crushed cookies on top.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup and add chocolate shavings if desired.
5. Final Freeze
Freeze the entire cake for at least 2 more hours or overnight for best results.
6. Serve
Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Cut with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for cleaner slices.
Notes
Softened Ice Cream: Leave ice cream out for about 10 minutes before spreading.
Flavor Swaps: Try mint chocolate chip, peanut butter swirl, or strawberry ice cream for different variations.
Shortcut: Use store-bought whipped topping if pressed for time.
Make Ahead: This dessert can be made up to 7 days in advance and stored well in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (freezing only)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg