In the summertime, often a standard cake, no matter how damp and fluffy, can feel too heavy for dessert in heat. The service? Learning how to make ice cream cake. The cool, layered desserts look like a cake and cut like a cake, however taste like the ice cream sundae of your dreams.
You have most likely indulged in a piece or 2 of Dairy Queen’s well-known ice cream cake throughout the years. The cakes are still readily available and liked by DQ fans today– but believe it or not, you can DIY a much better ice cream cake in the house.
How to Make Ice Cream Cake
The recipe we’re sharing today is influenced by the DQ classic– made with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate ganache and a thick layer of chocolate cookie crumbles. Here’s what you require:
Chocolate Cookie Crunch
- 1 cup Oreo crumbs (about 12 Oreos)
- 2 tablespoons saltless butter, melted
Chocolate Ganache Filling
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Ice Cream Layers
- 1-1/2- quarts chocolate ice cream
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Editor’s pointer: You can acquire Magic Shell at the grocery shop, or make your own in the house.
Tools You’ll Need







Offset Spatula Action 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
Place a nine-inch springform pan into your freezer to chill. This will assist avoid the ice cream from melting as you put together the cake.
Action 2: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crunch
Preheat oven to 350 °. While it warms, pulse the Oreo cookies several times in a food mill. Add the melted butter and then pulse for a few more seconds till rough cookie crumbs remain. Discard the cookie crumbs out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and expanded equally into a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes then get rid of and let cool totally.
As soon as cool, in a medium blending bowl, integrate the cooled cookie crumbs with the chocolate Magic Shell. Stir to coat the crumbs uniformly and after that spread out back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin layer. Freeze for 30 minutes and then fall apart into small, coarse pieces. Keep cooled till ready to utilize.
Editor’s tip: Baking the Oreo crumbs helps make them additional dry and crisp so that they don’t end up being soggy from the moisture of the ice cream. It’s an extra action that’s well worth the effort.
Action 3: Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a strong simmer. Eliminate from heat and after that pour over the semisweet chocolate chips in a medium glass bowl. Stir the whipping cream and chocolate until its totally smooth.
Include the corn syrup and vanilla extract to the chocolate-cream mix and stir up until glossy and fully integrated. Set aside the ganache and let cool completely. For more details, this guide discusses how to make ganache.
Step 4: Type an Ice Cream Barrier
While the ganache cools, remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let soften for 15-20 minutes on the counter. When the ice cream has softened, spoon about half of the vanilla ice cream into a gallon-size freezer bag. (Return additional vanilla ice cream to the freezer.) Snip the corner of the bag to create a half-inch round opening. Start to pipeline the vanilla ice cream around the inside edge of the springform pan, working your method almost to the top of the pan.
When the ice cream has been piped to the top of the pan, use an offset spatula to smooth the edges of the ice cream. You desire to produce a thin, smooth wall of vanilla ice cream around the edge of the pan leaving a hollow center to include the staying ice cream, fudge and cookie collapses. Freeze for 20-30 minutes up until company.
Editor’s idea: If you don’t have a method of piping the ice cream, you can likewise simply utilize an offset spatula to scoop and mold the ice cream around the inside edge of the springform pan. It’s a bit messier but still works.
Step 5: Produce the Bottom Ice Cream Layer
Remove the chocolate ice cream from the freezer and let soften for 15-20 minutes. As soon as the vanilla ice cream “wall” has actually tightened in the pan, spoon the chocolate ice cream into the center of the cake pan lined with vanilla ice cream. Smooth and level the chocolate ice cream with a balanced out spatula.
Step 6: Add Fudge and Cookie Crumble
Next, pour a generous layer of the chocolate ganache over the chocolate ice cream layer. Smooth with an offset spatula before sprinkling the ganache with the cooled cookie crumbles. Carefully smooth out the crumbles to form an even layer. Freeze the chocolate ice cream, fudge and cookie collapse layers for 20-30 minutes till firm.
While the previous layers firm up in the freezer, get rid of the vanilla ice cream again and let it soften on the counter. Once the chocolate layers have actually tightened, spoon the staying softened vanilla ice cream over the other layers. Utilize the offset spatula to smooth the vanilla ice cream uniformly over the other layers. The vanilla layer should pertain to the extremely top of the springform pan.
As soon as that’s done, freeze the cake for at least four hourse, though overnight is finest.
Editor’s pointer: Reserve 1/4 cup of vanilla ice cream to utilize after freezing your cake. You can utilize the leftover vanilla to fill and ravel any thin patches or areas that get damaged after eliminating the outdoors ring of your springform pan.
Step 8: Make Whipped Cream Icing
While the cake freezes, prepare the whipped cream icing. Whip the whipping cream up until soft peaks begin to form. Include the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue to whip till strong peaks form. Keep refrigerated until prepared to embellish the cake.
Step 9: Eliminate the Outer Ring
Eliminate the ice cream cake from the freezer and use a clean dishcloth taken in hot water to thaw and loosen up the ice cream from the sides of the springform pan. As you swipe the hot, damp rag over the exterior of the springform pan, you must see the ice cream start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Thoroughly remove the outdoors ring of the pan. If the external ring does not get rid of easily, continue to warm the pan with the fabric up until it raises easily and cleanly off the cake. Next, utilize an icing smoother to tidy up any imperfections on the sides of the cake. Return the cake to the freezer for 20 minutes to tighten the outside edges prior to applying the icing.
Editor’s pointer: If you have a lazy Susan, using one to spin the cake as you smooth the sides can assist develop a cleaner, more professional completed cake. If the walls of your cake have thin spots or areas where chocolate is glancing through, utilize the reserved vanilla ice cream to fix.
Action 10: Embellish
Finish the cake by applying a thin, smooth layer of the whipped cream icing. Utilize a cake smoother or offset spatula to smooth the icing nicely over the sides and top of the ice cream. Pipe a ribbon of whipped cream icing around the top and bottom edge of the cake. We utilized a piping bag fitted with a star pointer.
To end up the cake, spray with your option of garnishes (sprinkles, nuts, M&M’s, etc.) and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, if desired.
Discover how to write an unique message on your cake.
Action 11: The Final Freeze
Return the cake to the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours to firm up whatever prior to cutting and serving.
Ice Cream Cake Designing and Topping Concepts
When it pertains to toppings and decors for ice cream cakes, you’re just limited by your imagination! We kept things simple with our cake– selecting chocolate ganache leaks around the edge, a ribbon of piped whipped icing on the edges and bottom and a healthy smattering of rainbow sprays. Here are a couple of other decorating ideas you could try:
- Caramel or butterscotch drizzle
- Sliced nuts
- Chocolate shavings
- M&M’s sweets
- Sliced mint chocolate candies like Andes or York Peppermint Patties
- Sliced sweet bars like Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Twix
- Crushed Oreos, chocolate chip cookies or pretzels
- Cookie dough bits, pastry pieces or brownie bites
Can This Be Made Gluten-Free or Vegan?
Definitely. To make this dish gluten-free, swap all active ingredients for gluten-free ranges. There are lots of gluten-free ice creams, chocolates and Oreo-like cookies on the marketplace, so switching for these can be done in a 1:1 ratio. One component you’ll wish to pay close attention to is the powdered sugar for the whipped cream icing. While many powdered sugars are gluten-free, some include a starch that might contain gluten.
For a vegan dish, choose dairy-free and vegan-friendly active ingredient options. Whatever can be performed in a 1:1 swap with fantastic success. There are many vegan ice cream brand names to choose from that as a vegan it’s 100% possible to have your ice cream cake, and consume it too!
How to Cut an Ice Cream Cake
The secret to cutting an ice cream cake easily and easily? Utilizing a warm knife!
Begin by eliminating the ice cream cake from the freezer and letting it sit on the counter at space temperature level for 10-15 minutes. While the cake softens, put a large, sharp knife in a glass of hot, steaming water. When the cake has actually softened, get rid of the knife from the water and clean it dry on a tidy fabric. Slice the cake, beginning from the center and cutting in a smooth downward movement towards the external edge. Use a cake server to lift the first piece from the cake. Continue cutting the cake, cleaning up the knife with a fabric between each slice and warming the knife in the hot water bath as required.
How to Shop and Transportation Ice Cream Cake
This should be considered a severe sport! As noted above, investing in a simple cake carrier will be your secret to success. Prior to beginning your ice cream cake, we recommend clearing an area of your freezer that is large enough to permit the cake carrier to fit and sit level inside. If you have a drawer freezer, ensure your freezer opens wide enough (we might be speaking from individual experience).
You can securely and effectively transport an ice cream cake utilizing a large cooler or insulated food carrier. The technique is to ensure the vessel you are using is large enough to fit your cake provider together with a number of ice packs or bags of ice. For finest results, we recommend letting your ice cream cake freeze for 24 hr in the freezer before transporting it to make certain whatever is as frozen as possible. We likewise suggest packing your cake at the really eleventh hour before your departure.
Do not forget to make sure you belong to store your cake when you get to your destination. Your finest bet will be to have a freezer to transfer your ice cream cake to when you show up to keep it frozen till you’re all set to serve.
Strawberry Ice Cream Charlotte
My household likes ice cream cake, so they were thrilled when I initially provided this dessert. It’s light, scrumptious and has a joyful presentation.– Scarlett Elrod, Newman, Georgia
Ice Cream Birthday Cake
When we were young, Mommy made birthday cakes with a small toy on top, selected just for us. Now that I’m a moms and dad, I go with jimmies.– Becky Herges, Fargo, North Dakota
Mango Almond Icebox Cake
This dish was influenced by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It’s easy to prepare, revitalizing, light, and tastes absolutely great. Strawberries can be utilized too.– Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
Chocolate-Cherry Ice Cream Cake
O state can you see this fantastic dessert at your next event? I make it ahead of time and keep it in the freezer, wrapped in foil, for a week approximately before serving.– Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream
Want something cool and refreshing after your holiday banquet? Serve generous slices of a rich, frosty dessert featuring peanuts, cookies and drizzled ice cream garnishes.– TerryAnn Moore, Vineland, New Jersey
Sherbet-Filled Angel Food Cake
Here’s a cool way to treat angel food cake: Fill it with sherbet or ice cream. We complete this cake with a tart, sweet lime glaze.– Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Butter Pecan Ice Cream Torte
A basic nut crust and smooth caramel sauce are all the preparation needed for this excellent dessert. Make certain to begin making it a minimum of 12 hours before serving. It will keep in the freezer for one month– just make sure to cover firmly so there are no air leaks!– Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Fresh Raspberry Icebox Cake
Layered icebox cakes are so fun since they look outstanding but could not be easier. Fresh raspberries make this one actually unique. Usage Anna’s Ginger Thins to get the scalloped edges, or regular gingersnaps if those are not readily available.– Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Summer Season Event Ice Cream Cake
I wanted to make my youngest child an ice cream cake one year for his summer season birthday, as he chooses ice cream to the standard cake. He selected the flavors and I decided to attempt my preferred brownie dish as a crust. It worked!– Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
This cake is innovative and yet familiar. Make sure to utilize a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the pan. If it breaks while you’re transferring the cake to the serving plate, simply push it back together, pushing gently.– Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes
These wintry cupcakes are almost a fireworks show by themselves. The little deals with feature red velour cake, blue moon ice cream, a velvety white topping and star-spangled sprinkles.– Taste of Home Test Cooking Area
Double-Chocolate Toffee Icebox Cake
My mother-in-law taught me that anything tastes good if you utilize enough chocolate or cream. This no-bake dessert shows she was right. Sometimes I use chocolate graham crackers and accumulate the layers in a 9-inch square pan.– Bee Engelhart, Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Nutty Caramel Ice Cream Cake
We made this frozen treat for a household birthday party, and we received unlimited talk about it. It’s really fantastic! Be sure to attempt the dish with other ice cream tastes.– Tina Stelzl, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll
This wonderfully light dessert is our standby at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tip of pumpkin and the refreshing ice cream make a most scrumptious after-dinner treat.– Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
Rainbow Sherbet Angel Food Cake
Discuss a dessert that pops. Sometimes, I make this easy cake even more captivating by coloring the whipped cream, too. Usage whatever sherbet flavor mix you like.– Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Banana Split Icebox Cake
One day a friend showed me how to make a standard icebox cake with just cream and graham crackers. I make it additional unique with the fruit. Now everybody at your dinner can have a banana split, no muss, no fuss!– Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
Sherbet Cream Cake
For a show-stopping spring or summer season dessert, serve this colorful, revitalizing “cake.” This recipe takes a little time to prepare, however it’s a gorgeous and scrumptious production. Relative frequently request it for their birthdays.– Paula Wipf, Arlington, Virginia
Peanut Butter Icebox Dessert
Leftover crushed cookies create the yummy crust for this crowd-pleasing dessert from Nancy Mueller of Bloomington, Minnesota. It’s covered with a smooth cream cheese mixture, chocolate pudding and whipped topping for a charming layered look.Get Recipe
4th of July Ice Cream Cake
This distinctive dessert is really easy to prepare and keeps well in the freezer for days. It’s good to be able to serve cake and ice cream in one piece.– Anne Scholovich, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Not-Fried Ice Cream Cake
We developed this ice cream cake to imitate the popular dessert in lots of Mexican dining establishments without the deep frying. It’s a no-fuss treat that feeds a crowd, and it’s conveniently made ahead.– Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
This icebox cake has all of the tastes of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to get away to a tropical island!– Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Macaroon Ice Cream Torte
My household loves frozen deals with. With chocolate four methods, this one is so stunning, people believe it came from an ice cream store.– Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Icebox Cookie Cheesecake
Cookie enthusiasts will come back for seconds when you serve this tempting treat.– Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Chocolate & & Peppermint Ice Cream Roll
Here’s an extra-special treat from the freezer. Peppermint ice cream rolled into a homemade chocolate cake gives dinner a rejuvenating finale.– Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
Icebox Cake
You don’t have to bake to serve a terrific dessert! This “cake” is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so tasty.– Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York City
Chocolate-Coffee Bean Ice Cream Cake
At our school, we commemorate faculty birthdays. I required a quick recipe that would be interesting everybody. This tall, outstanding dessert certainly fit my requirements and it was a substantial hit.– Karen Beck, Alexandria, Pennsylvania
Banana Split Brownie Cake
” Yum” is the word when it concerns this imaginative cake. With brownie on the bottom and banana split flavors to leading, this makes a to-die-for dessert!– Taste of House Test Cooking Area
Easy Ice Cream Sundae Dessert
We kids couldn’t wait to dig into this tempting ice cream dessert. It’s cool and smooth with a ribbon of fudge within. Whenever I make it for my family, I consider Mommy.– Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan
Frozen Lime Cake
Block celebrations, cookouts or anytime you require a supercool dessert, we have actually got simply the important things. The crust is a breeze, and the ice cream and sherbet layers are delish. Everybody enjoys this!– Kathy Gillogly, Sun City, California
Praline Ice Cream Cake
Melted ice cream is a crucial ingredient in this delicious golden cake. It’s been a household favorite for many years and we enjoy the pecan praline taste. It’s likewise a delight to serve to company considering that it’s not tricky to repair but always wins raves!– Joan Hallford North Richland Hills, Texas
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