Ice Cream Cake is the best dessert. It's got everything – creamy ice cream, a beautiful look of a cake and coffee, It's the perfect party treat.
You will also like Butter Truffles, Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches, Blueberry Ice Cream and for a more healthy version without added sugar a Sugar Free Ice Cream.
Do you remember those childhood birthdays with the store-bought Ice Cream Cakes? The ones with the super sweet frosting and the weird little crunchies. There's something so special about them. But you know what's even better? Making your own incredible Ice Cream Cake version at home!
![Ice Cream Cake](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ice-Cream-Cake-5.jpg)
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Ice Cream Cake Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Ice Cream Cake
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Ice Cream Cake
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze and Serve
- 💭Tips for Making Ice Cream Cake
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Ice Cream Cake
- 🍛More Dessert Recipes!
- 🎥Watch my Videos
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Ice Cream Cake Recipe
This Ice Cream Cake recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful and satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions.
Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The use of simple ingredients and clear instructions ensures a successful outcome.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of instant coffee powder and dulce de leche adds a rich and addictive flavor to the ice cream cake. It's a perfect blend of sweetness with a hint of coffee bitterness.
- Creamy and Smooth Texture: The whipped cream filling results in a creamy and smooth texture, providing satisfaction in every bite. Dulce de leche adds a delicious creaminess.
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: Since the cake requires some time to set in the freezer, it's an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings or events.
- Impressive Presentation: The finished Ice Cream Cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The whipped cream topping can be decorated with various toppings, making it a great centerpiece for special occasions or celebrations.
- Versatile for Occasions: This Ice Cream Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, whether it's a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or a casual weekend treat.
If you want more desserts you should check out Ice Cream without Sugar and
4-Ingredients Chocolate Fudge.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this Ice Cream Cake recipe are simple. Each ingredient in this recipe contributes specific flavors, textures, and elements to create a well-balanced and delicious dessert.
Here is a list of everything you need and a breakdown of what each ingredient provides:
![Ice Cream Cake](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ice-Cream-Cake-1.jpg)
For the Crust:
- Cookies:
- Provide the base and structure for the crust.
- Add flavor and texture to the bottom and side layer of the ice cream cake.
- Unsalted Melted Butter:
- Acts as a binding agent for the crust, helping it hold together.
- Contributes richness and a buttery flavor to the crust.
Ingredients for Filling:
- Cream:
- Creates a smooth and creamy texture in the filling.
- Adds richness and a creaminess mouthfeel to the ice cream cake.
- Whipping the cream gives the filling a light and airy consistency.
- Sugar:
- Sweetens the filling to balance the flavors.
- Instant Coffee Powder:
- Infuses a coffee flavor into the filling.
- Provides a subtle caffeine kick and complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Dulce de Leche:
- Adds a caramelized and sweetened milk flavor to the filling.
- Contributes a creamy and quality to the ice cream cake.
Ingredients For Frosting:
- Cream:
- Creates a light and airy texture for the frosting.
- Icing Sugar:
- Sweetens the frosting, balancing the flavors.
- Helps thicken the frosting and provides a smoother consistency.
Substituting ingredients in this recipe can be done based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Here are some potential substitutions for the Ice Cream Cake ingredients:
Ingrediens required For the Crust:
- Cookies:
- Substitute with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or any other favorite cookie of your choice.
- You can also use crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.
- Unsalted Melted Butter:
- Replace with melted coconut oil or margarine for a non-dairy option.
- Consider using a nut butter like melted almond or peanut butter for added flavor.
For the Filling:
- Cream:
- Opt for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a vegan version.
- Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a tangier flavor.
- Sugar:
- Substitute with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor.
- Instant Coffee Powder:
- Replace with brewed and cooled coffee for a milder coffee flavor.
- Espresso powder or strongly brewed black tea can also be used for a unique twist.
- Dulce de Leche:
- Make your own caramel sauce using sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk.
- Use a store-bought caramel sauce or butterscotch topping as an alternative.
For the Frosting:
- Cream:
- Opt for whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Icing Sugar:
- Make your own powdered sugar by blending regular sugar until fine.
- Substitute with confectioners' sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when making substitutions. While these alternatives can work well, keep in mind that the final taste and texture of the Ice Cream Cake may vary slightly from the original recipe.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Ice Cream Cake
Ice Cream Cakes are versatile, and you can create various delicious variations to suit different tastes and preferences.
![Ice Cream Cake](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ice-Cream-Cake-2.jpg)
Here are some ideas for different Ice Cream Cake variations:
- Chocolate Lover's Ice Cream Cake:
- Use chocolate cookies for the crust.
- Add chocolate chips or chunks to the filling.
- Top with a rich chocolate ganache or fudge sauce.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake:
- Use mint-flavored cookies for the crust.
- Add mint extract or peppermint extract to the filling.
- Mix in chocolate chips or chunks.
- Top with a minty whipped cream frosting.
- Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Cake:
- Use a combination of shortbread and graham crackers for the crust.
- Swirl caramel sauce into the ice cream filling.
- Mix in chopped pecans or other nuts.
- Top with a caramel drizzle and more nuts.
- Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake:
- Use peanut butter cookies for the crust.
- Swirl peanut butter into the ice cream filling.
- Mix in chopped peanut butter cups.
- Top with a chocolate ganache and more peanut butter cups.
- Fruit Explosion Ice Cream Cake:
- Incorporate fruit-flavored cookies for the crust.
- Mix diced fresh fruits like berries, mango, or peaches into the filling.
- Garnish the top with more fresh fruit or a fruit coulis.
- Tropical Paradise Ice Cream Cake:
- Use coconut cookies for the crust.
- Mix in shredded coconut and diced pineapple into the filling.
- Top with a tropical fruit salsa or passion fruit sauce.
- Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake:
- Use red velvet cookies or cake for the crust.
- Mix in red velvet cake pieces into the filling.
- Top with cream cheese frosting or a white chocolate drizzle.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, get creative, and tailor the flavors to your preferences!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Ice Cream Cake
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
![Process 1](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-1-4.jpg)
1. Pulverize the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
![Process 2](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-2-4.jpg)
2. In a bowl, blend the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the consistency is like damp sand.
![Process 3](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-3-4.jpg)
3. Compact the blend into the base and sides of a cake pan to form the crust, ensuring even distribution. Allow it to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes as you get the filling ready.
![Process 4](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-4-4.jpg)
4. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream together with sugar and instant coffee powder until it achieves firm peaks.
![Process 5](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-5-4.jpg)
5. Gently incorporate the dulce de leche into the whipped cream mixture, ensuring a smooth and thorough combination.
![Process 6](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-6-4.jpg)
6. Retrieve the chilled crust from the refrigerator and evenly pour the filling over it, ensuring uniform distribution.
![Process 7](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-7-4.jpg)
7. Return the cake to the freezer and allow it to firm up for a minimum of 4 hours.
![Process 8](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-8-4.jpg)
8. In a spacious bowl, beat the cream together with the icing sugar until it reaches a stage of stiff peaks.
![Process 9](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-9-4.jpg)
9. Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag.
![Process 10](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-10-3.jpg)
10. Retrieve the cake from the freezer and carefully extract it from the cake pan.
![Process 11](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-11-2.jpg)
11. Create decorative patterns on the cake by piping whipped cream onto its surface.
![Process 12](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-13-2.jpg)
12. After decorating the cake, return it to the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to allow the topping to set.
![Process 13](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Process-12-2.jpg)
13. When you're ready to serve, take the cake out of the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this Ice Cream Cake:
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Spatula
- Cake Pan
- Whisk
- Piping Bag
- Knife
- Cake Server
❄️How to Store, Freeze and Serve
Storing, freezing and serving Ice Cream Cake requires a few specific steps to ensure that the cake maintains its quality.
Here are some guidelines:
Storing Ice Cream Cake in the Freezer:
- Initial Freezing: After assembling the Ice Cream Cake, allow it to freeze in the cake pan for at least 4 hours. This initial freezing helps the cake set.
- Covering: Once the Ice Cream Cake is firmly set, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and absorb any odors from the freezer.
- Additional Protection: For extra protection, you can place the wrapped Ice Cream Cake in a large, resealable plastic bag.
- Labeling: Consider labeling the cake with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Long-Term Storage Tips:
- Airtight Container: If you plan to store the Ice Cream Cake for an extended period, consider placing it in an airtight container in addition to wrapping it with plastic wrap.
- Avoid Frequent Thawing: To maintain the best quality, try to avoid frequent thawing and refreezing of the Ice Cream Cake.
- Protect from Odors: Store the cake away from strong-smelling foods in the freezer to prevent it from absorbing unwanted odors.
Serving:
- Thawing: Remove the ice cream cake from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Thawing slightly makes it easier to slice through the frozen layers.
- Prepare Serving Tools: Have a sharp knife ready for slicing. To make clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water before each slice.
- Slice the Cake: Cut through the Ice Cream Cake using the warmed knife, wiping it clean between cuts. This helps create neat and even slices.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the slices on individual plates or dessert dishes promptly after cutting. The Ice Cream Cake softens quickly at room temperature.
- Return Leftovers to the Freezer: If there are leftovers, return them to the freezer as soon as possible to prevent melting and maintain the cake's structure.
![Ice Cream Cake](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ice-Cream-Cake-4.jpg)
💭Tips for Making Ice Cream Cake
Making an Ice Cream Cake can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Here are some tips to help you create a delicious and well-crafted Ice Cream Cake:
Plan Ahead: Read the entire recipe before starting to ensure you understand each step and have all the necessary ingredients.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cookies, cream, dulce de leche and other ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom and side of the cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal and serving.
Crust Consistency: Ensure the crust is well-packed and reaches the edges of the pan for a sturdy base and side.
Allow Time for Freezing: Be patient with freezing times. Allow each layer to set properly before moving on to the next step. This ensures a well-defined structure.
Smooth Layers: Use an offset spatula to smooth each layer evenly, creating a polished look when the cake is sliced.
Keep it Cold: Work quickly when assembling the cake to prevent it from melting. Keep ingredients and utensils cold to maintain the frozen consistency.
Enjoy the process of making your Ice Cream Cake, and have fun experimenting with flavors and decorations to create a dessert that suits your taste!
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Ice Cream Cake
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Ice Cream Cake:
Yes, Ice Cream Cake should be frozen to set and maintain its structure, allowing for easy slicing and serving with well-defined layers.
Yes, Ice Cream Cakes can melt quickly, especially when exposed to warmer temperatures or left out of the freezer for an extended period.
🍛More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
If you make this EXAMPLE recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating at the bottom of this page! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. Also, let me know how you go in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
I love to cook, bake and share my recipes with all of you! If you want more delicious recipes you can subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest!
🎥Watch my Videos
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches!
📖 Recipe
![Ice Cream Cake](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ice-Cream-Cake-Process-6-360x360.jpg)
Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 230 g Cookies
- 130 g Unsalted Melted Butter
For the Filling:
- 600 ml Cream
- 4 tablespoon Sugar
- 5 tablespoon Instant Coffee Powder
- 400 g Dulce de Leche
For the Frosting:
- 200 ml Cream
- 2 tablespoon Icing Sugar
Instructions
- Crush the cookies into fine crumbs in a food processor.
- In a bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and side of a cake pan to create the crust. Make sure it's evenly distributed. Place it in the fridge to set for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream with the sugar and instant coffee powder until it forms stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the dulce de leche into the whipped cream mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Take the crust out of the fridge and pour the filling over it, spreading it evenly.
- Place the cake back in the freezer and let it set for at least 4 hours.
- In a large bowl, whip the cream with the icing sugar until it forms stiff peaks.
- Place the whipped cream in a pipping bag.
- Take the cake out of the freezer and remove it from the cake pan.
- Pipe decorations onto the cake with the whipped cream.
- Once decorated, place the cake back in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set the topping.
- When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John
Ice cream cake is my absolute WEAKNESS! It's like the best of both worlds in one perfect dessert.