A delightful no‐bake frozen dessert that layers rich, homemade cookies-and-cream ice cream over a base of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, creating a creamy, crunchy treat perfect for summer gatherings or an indulgent at-home dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cookies ’n’ Cream Ice-Cream Layer delivers on every level:

Simplicity: No ice-cream maker or oven required—just whip, fold, freeze.
Texture Contrast: Soft, fluffy ice cream complemented by crunchy cookie bits.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in minutes and freeze until needed.
Customizable: Easily adapt with different cookies, mix-ins, or flavor swirls.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
1 (14 oz/396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 Oreo® cookies, coarsely chopped

Directions

Prepare the pan
Line an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving excess on two sides to facilitate unmolding.
Whip the cream
In a large chilled bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks (about 3–5 minutes).
Fold in condensed milk and vanilla
Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
Incorporate cookies
Fold in the chopped Oreo® cookies, reserving a small handful for garnish, until evenly distributed.
Assemble the layer
Spoon the ice-cream mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved cookie pieces over the surface.
Freeze
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Swirl: Gently fold in ½ cup of chocolate ganache or hot fudge before freezing.
Mint Cookies: Substitute mint-filled sandwich cookies and add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Crunch: Stir in ¼ cup peanut butter chips and use chocolate-peanut butter cookies for a nutty note.
Fruit and Cookie: Layer in fresh crushed strawberries or raspberries between ice-cream layers for a fruity contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the frozen loaf pan tightly wrapped and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Thawing Before Serving: Transfer to the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes, or let stand at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.

FAQs

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my ice cream layer?

Ensure your ingredients and mixing bowl are well chilled before whipping. After assembling, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before covering to minimize air exposure.

Can I use a different type of cookie?

Yes. Sandwich cookies (such as Chocolate Thins), chocolate chip cookies, or even biscotti work well. Adjust the quantity to maintain the desired crunch.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.

Can I prepare this recipe more than one day in advance?

Yes. The ice-cream layer stores well in the freezer for up to two weeks when properly wrapped.

How should I slice the frozen layer cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to achieve neat slices.

What size pan should I use if I do not have an 8-inch loaf pan?

A small square or round pan (approximately 8 × 8 inches or 20 cm in diameter) will work; adjust thickness accordingly.

Can I add candy or nuts to the ice cream?

Absolutely. Fold in up to ½ cup of chopped candy bars, nuts, or toffee bits along with the cookies.

How long will leftovers stay fresh?

Leftovers are best consumed within one week for optimal flavor and texture.

Can I halve or double this recipe?

Yes. Simply adjust ingredient quantities proportionally and choose a pan size that suits the volume.

What if the ice cream layer is too hard to scoop after freezing?

Allow the loaf pan to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before attempting to slice or scoop.

Conclusion

With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this Cookies ’n’ Cream Ice-Cream Layer is an ideal make-ahead dessert for both casual family nights and elegant dinner parties. Its creamy base, studded with crunchy cookie morsels, is endlessly adaptable—perfect for satisfying every sweet tooth. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors and mix-ins to make this simple dessert uniquely yours