How to Make Ice Cream Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to create a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of cake and ice cream, you’re in for a treat with this guide on How to Make Ice Cream Cake. This luscious dessert features layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy strawberry and vanilla ice cream, a decadent hot fudge layer studded with Oreos, and a fluffy whipped cream frosting that’s perfect for any celebration or indulgent moment. It’s surprisingly easy to pull together, and the combination of textures and flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that turns simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of essential ingredients is all it takes to make this ice cream cake truly shine. Each component brings something special to the table—from the chocolatey depth of the cake to the smooth creaminess of the ice creams and the irresistible fudge and Oreo crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, sturdy cake structure.
• Cake flour: Adds extra softness to the cake crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolate flavor essential for the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully so it’s light but firm.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Provides moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure.
• Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and imparts subtle tanginess.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cake and frosting.
• Heavy whipping cream: The backbone of both the ice creams and whipped frosting.
• Corn syrup: Used in the hot fudge for smooth, glossy texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds molasses notes to the fudge.
• Water: Balances the hot fudge.
• Chocolate (8 ounces, divided): For that irresistible hot fudge magic.
• Oreo cookies: Offer a crunchy, chocolatey contrast in the layers.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the no-churn ice creams.
• Strawberries: Pureed and chopped for fresh strawberry ice cream.
• Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a tangy richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
• Rainbow sprinkles and maraschino cherries: Perfect for whimsical decoration.

How to Make How to Make Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F and prepping an 8-inch cake pan with parchment circles and non-stick spray. Combine your dry ingredients—sugar, flours, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a large bowl and whisk them together. Cut in the softened butter until the mix looks like damp sand. Then, beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well blended before adding the next. Adding sour cream and vanilla at the end and beating well aerates the batter, helping to create a tender cake with good structure. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs, then cool and freeze to firm up for layering.

Step 2: Make the Hot Fudge Layer

This homemade hot fudge is a game changer. Combine cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, water, salt, and half the chocolate in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer gently to deepen the flavors. Removing from heat, whisk in remaining chocolate, butter, and vanilla to get that glossy, luxurious texture that will meld perfectly between layers.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Ice Cream

For the fresh strawberry ice cream, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in sweetened condensed milk, salt, and both pureed and chopped strawberries. This combination results in an icy yet creamy texture bursting with real fruit flavor. Freeze for at least four hours until firm and scoopable.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Ice Cream

The vanilla ice cream is just as simple with whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, kosher salt, and vanilla extract gently folded together before freezing. This no-churn approach keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar smooth, then slowly add heavy cream. Beat on a higher speed until stiff peaks form, folding in vanilla last for a frosting that’s rich, fluffy, and perfect for decorating your cake’s sides and top.

Step 6: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake

Line an 8-inch cake pan with plastic wrap, leaving extra for easy removal. Layer half the strawberry ice cream evenly at the bottom, then top with the vanilla ice cream, smoothing it out. Freeze until solid. Next, spread a thick layer of cooled hot fudge on a serving plate and sprinkle the broken Oreos on top. Carefully unmold your ice cream layers onto the Oreo bed. Frost the cake from sides to top with your luscious whipped cream frosting. Finish by drizzling more hot fudge along the top edges so it drips down, and decorate with piped frosting swirls, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries before a final chill.

How to Serve How to Make Ice Cream Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your ice cream cake, vibrant rainbow sprinkles add a joyful pop of color, while glossy maraschino cherries bring a classic touch of sweetness and charm. Drizzling extra hot fudge right before serving keeps the cake visually stunning and irresistibly decadent for your guests.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and substantial, so pairing it with a light, fruity side like fresh berries or a simple mint salad palate cleanser works beautifully. A small cup of espresso or a fruity sparkling beverage also complements the creamy, chocolatey layers wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider cutting the cake into perfect squares and serving on colorful plates topped with an extra dollop of whipped cream and a cherry. Or, slice the cake into wedges and add a scoop of extra vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of hot fudge on the side. Presentation with edible flowers or gold leaf can turn this dessert into an elegant showpiece for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, this ice cream cake should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and absorb any odors. Keep it in the freezer until ready to enjoy, and leftovers will remain delicious for up to one week.

Freezing

The magic of this dessert comes from the freezing process. Freezing the cake firmly after each assembly step ensures the layers set properly and slice cleanly. Freeze the fully assembled cake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving for best results.

Reheating

Since this is an ice cream cake, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to make cutting easier and enhance the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ice cream instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Using high-quality store-bought strawberry and vanilla ice creams can save time and still deliver fantastic flavor. Just make sure to soften them slightly before layering for easy spreading.

How far in advance can I make this ice cream cake?

You can assemble the cake up to 3 days ahead and keep it well wrapped in the freezer. Just give it time to soften a bit before slicing for easy serving.

Can I swap the Oreos for another cookie?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate chip cookies, crushed brownies, or even graham crackers to customize the crunch and flavor to your liking.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

While this recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, you could try substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate and butter alternatives. It might change the texture slightly but could still be delicious!

How do I cut the ice cream cake cleanly?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. Cutting in one smooth motion will help keep layers intact. Let the cake soften at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too hard.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of slicing into a homemade ice cream cake that looks as spectacular as it tastes. This recipe for How to Make Ice Cream Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple, high-quality ingredients with straightforward techniques to create a dessert worth celebrating. Whether for a birthday, a summer party, or just because, you’ll delight in every creamy, chocolaty, and fruity bite. Go ahead, bring this dreamy dessert to your table and watch everyone’s eyes light up!