Name: Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (207g) sugar; 6 tbsp (43g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk; 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil; 3/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water; 3/4 cup (100g) Oreo crumbs (about 9 Oreos); 1 1/2 tbsp butter, melted; 6 oz (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3 tbsp light corn syrup; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream; 1.5 quart container ice cream of your choice; 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold; 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional); 3 oz (1/2 cup | 86g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy whipping cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 35 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of combining the best of both worlds — decadent chocolate cake and smooth creamy ice cream — then this Ice Cream Cake Recipe is the one for you. With layers of rich chocolate cake, a luscious ice cream middle, crunchy Oreo bits, and a glossy chocolate ganache drip, it brings a party to your taste buds with every slice. Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat, this cake balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it an unforgettable dessert experience you’ll want to share over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of two-layer cake sits on a white, lace-patterned plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark chocolate cake with a moist, dense texture, topped by a thick, glossy dark chocolate frosting layer. Above the frosting is a thick layer of white, creamy frosting mixed with small chocolate chips, extending to the cake’s edge and covering the top. The top edge has a dark chocolate drip decoration. On the plate next to the cake slice is a small ball of dough with chocolate chips, with a white frosting swirl nearby. Small chocolate chips are scattered around the plate. A silver fork with some white frosting rests behind the cake slice. In the blurred background, there is a glass bowl containing similar dough balls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Ice Cream Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that deliver impressive texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Each element from the cake base to the crunchy layers plays a role in crafting that perfect indulgence.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a moist, tender chocolate cake crumb.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Baking soda and salt: Leavening agents that ensure the cake rises just right and balance flavors.
Large egg: Binds the cake ingredients together and adds moisture.
Milk and vegetable oil: Provide moisture and tenderness to the cake.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and ice cream flavors.
Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder for intensified chocolate goodness.
Oreo crumbs and melted butter: Create the crunchy layer with a delightful cookie crunch.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, light corn syrup, heavy whipping cream: Together they make a smooth chocolate fudge layer with glossy shine.
Ice cream of your choice: Your star ingredient that flows creamy and cool through the cake.
Heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract: Whipped into a fluffy frosting to finish the cake beautifully.
Mini chocolate chips (optional): Add texture and a chocolatey surprise in the frosting decoration.
Chocolate ganache ingredients: For an irresistible chocolate drip that takes the cake’s look to the next level.

How to Make Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base

Start by prepping an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper and greasing the sides to guarantee easy removal later. Whisk together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt, to evenly distribute them. Add the wet ingredients—egg, milk, oil, vanilla, then hot water—mixing until smooth, even though the batter will be very thin. Pour the batter into your pan and bake at 300°F (148°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few crumbs clinging to it. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Oreo Layer and Chocolate Fudge

While the cake is cooling, preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix Oreo crumbs with melted butter and bake them gently for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp, then cool and break up any large clumps to create that perfect crunchy texture. For the fudge layer, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, corn syrup, and vanilla in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it starts to boil and pour it over the chocolate mixture, letting it rest for a few minutes before whisking until smooth. This fudge will become a rich, luscious layer that perfectly complements the ice cream and cookie crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Let your ice cream soften at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until creamy but not melted. Line the 8-inch pan with two sheets of clear plastic wrap in opposite directions, enough to lift the cake out later. Spread the softened ice cream evenly into the pan. Top this with the Oreo crunch layer, then pour on the chocolate fudge and spread it evenly as well. Freeze for about 10 minutes so the fudge firms just enough, and then place the cooled chocolate cake on top—remember, the rounded edges go on the inside. Wrap the cake with the plastic wrap edges and freeze for 3 to 4 hours until fully firm.

Step 4: Finish with Whipped Cream Frosting and Ganache Drip

Once the cake is firm, gently lift it out of the pan using the plastic wrap and flip it onto a serving plate. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Quickly frost the cake with the whipped cream to avoid melting the ice cream beneath. Add mini chocolate chips along the bottom edge for an extra touch of fun. Next, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring it over chocolate chips; whisk until smooth. Drizzle this ganache over the cake edges for that beautiful chocolate drip effect. Use the remaining whipped cream to pipe decorative shells on top and garnish with cookie dough or any fun decorations reflecting the flavors inside. Return the cake to the freezer until ready to serve.

How to Serve Ice Cream Cake Recipe

This is a two-layer cake on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown, dense chocolate cake. The middle layer is light beige cookie dough with dark chocolate chips inside. The cake is covered in smooth white frosting with a thick border of white swirled frosting on the top edge. There is dark chocolate dripping down the sides of the cake from the top edge. Around the base of the cake, there is a ring of small dark chocolate chips. Two cookie dough balls with chocolate chips rest on the top right edge of the cake, and three more are placed on the white plate near the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make serving even more special, add fresh berries or a sprinkle of crushed cookies over the top to bring a hint of freshness and an extra crunch. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the sweetness and visual appeal. Garnishes make the presentation pop and give lovely little surprises with every bite.

Side Dishes

This ice cream cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a rich espresso to balance the cold sweetness. If you want to keep the party going, fresh fruit salad or a tart sorbet can provide a palate-refreshing contrast that complements the cake’s rich chocolatey layers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider cutting the cake into individual portions and serving them in clear mini glasses layered with extra ice cream and fudge sauce for a neat, elegant look. You can also use edible flowers or colorful sprinkles to match the occasion, making this Ice Cream Cake Recipe not only delicious but visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover ice cream cake stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer. Proper storage helps maintain its texture and flavor for up to a week, ensuring each slice stays just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

This ice cream cake can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored frozen until serving. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn or absorption of other freezer odors. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften just slightly for easier slicing.

Reheating

Since this is an ice cream-based dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, let the cake thaw just enough out of the freezer to slice cleanly and serve cold for the optimal ice cream cake experience.

FAQs

Can I use any flavor of ice cream for this recipe?

Absolutely! While vanilla or chocolate are classic choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, or even fruity varieties to customize the cake to your taste.

How long does it take to make this Ice Cream Cake Recipe?

From start to finish, including baking, cooling, assembling, and freezing, plan for about 4 to 5 hours. Most of this is waiting time for the cake to cool and the assembled layers to firm up in the freezer.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the chocolate cake up to two days ahead and store it wrapped tightly at room temperature or frozen well wrapped. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before assembling the ice cream cake.

What if I don’t have Oreo cookies on hand?

You can substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies or even crushed chocolate wafer cookies for that crunchy layer. The key is to get a good crunch and chocolate flavor to contrast with the creamy ice cream and fudge.

How do I get clean slices when serving ice cream cake?

Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then cut the cake. Repeat warming and wiping the knife between slices to get neat, smooth edges without melting the ice cream too much.

Final Thoughts

This Ice Cream Cake Recipe is truly a celebration in every bite, blending textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a perfect dessert to make ahead for special occasions or just to indulge yourself with something spectacularly delicious. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a beloved favorite you’ll want to revisit time and again.