Summer just got a whole lot sweeter with these 19 decadent ice cream cake recipes that are sure to be the star of any backyard BBQ or potluck. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? These creamy, dreamy desserts combine the best of both worlds – rich, velvety ice cream and moist, delicious cake. From classic flavors like vanilla and strawberry to more unique combinations like mint chocolate chip and pistachio almond, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a fan of chocolatey goodness or fruity twists, these ice cream cakes are sure to impress your friends and family. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some creative mixing, you can create an unforgettable dessert that will be the talk of the town all summer long.
Stay tuned for our top 19 decadent ice cream cake recipes, featuring flavors like classic vanilla, strawberry cheesecake, cookies and cream, and more!
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent classic vanilla ice cream cake smothered in rich chocolate ganache.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
For the ice cream:
– 2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
For the ganache:
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together cake ingredients. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
3. Assemble the cake by spreading softened ice cream evenly over the cooled cake.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Stir in heavy cream.
5. Pour ganache over the ice cream-covered cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes (cake), 2 hours (ganache)
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Cake
This show-stopping dessert combines the creamy richness of ice cream with the sweetness of strawberries and the tanginess of cheesecake. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Crush graham crackers and mix with sugar; press into a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
4. Allow cheesecake to cool completely. Scoop ice cream into the cooled cheesecake pan.
5. Top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream (if using). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
A show-stopping dessert that combines the classic flavors of cookies and cream with the creamy texture of ice cream, all wrapped up in a moist and tender cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup cookies and cream ice cream, softened
– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
– Whipped cream and additional cookies for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and softened butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling the cake.
8. Spread softened ice cream over one of the cooled cakes, followed by crushed Oreo cookies.
9. Place the second cake on top and decorate with whipped cream and additional cookies, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this show-stopping ice cream cake, featuring layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter ice cream, topped with a crunchy peanut butter crust.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 quarts chocolate ice cream
– 1.5 quarts peanut butter ice cream
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (for crust)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together whipping cream, butter, and peanut butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
3. Layer ice cream in a 9×13-inch baking dish, topping each layer with whipped peanut butter mixture.
4. Top with crushed graham crackers and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Slice and serve. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (for crust only)
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
Transform your dessert game with this refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake! Layers of creamy mint ice cream, rich chocolate cake, and crunchy cookies come together for a unique treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos)
– Mint chocolate chip ice cream (homemade or store-bought), for assembly
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans; bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans.
7. Assemble cake by spreading mint ice cream on top of one cake layer, followed by crushed cookies and another cake layer. Repeat once more.
8. Chill cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes (including cooling time)
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake Recipe
This decadent cake combines rich salted caramel ice cream with a crunchy cookie crust and a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts salted caramel ice cream
– 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crushed cookies and melted butter until well combined. Press mixture into prepared pan.
3. Scoop ice cream over cookie crust, spreading evenly to fill the pan.
4. Drizzle caramel sauce over ice cream (homemade or store-bought).
5. Cover cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Remove from freezer and let stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Cake
Create a show-stopping dessert with this simple recipe featuring sweet raspberry swirls layered with creamy ice cream and crunchy wafers. Perfect for special occasions or summer gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts of your favorite vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup fresh raspberries, pureed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6-8 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
– Whipped cream and additional raspberries for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the ice cream into a large bowl and soften by stirring until it’s pliable.
2. Fold in the pureed raspberries and sugar until well combined.
3. Crush 4-5 cookies and mix with a small amount of softened ice cream to create a cookie-crumb mixture.
4. Layer the ice cream, crushed cookies, and remaining cookies (whole) in a 9×13-inch dish or a springform pan.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and additional raspberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2+ hours
Enjoy your stunning Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Cake!
Oreo Crunch Ice Cream Cake
This show-stopping dessert combines creamy ice cream with crunchy Oreos and a rich chocolate coating, perfect for any occasion. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be the star of the party!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup crushed Oreos (about 20-25 cookies)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and additional Oreos for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and heavy whipping cream. Whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Scoop the ice cream into a 9-inch springform pan or a rectangular cake dish.
3. Top the ice cream with the Oreo mixture, spreading evenly.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring between each interval) and drizzle over the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Slice and serve!
Cooking Time: None (as this is a no-bake dessert)
Pistachio Almond Ice Cream Cake
Experience the perfect blend of creamy pistachio and crunchy almond in this unique ice cream cake recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pistachio ice cream
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add butter; mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Let cake cool completely.
5. Place ice cream in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Slice almonds and set aside.
6. Assemble the cake by spreading the pistachio ice cream over the cooled cake layer. Top with sliced almonds.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Rocky Road Ice Cream Cake
This decadent dessert combines rich chocolate cake with creamy rocky road ice cream, crunchy nuts, and chewy marshmallows for a treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
– 1 pint (475ml) rocky road ice cream
– 1 cup (120g) marshmallows
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Let cake cool completely before assembling with rocky road ice cream and marshmallows.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Banana Split Ice Cream Cake
A show-stopping dessert that combines the classic flavors of a banana split with the richness of ice cream cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts your favorite vanilla ice cream, softened
– 1 cup crushed wafers (e.g., Nilla or chocolate)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup caramel sauce
– 1 cup whipped cream
– Maraschino cherries and chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened ice cream and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. Fold in the crushed wafers and heavy whipping cream until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a springform pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the ice cream mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the bananas and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
6. Top with whipped cream and garnish with Maraschino cherries and chopped pecans.
7. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake dessert!
Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake, a creamy and coffee-infused masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts of your favorite ice cream (coffee or tiramisu-flavored work best)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups crushed ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in the softened butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Scoop the ice cream into a 9-inch springform pan or a tall glass jar.
4. Drizzle the brewed coffee over the ice cream, allowing it to soak slightly.
5. Top with the whipped cream mixture, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Sprinkle the crushed ladyfingers over the whipped cream for added texture and crunch.
7. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply assemble and freeze until ready to serve.
Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Cake
A refreshing summer dessert featuring a moist lemon cake layered with creamy blueberry ice cream and topped with a tangy lemon glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pint blueberry ice cream, softened
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before layering with blueberry ice cream and topping with lemon glaze (made by whisking together confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice).
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Coconut Mango Ice Cream Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this tropical treat that combines the creaminess of ice cream with the sweetness of mango and the richness of coconut. This show-stopping cake is perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts coconut ice cream
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 12-16 ice cream sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreo)
– Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the coconut ice cream into a large bowl.
2. Fold in the diced mango and shredded coconut until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold this whipped cream into the ice cream mixture until smooth.
4. Assemble the cake by placing 4-6 cookies on the bottom of a springform pan. Spoon the ice cream mixture over the cookies, followed by another layer of cookies. Repeat for 2-3 layers, ending with a layer of cookies on top.
5. Freeze the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake
Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Summary: A decadent dessert that combines the richness of red velvet cake with the creaminess of ice cream, all wrapped up in a stunning presentation.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups crushed red velvet cake (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until combined.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the milk mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in crushed red velvet cake and chopped walnuts (if using).
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container and layer with additional crushed red velvet cake for garnish.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (depending on ice cream maker)
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Cake
This refreshing dessert combines the bright, grassy flavor of matcha green tea with creamy ice cream and a moist sponge cake. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a unique sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– Whipped cream and matcha powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and melted butter. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Stir in matcha powder until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely. Cut into slices.
6. Scoop ice cream on top of cake slices and garnish with whipped cream and matcha powder, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes (cake) + freezing time for ice cream
Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream Cake
This autumnal masterpiece combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the creamy richness of ice cream, all nestled within a moist and fluffy cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Ice cream (your favorite flavor!)
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with heavy cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before assembling with ice cream.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Treat your loved ones to a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate and the sweetness of cherries. This ice cream cake is perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup cherry filling
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 12-16 cookies (e.g., Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies), crushed
Instructions:
1. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
3. Drizzle the cherry filling over the ice cream, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Pour the melted chocolate over the cherry filling.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts (if using) and crushed cookies evenly over the top of the cake.
6. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Biscoff Cookie Butter Ice Cream Cake
Get ready to swoon over this decadent dessert featuring Biscoff cookie butter ice cream, crushed cookies, and a creamy whipped topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint Biscoff cookie butter ice cream
– 1 cup crushed Biscoff cookies
– 8 ounces heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Scoop the ice cream into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the crushed cookies evenly over the top of the ice cream.
3. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Spread the whipped topping over the cookie layer.
5. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Slice and serve.
Cooking Time: None (as this is a no-bake dessert!)
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these 19 decadent ice cream cake recipes! From classic vanilla with chocolate ganache to strawberry cheesecake and cookies and cream, there’s something for everyone. Try unique flavors like mint chocolate chip, salted caramel, and raspberry swirl, or go traditional with banana split, tiramisu, or lemon blueberry. For a tropical twist, indulge in coconut mango or cherry chocolate. And don’t miss out on the matcha green tea, spiced pumpkin, or biscoff cookie butter options. With these recipes, you’ll be the coolest cat in town this summer!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
