This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining rich cake layers with creamy ice cream and crunchy Oreo pieces. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a summer barbecue, or a cozy family dinner, this cake will impress your guests with its delightful flavors and textures. The blend of soft cake and cold ice cream makes it a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cookies and cream ice cream with cake creates an indulgent taste that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up even if you’re short on time.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat on a regular day.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by using different types of ice creams or toppings.
- Visual Appeal: Layers of cake and ice cream make for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Offset spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch round cake pans: These are essential for creating perfectly layered cakes that stack beautifully.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve the right texture.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in ingredients without deflating your batter or whipped cream.
Ingredients
This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake features a generous serving of ice cream sandwiched between two sweet cake layers. Yield: 9-inch cake
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227 g), softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups cake flour (437 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder (15 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk (227 grams)
- ¾ cup chopped Oreo cookies
- 8 large egg whites (240 grams), room temperature
For the Ice Cream Layer
- 1.5 quarts Cookies and Cream ice cream, softened (store-bought or homemade)
For the Topping
- 2 cups whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping
- Additional chopped Oreo cookies, to garnish
How to Make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare Cake Pans
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture while alternating with whole milk.
- Fold in chopped Oreo cookies gently until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving platter.
- Spread a layer of softened Cookies and Cream ice cream over the first layer.
- Place the second layer of cake on top of the ice cream layer.
Step 5: Frosting & Garnish
- Use whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the assembled cake.
- Garnish with additional chopped Oreo cookies for decoration.
Now your delicious Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is ready to serve! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Serving your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can elevate the experience for your guests. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will make the dessert even more delightful.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a colorful plate for aesthetic appeal.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Garnish each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle additional chopped Oreo cookies on top for added crunch.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Pair your cake with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
- The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake.
Ice Cream Sidekick
- Serve a scoop of Cookies and Cream ice cream alongside each slice.
- This enhances the ice cream flavor and adds creaminess to every bite.
How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Perfecting your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out amazing every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps your cake batter mix evenly, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold in dry ingredients to maintain airiness and avoid a dense cake.
- Soften ice cream slightly – Letting ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes makes it easier to spread between layers.
- Chill before serving – Allow the assembled cake to chill in the freezer for at least 4 hours for better slicing.
- Decorate creatively – Use sprinkles, chocolate chips, or Oreo crumbs for an eye-catching finish.
Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic cookies offer a chewy contrast to the creamy cake.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can refresh the palate after rich dessert flavors.
- Brownies – Fudgy brownies provide another layer of indulgence alongside the ice cream cake.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up a sundae bar with various toppings for guests to customize their desserts.
- Chocolate Mousse – Light and airy mousse enhances the chocolate flavors in the cake.
- Coffee or Espresso – A warm cup of coffee pairs beautifully with sweet desserts, balancing out their richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making cookies and cream ice cream cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Always ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not Softening Ice Cream Enough: If the ice cream is too hard, it will be difficult to spread. Allow it to soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before using.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
- Skimping on the Whipped Cream Topping: The whipped cream adds a delightful lightness. Be generous with it for an appealing finish.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its quality.
Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?
Cookies and cream ice cream cake is a delicious dessert that combines layers of soft cake with creamy cookies and cream ice cream, often topped with whipped cream.
Can I use homemade ice cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cookies and cream ice cream works wonderfully in this recipe, allowing you to customize flavors as you like.
How long does it take to make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?
The total time is approximately 530 minutes, which includes preparation, baking, cooling, and freezing time.
Can I customize the flavor of the cake?
Yes! You can swap out the vanilla extract for other flavors or add different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for variety.
How should I serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?
Slice the cake into generous portions and garnish with additional Oreo cookies or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This cookies and cream ice cream cake is not only a delightful treat but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. With its rich layers of cake and creamy ice cream, it promises satisfaction in every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize it further by adding your favorite toppings or flavors! Enjoy making this sweet masterpiece!
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake. This delightful treat layers soft, fluffy cake with rich cookies and cream ice cream and crunchy Oreo pieces, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal choice for birthdays, summer barbecues, or cozy family dinners, guaranteed to impress your guests. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is not only delicious but visually stunning, making it the centerpiece of any celebration. Easy to make and customizable with different toppings or flavors, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup chopped Oreo cookies
- 8 large egg whites
- 1.5 quarts Cookies and Cream ice cream, softened
- 2 cups whipped cream
- Additional chopped Oreo cookies, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add alternately with milk to the butter mixture. Fold in chopped Oreos.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Once cooled, layer one cake on a platter, spread softened ice cream on top, then add the second cake layer.
- Frost with whipped cream and garnish with more Oreos.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Allow ice cream to soften for easier spreading. Chill the assembled cake for at least 4 hours before serving for cleaner slices.
