Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven, and this Reese’s Ice Cream Cake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ideal for birthdays, summer parties, or just because, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of creamy ice cream sandwiches, melted peanut butter, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups creates an indulgent experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dessert that looks impressive.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is perfect for gatherings; it combines beloved flavors that appeal to all ages.
- No Baking Required: Save time in the kitchen with this no-bake recipe that requires minimal effort.
- Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with additional toppings or different flavors of ice cream sandwiches.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and store in the freezer, making it convenient for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of this Reese’s Ice Cream Cake, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Serving platter
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Serving platter: A large platter is key for assembling your cake layers neatly.
- Mixing bowl: Use a bowl to melt and mix your peanut butter easily.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Spatula: A spatula helps spread toppings evenly for an attractive finish.
Ingredients
Chocolate and peanut butter come together in this simple, crowd-pleasing ice cream cake!
For the Cake Base
- 18 vanilla ice cream sandwiches
For the Filling
- 1 cup peanut butter, melted
- 1 9.5 oz package Reese’s peanut butter cups (12 total)
For the Sauces
- 6 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 6 tablespoons hot fudge sauce
For Topping
- 2 8 oz containers whipped topping
How to Make Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
Step 1: Arrange the First Layer
Arrange six ice cream sandwiches on a serving platter. Drizzle half of the melted peanut butter over top. Next, drizzle two tablespoons each of caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce. Top with a third of the chopped Reese’s candies.
Step 2: Add More Layers
Arrange six more ice cream sandwiches on top. Drizzle the remaining peanut butter over them. Follow with two tablespoons each of caramel and hot fudge sauces again. Add another third of the chopped candies.
Step 3: Complete the Layers
Top with the remaining ice cream sandwiches. Surround the entire cake with whipped topping for a beautiful finish.
Step 4: Final Touches
Drizzle any leftover sauces over the cake and sprinkle with the remaining chopped Reese’s candies for extra flair.
Step 5: Freeze Before Serving
Allow your cake to set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours before serving to let it firm up nicely.
How to Serve Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
Serving Reese’s Ice Cream Cake can be as delightful as making it. This cake is perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat after dinner. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Slice and Serve
- Serve slices on individual dessert plates for a classic presentation.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra sweetness.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- A side of banana slices complements the peanut butter nicely.
Add a Drizzle
- Top each slice with additional caramel or hot fudge sauce for an indulgent touch.
- A sprinkle of crushed peanuts can add crunch and flavor.
Create a Sundae Bar
- Set up a sundae bar with toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and more Reese’s cups.
- Allow guests to customize their own dessert creations.
How to Perfect Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
Perfecting your Reese’s Ice Cream Cake can take it from good to great. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Chill the Ingredients: Make sure your ice cream sandwiches are well-frozen before assembly for easier layering.
- Layer Evenly: Distribute ingredients evenly between layers for balanced flavors and textures.
- Let it Set: Allow the cake to freeze adequately before serving, as this helps it hold its shape better.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality peanut butter and sauces for richer flavors.
- Decorate Creatively: Feel free to experiment with toppings like mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings for a unique presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
The rich flavors of Reese’s Ice Cream Cake pair well with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options that complement this dessert beautifully.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic cookies add a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy cake.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Ice Cream Cones – Offer plain or flavored ice cream cones alongside the cake for an added treat.
- Brownies – Rich brownies can enhance the chocolate flavor profile of your dessert.
- Milkshakes – Chocolate or peanut butter milkshakes make a decadent beverage pairing.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites provide a different texture while remaining sweet and creamy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Reese’s Ice Cream Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
- Ignoring the freezing time: Many people rush this step. Allow the cake to set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, opt for 4 hours. This ensures that it holds its shape when sliced.
- Not using enough toppings: Toppings are essential for flavor and presentation. Make sure to evenly distribute peanut butter, caramel, and fudge sauces, along with chopped Reese’s cups, throughout the layers.
- Choosing the wrong ice cream sandwiches: Stick with vanilla ice cream sandwiches for the best flavor combination. Other flavors can overpower the chocolate and peanut butter essence of this dessert.
- Skipping the whipped topping: The whipped topping adds creaminess and helps balance the richness of the cake. Don’t skip this crucial layer; it enhances both texture and taste.
- Using warm melted peanut butter: While melting is necessary, let it cool slightly before drizzling it on your ice cream sandwiches. Hot peanut butter can melt the ice cream and create a soupy mess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- How long: You can store your Reese’s Ice Cream Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Freezing Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
- How long: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cake for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
- Oven: Don’t reheat this cake; it’s best served frozen.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will ruin the texture of the ice cream.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; serve cold straight from the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reese’s Ice Cream Cake?
Reese’s Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert made with layers of vanilla ice cream sandwiches, melted peanut butter, caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, and chopped Reese’s cups. It’s a perfect treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Can I customize my Reese’s Ice Cream Cake?
Absolutely! You can add other toppings like crushed Oreos or different flavors of ice cream sandwiches. Feel free to get creative with your favorite candies!
How do I serve Reese’s Ice Cream Cake?
To serve, slice directly from the freezer using a sharp knife. For easier cutting, run the knife under warm water before slicing.
Is Reese’s Ice Cream Cake suitable for parties?
Yes! This cake serves about 12 people, making it ideal for parties or gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze your Reese’s Ice Cream Cake up to 2 months in advance. Just remember to allow time for thawing before serving.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Ice Cream Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors make it a favorite among dessert lovers. Don’t hesitate to try out different toppings or flavors based on your preferences! Enjoy making this delicious treat at home!
Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Reese’s Ice Cream Cake, where creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiches meet the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect for birthdays, summer celebrations, or a sweet treat just because, this no-bake cake will impress your family and friends alike. Layers of melted peanut butter, luscious caramel and hot fudge sauces, and crunchy Reese’s peanut butter cup pieces create a delightful combination that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings, this cake is not only delicious but also convenient as it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 18 vanilla ice cream sandwiches
- 1 cup melted peanut butter
- 1 package (9.5 oz) Reese's peanut butter cups
- 6 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 6 tablespoons hot fudge sauce
- 2 containers (8 oz each) whipped topping
Instructions
- Arrange six ice cream sandwiches on a serving platter. Drizzle half of the melted peanut butter over them, followed by two tablespoons each of caramel and hot fudge sauce. Sprinkle one-third of the chopped Reese's cups on top.
- Layer six more ice cream sandwiches on top. Repeat with the remaining melted peanut butter, sauces, and another third of the chopped candies.
- Finish with the last six ice cream sandwiches and cover the entire cake with whipped topping.
- Drizzle any leftover sauces over the cake and sprinkle with remaining Reese's candies.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (125g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg