This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich cake and creamy ice cream, perfect for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this cake offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream cakes. The combination of soft cake and crunchy Oreo cookies creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The mix of chocolatey Oreos and creamy ice cream creates a flavor explosion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or summer barbecues, it suits any occasion.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The layered look makes it visually impressive on any dessert table.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the flavors!
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious cake, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline the process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures your batter is light and fluffy.
- 9-inch round cake pans: Provides the perfect shape for layering your delectable cake.
- Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
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 Layers
- 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
For the Ice Cream Filling
- 1.5 quarts Cookies and Cream ice cream, softened (store bought or homemade)
For Frosting and Garnish
- 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 Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until smooth.
Step 3: Add Oreo Cookies
Fold in the chopped Oreo cookies into the batter gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread half of the softened Cookies and Cream ice cream over this layer. Top with the second layer of cake.
Step 6: Frosting
Spread whipped cream over the top of the assembled cake. Garnish with additional chopped Oreo cookies for extra flair.
Step 7: Freeze
Place your completed Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake in the freezer for at least four hours before serving to firm up nicely.
Enjoy every creamy slice of this delectable dessert!
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Serving a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can be a delightful experience, whether it’s for a birthday, special occasion, or just a fun dessert at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a decorative plate for an elegant touch. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
A la Mode
- Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes it even more indulgent.
Garnished with Chocolate Sauce
- Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake slices. This rich addition complements the cookies and cream flavor beautifully.
Fresh Berries
- Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries on the side. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake.
Cookie Crumbles
- Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top of each slice for added texture. This enhances the cookies and cream theme while adding crunch.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of the cake.
How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Perfecting your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can elevate it from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some helpful tips to make sure yours is a showstopper.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg whites and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
- Chill Between Layers: Allow each layer of ice cream to freeze slightly before adding the next layer. This helps maintain structure when slicing.
- Decorate Creatively: Use whipped cream and cookie crumbles generously for decoration. It adds visual appeal and signals deliciousness.
- Plan Ahead: Make the cake in advance and let it freeze overnight. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Slice with Warm Knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting through the cake. Wipe the knife between cuts for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can enhance your dessert table. Here are some delightful options that complement its rich flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies that provide additional texture and chocolatey goodness.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that lighten up the overall sweetness.
- Chocolate Mousse: A rich, creamy mousse that pairs beautifully with the cake’s textures.
- Brownies: Fudgy brownies add another layer of indulgence, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Pudding Cups: Individual servings of chocolate or vanilla pudding offer creamy contrast to the cake.
- Ice Cream Cones: Serve small cones filled with ice cream as an interactive treat alongside your cake.
- Milkshakes: Thick milkshakes in classic flavors can enhance the dessert experience while keeping things fun.
- Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons add sweetness and flavor diversity that works well with cookies and cream elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for the best result. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can cause the batter to not mix well, leading to uneven texture. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Not softening the ice cream: Failing to soften your Cookies and Cream ice cream makes it hard to spread between cake layers. Let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before using.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your cake dense rather than light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for best results.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the cake to chill properly before serving can lead to messy slices. Plan for at least 4-6 hours of chilling after assembling your cake.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different; not checking for doneness can result in underbaked or overbaked cake layers. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if they’re done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- If you notice any freezer burn, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
- For longer storage, freeze your cake wrapped well in plastic wrap.
- The cake can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual slices for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a slice on a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake special?
This recipe combines rich cake layers with creamy ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of textures that appeals to everyone.
Can I use homemade ice cream for this recipe?
Yes! Homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream works beautifully in this cake, adding a personal touch.
How do I customize my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?
You can add different flavors of ice cream or mix in various toppings like chocolate chips or nuts for added texture!
How long does it take to prepare this cake?
The total time from prep to serving is approximately 530 minutes, including chilling time.
Final Thoughts
This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with different flavors or toppings, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every creamy bite!
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Indulge in the perfect blend of cake and ice cream with this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake. This delightful dessert features soft, moist cake layers infused with crunchy Oreo cookie pieces, sandwiched between a rich layer of creamy Cookies and Cream ice cream. Whether for birthdays, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress. Its eye-catching layers and irresistible flavors make it a standout choice for any celebration. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, this ice cream cake is a must-try for dessert lovers.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup chopped Oreo cookies
- 1.5 quarts Cookies and Cream ice cream
- 2 cups whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until smooth. Fold in chopped Oreo cookies.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
- Once cooled, layer one cake on a platter, spread half the softened ice cream over it, then top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the top with whipped cream and garnish with additional Oreo cookie pieces.
- Freeze for at least four hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg