Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Name: Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 ½ cups cake flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1.5 quarts Cookies and Cream ice cream; 2 cups whipped cream; Chopped Oreo cookies for garnish

Published: June 19, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The blend of cookies and cream ice cream with cake layers creates a rich flavor experience that everyone will love.
Versatile Dessert: Suitable for birthdays, summer parties, or just an afternoon treat; this cake fits any occasion.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert without stress.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its familiar taste appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it an instant favorite.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this cake in advance and store it in the freezer, saving you time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready makes preparation easy and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Speeds up mixing and ensures a light, fluffy batter for your cake.
9-inch round cake pans: Essential for achieving the perfect shape and size of each cake layer, leading to even baking.

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

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

Instructions:

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 530 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: ice cream cake, cookies and cream cake, cookies and cream ice cream cake, homemade ice cream cake
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 738 kcal, Carbs: 97 g, Protein: 12 g, Fat: 34 g, Saturated Fat: 20 g, Cholesterol: 103 mg, Sodium: 333 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 65 g

How to Make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the egg whites, one at a time. Alternate adding the milk with the dry ingredients until fully combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chopped Oreos

Gently fold in the chopped Oreo cookies. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the softened Cookies and Cream ice cream over this layer. Top with the second layer of cake.

Step 8: Frosting

Spread whipped cream over the top of your assembled cake. Garnish with additional chopped Oreo cookies for that extra touch!

Now you have crafted an irresistible Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake that’s perfect for any gathering! Enjoy every creamy bite!

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Serving a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can elevate any gathering or celebration. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your dessert experience even more delightful.

Individual Slices

Serve each guest a slice of the cake topped with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped Oreo cookies for an added crunch.

Dessert Cups

Cut the cake into cubes and layer them in dessert cups with additional ice cream and whipped cream. This makes for a fun, layered treat.

Kids’ Party Treats

For children’s parties, consider using smaller slices or cake pops made from the cake. Kids love fun, bite-sized desserts!

With Fresh Berries

Pair your slice with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use two slices of the cake to create an ice cream sandwich. Add a scoop of Cookies and Cream ice cream in between for an indulgent treat.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over each slice before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

To ensure your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Chill Your Tools: Before whipping your cream, chill your mixing bowl and utensils. This helps achieve better volume in your whipped cream.
Soften Ice Cream: Allow your ice cream to soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before layering it into the cake. This makes spreading easier.
Layer Wisely: Ensure you spread the ice cream evenly between the cake layers for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Cool Completely: Always let your cake layers cool completely before adding ice cream. This prevents melting and ensures clean layers.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishing with chopped Oreos on top. It enhances both presentation and taste!
Freeze Properly: After assembling, freeze the cake for several hours or overnight. This helps everything set beautifully for serving.

Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

When enjoying a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some perfect options:

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies with gooey chocolate chips complement the rich ice cream flavors beautifully.
Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fresh fruits provides a light, refreshing contrast to the decadence of the cake.
Brownies: Fudgy brownies add another layer of chocolatey goodness that pairs well with cookies and cream.
Vanilla Pudding: The creamy texture of vanilla pudding offers a smooth balance to the crunchy elements of the cake.
Milkshakes: A cold milkshake made from vanilla or chocolate can enhance the overall dessert experience.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea offers a perfect contrast to this sweet treat, making it great for after dinner.
Ice Cream Floats: Combine soda with scoops of cookies and cream ice cream for an exciting drink option alongside your dessert.
Mini Cheesecakes: Light mini cheesecakes provide a different cheesecake experience while still being delightful after this rich dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, there are some common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Softening Step: Not allowing your ice cream to soften can make it difficult to spread. Always let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before using.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too vigorously can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Ignoring Temperature of Ingredients: Using cold eggs or milk can affect how well your batter rises. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Not Chilling Between Layers: Failing to chill the cake layers before adding ice cream can cause them to collapse. Chill each layer for at least 30 minutes before assembly.
Using the Wrong Pan Size: Baking in a pan that’s too small or too large can impact the cake’s height and cooking time. Stick to the recommended 9-inch pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Keep any leftover Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake in an airtight container.
item It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
item Place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking pieces to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

item For long-term storage, wrap your cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
item It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
item Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm slices gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

To make homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, focus on baking two layers of vanilla cake, then sandwich softened cookies and cream ice cream between them. Top with whipped cream and additional Oreo cookies.

Can I use other flavors of ice cream?

Absolutely! While this recipe features cookies and cream ice cream, you can experiment with flavors like chocolate or vanilla bean for different tastes.

How long does it take to assemble the cake?

Assembling your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake takes about 1 hour, including chilling time between layers.

Can I decorate the cake differently?

Certainly! Feel free to get creative with toppings like chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or fresh fruit, depending on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home. You can customize it with different flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try—your friends and family will love it!

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