Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate dessert that combines the richness of cake with the creaminess of ice cream. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake features layers of delectable cookies and cream ice cream nestled between two fluffy cake layers. Its unique blend of flavors and textures ensures it will be a hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of soft cake and creamy ice cream creates an irresistible dessert.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this show-stopping cake with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a casual family dessert, this cake fits all scenarios.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers make it look like a bakery masterpiece.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Offset spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light batter.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Essential for baking perfectly shaped cake layers for stacking.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for spreading whipped cream evenly over the ice cream layer.

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 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 Your Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to your butter mixture alternating with whole milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Oreo Cookies

Gently fold in the chopped Oreo cookies into your batter until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

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

Step 8: Frosting Time!

Spread whipped cream over the top of your assembled cake. Garnish with additional chopped Oreo cookies as desired.

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

For best results, refrigerate your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake for at least an hour before slicing. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Serving your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can enhance the experience for you and your guests. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will make it even more delightful.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a dessert plate for an elegant presentation. Top with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped Oreo cookies for added flair.

Sundae Style

• Create a sundae by placing a slice of cake in a bowl, drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce over it, and adding a scoop of additional Cookies and Cream ice cream.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair your cake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. Their natural tartness complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Make mini ice cream sandwiches by cutting the cake into smaller squares and placing them between two cookies. This fun twist is great for kids!

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve slices alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage balances the coldness of the ice cream cake, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Creating the perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter, egg whites, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that rises well.

• Soften ice cream properly: Let your Cookies and Cream ice cream sit out for about 15-20 minutes before using it. This makes spreading easier without melting the cake layers.

• Layer carefully: When assembling, spread the softened ice cream evenly between the cake layers. Aim for an even thickness so each slice has balanced flavors.

• Chill before serving: After assembly, freeze the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps it set properly, making slicing easier.

• Garnish creatively: Don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes! Use whipped cream peaks, chocolate shavings, or extra chopped cookies on top for visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to balance the richness of the cake.

2. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic chocolate chip cookies offer a comforting addition that complements the flavors in your ice cream cake.

3. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars provide a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy ice cream layers.

4. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes add another layer of indulgence while keeping portion sizes manageable.

5. Brownie Bites: Rich brownie bites pair well with ice cream cake; their fudgy texture is perfect alongside creamy desserts.

6. Milkshakes: A classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake can create an indulgent dessert experience when served alongside slices of cake.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crunchy chips provide a fun texture contrast when dipped into whipped cream served on the side.

8. Caramel Popcorn: The sweet crunch of caramel popcorn offers an unexpected twist that kids will love!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a cookies and cream ice cream cake can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly forget to soften the butter. Using cold butter can lead to a lumpy batter. Always ensure your butter is soft enough to cream with sugar smoothly.
• Boldly skip the cooling time. Rushing the cooling process may cause the ice cream to melt too quickly when layered. Allow each cake layer to cool completely before assembling.
• Boldly ignore room temperature eggs. Cold egg whites don’t whip well, so ensure they reach room temperature for maximum volume in your cake layers.
• Boldly overmix your batter. Overmixing can create a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Boldly underestimate the importance of chilling. Not chilling the assembled cake for long enough can lead to messy slices. Chill it for several hours, or overnight, for perfect cuts.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• The cookies and cream ice cream cake lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the slice on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Use short intervals of 10-15 seconds on medium power until warmed through; avoid melting the ice cream too much.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cookies and cream ice cream cake.

What is Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

Cookies and cream ice cream cake is a delicious dessert that features layers of vanilla cake, cookies, whipped cream, and creamy cookies and cream ice cream.

Can I use homemade ice cream?

Yes! Homemade cookies and cream ice cream works wonderfully in this recipe, adding a personal touch to your cake.

How do I customize my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

You can add different mix-ins like crushed chocolate chips or swap out Oreo cookies for other sandwich cookies for unique flavors.

How long does it take to make this dessert?

The preparation takes about 20 minutes, while baking requires around 30 minutes. However, plan for additional chilling time before serving.

Final Thoughts

This cookies and cream ice cream cake is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings based on your preferences. Impress your family or guests by trying out this easy yet indulgent recipe today!