Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert, that screams perfect. This Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is exactly what you need. Layers of moist chocolate cake, rich fudge, crunchy cereal or candy, and creamy cookie dough ice cream topped with whipped topping and cookie dough pieces—this recipe hits every sweet tooth craving.
If you have a special occasion coming up, this recipe shines during summer BBQs, birthdays, and special holidays but truly works any time of year when you’re craving a cold, sweet treat. Think of it as a grown-up twist on the ice cream cake we all loved as kids, combining the creamy and the crunchy with a nostalgic cookie dough flavor that’s hard to beat. This cake will quickly become your go-to dessert.
And if you’re a big fan of ice cream like I am, you might also enjoy these other must-try recipes like this Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream or this Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Ice Cream. If you are more into milkshakes, then I totally suggest this Peanut Butter Whiskey Shake or this Copycat Chickfila Peppermint Milkshake.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview to make shopping a breeze. For exact measurements, check the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
For the chocolate cake:
- Chocolate cake mix (choose your favorite brand, and make sure to have the eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box).
For the middle layer:
- Chocolate fudge sauce (store-bought works great, but you can use homemade if you prefer a richer flavor).
- Chocolate crunch cereal or candies (like Cocoa Pebbles or Buncha Crunch – these add a nice crunch to the dessert).
For the ice cream layer:
- Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream (let it soften slightly for easy spreading).
For the frosting:
- Chocolate chips for drizzling (melt them slightly for a smooth drizzle effect).
- Whipped topping (thawed – Cool Whip or any similar brand works perfectly here).
- Chocolate chip cookie dough pieces (cut them into smaller chunks for easier decorating).
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Step 2: In a preheated oven, bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, carefully level the top using a serrated knife to ensure an even surface.
Step 3: Spread a layer of chocolate fudge sauce over the leveled cake.
Step 4: sprinkle a layer of chocolate crunch cereal or candy pieces on top. Freez to set.
Step 5: Spread an even layer of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream over the fudge layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Freeze the cake until firmly set.
Step 6: Remove the cake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Frost the entire cake with thawed whipped topping for a creamy finish.
Step 7: Sprinkle the top with cookie dough pieces.
Step 8: Drizzle the melted chocolate chips over the top of the ice cream cake and return the cake to the freezer to set.
Storage
- Freezing – Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store individual slices in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Serving Again – If stored, remove the cake from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. This softens the layers slightly, making it easier to cut and enjoy.
What to Serve With Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- An espresso or black coffee to cut through the richness.
- A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
Wendys Tips
- Be sure to label and date the cake before placing it in the freezer. This will help you keep track of how long it’s been in there.
- If you’re freezing individual slices, place a layer of parchment paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together.
FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Absolutely! While chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is a perfect match for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other flavors like peanut butter cup, cookies and cream, or classic vanilla.
A springform pan is highly recommended for easy removal, but if you don’t have one, a regular round cake pan lined with parchment paper will also work.
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
Equipment
- Springform Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- spatula
- Serrated knife
- Toothpick
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake:
- 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix with the ingredients to make the cake
For the middle layer:
- 1 ½ cup chocolate fudge sauce
- 1 cup chocolate crunch cereal or candy e.g., Cocoa Pebbles, Buncha Crunch, optional
For the ice cream layer:
- 1.5 quart chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream softened
For the frosting:
- 16 ounce frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup chocolate chip cookie dough pieces
- ½ cup chocolate chips melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before assembling the ice cream cake.
- Carefully level the cake using a serrated knife. Discard the top of the cake.
- Spread the fudge sauce over the vanilla ice cream layer. Sprinkle the cereal or candy evenly on top of the fudge sauce. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cake pan from the freezer and spread the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream over the fudge layer. Smooth the top with a spatula. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once the ice cream cake is completely frozen, carefully remove it from the cake pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Frost the entire cake with whipped topping.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chip cookie dough pieces evenly on top.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate chips over the top of the ice cream cake.
- Return the cake to the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate drizzle to set.
- When ready to serve, slice the ice cream cake into wedges using a warm knife and enjoy!
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
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