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Summer’s Sweetest Treats: Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipes

Beat the Heat with These Refreshing Desserts

When it comes to summer birthdays and BBQs, nothing screams celebration like a cool, creamy ice cream cake. With endless combinations of flavors and textures, these desserts are sure to bring joy to all ages. Plus, they’re easier to make than you think!

Get Creative with Your Ice Cream Cake

The traditional cake layers can be replaced or augmented with brownies, crushed cookie layers, rice cereal treats, or even pulverized pretzels. You can top it off with various sauces and extras, with or without whipped cream. The possibilities are endless!

Top Tips for Making the Perfect Ice Cream Cake

• Buy enough ice cream: For an 8-inch round cake, 3-4 cups is ideal for one ice cream layer. For a larger pan, you’ll need 6 cups (or 3 pints) of ice cream.
• Soften your ice cream: Stir it to a spreadable consistency before assembling your cake.
• Cool your cake completely: Allow it to cool before adding ice cream, and give it time to set in the freezer.
• Use a parchment or plastic sling: Line your pan with a long-overhanging piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy lifting.
• Let it thaw a little: Before serving, let your cake sit out for 10-15 minutes to ensure clean, smooth cuts.

11 Mouth-Watering Ice Cream Cake Recipes to Try

1. Chocolate Rice Krispies Ice Cream Cake: A no-bake wonder with strawberry ice cream, chocolate, and vanilla flavors.
2. Chocolate–Coffee Almond Crunch Ice Cream Cake: A sophisticated birthday cake with coffee ice cream and a crunchy almond topping.
3. Chocolate Stout Ice Cream Sandwiches: Brownies made with stout, filled with vanilla or caramel ice cream – a grown-up treat!
4. Chocolate Ice Cream Cupcakes: Mini self-contained ice cream cakes with cookies and cream ice cream and an Oreo garnish.
5. Vanilla–Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake: A sweet-salty balance with sour cream-enriched vanilla cake and soft whipped cream.
6. Boston Ice Cream Pie Cake: A creamy twist on the classic Boston cream pie, with custardy vanilla ice cream.
7. Pistachio-Strawberry Ice Cream Cake: Three ice cream flavors stacked up under a crunchy layer of crushed vanilla cookies – no baking required!
8. Nonnie’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake: A stunning six-ingredient option with a dark chocolate cookie crust and creamy peanut butter swirls.
9. Keto Ice Cream Cake: A low-carb, sugar-free indulgence with layers of no-churn strawberry and vanilla ice cream on a chocolate cake base.
10. Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake: A classic ice cream shop-style cake with two thick layers of ice cream, crunchy chocolate cookies, and fudge sauce.
11. Brownie Ice Cream Parfaits: Individual brownie parfaits layered with ice cream, fresh raspberries, and whipped cream – a simpler way to make an ice cream cake.