Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines two layers of moist cake with a generous helping of cookies and cream ice cream. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress friends and family. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it stands out as a memorable dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cake and cookies and cream ice cream creates a deliciously rich dessert that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this impressive cake.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits any event.
• Showstopper Presentation: Layers of ice cream and cake topped with whipped cream make this dessert visually stunning.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ice cream or add more toppings to personalize your creation.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools for creating the perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pans: These provide the ideal shape for layering your cake, ensuring even cooking.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients without manual effort.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls, ensuring no ingredient goes to waste.

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 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 Pans

Start by preheating 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 the Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients—cake flour, baking powder, and salt—alternating with the whole milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped Oreo cookies gently.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread half of the softened Cookies and Cream ice cream over it evenly. Top with the second layer of cake. Spread remaining ice cream on top of this layer.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cake

Spread whipped cream over the entire surface of the assembled cake. Garnish with additional chopped Oreo cookies for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your completed Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake for at least an hour before slicing. This will allow it to firm up slightly for easier serving.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Serving Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is all about presentation and enhancing the delightful flavors. Here are some fun ways to serve this delicious dessert that will impress your guests.

Family Style

• Slice and Share: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve on a large platter for everyone to enjoy.
• Individual Servings: Place a slice on each plate, topped with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped Oreo cookies for added texture.

Festive Occasions

• Birthday Celebrations: Decorate with colorful sprinkles or candles to make it a show-stopping birthday cake.
• Holiday Gatherings: Serve alongside festive decorations, like edible glitter or themed plates, to match the occasion.

Pairing with Beverages

• Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee complements the creamy flavors of the cake beautifully.
• Milkshakes: Blend leftover cake with milk for a decadent milkshake that enhances the cookies and cream experience.

How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

To achieve the perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, follow these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Chill Your Tools: Use chilled mixing bowls and utensils when preparing whipped cream to ensure it whips up light and fluffy.
• Layer Carefully: When assembling, ensure each layer of ice cream is evenly spread out for balanced flavors in every bite.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Freeze Between Layers: After adding ice cream between cake layers, freeze for 30 minutes before adding more layers. This helps maintain structure.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: Add chopped Oreo cookies or whipped cream right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch.
2. Fresh Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness.
4. Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds an extra layer of texture that complements the soft ice cream cake.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes provide a delightful variety alongside your main dessert.
6. Ice Cream Cones: Offer ice cream cones filled with cookies and cream ice cream as a fun way to enjoy leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Always ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Inaccurate measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the cake layers to chill can result in melting ice cream. Ensure your cake layers are completely cooled before adding ice cream.
• Neglecting decorations: A plain cake might not look appealing. Take time to garnish with extra chopped Oreo cookies or whipped cream for visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to the Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake recipe.

Can I use homemade ice cream for this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

Yes! Homemade cookies and cream ice cream works beautifully in this recipe, adding a personal touch.

How do I make my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake more chocolatey?

Consider using chocolate cake layers instead of vanilla or adding cocoa powder to your batter for a richer flavor.

What if I can’t find Oreo cookies?

You can use any chocolate sandwich cookies as a substitute; however, Oreos provide a classic taste that complements the ice cream well.

How long does it take to make Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

The total time for this recipe is approximately 530 minutes, including prep, cook time, and chilling.

Can I add different toppings to my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with toppings like crushed nuts, chocolate drizzle, or fresh fruit for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with different toppings or even swap out cookies based on your preferences. Try this delightful dessert today!