Who doesn’t love a great dessert that combines all of the best treats in one? Picture this: a cake with layers of chocolate chip cookie dough, rich vanilla ice cream, and a chocolatey topping that makes your taste buds go wild. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s a reality, and it’s called Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake!
This is one of those desserts that will make everyone smile and possibly even fight over the last slice. With its creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey layers, it’s the ultimate indulgence. If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and cake, this treat is definitely for you.
But don’t worry—this cake is much easier to make than you might think. I’m here to walk you through every step of the process, so you can make this delicious dessert at home without stress. Let’s dive in and create the most amazing ice cream cake ever!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
This cake has so much going for it:
- Delicious layers: It’s not just one layer of deliciousness, but several! There’s chocolate chip cookie dough, ice cream, and a chocolatey topping. Who could resist?
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a regular Tuesday, this cake is sure to impress. It’s a dessert that everyone will love.
- No-bake dessert: You don’t need to turn on your oven! The cookie dough is edible and doesn’t require baking, so it’s a much easier option than a traditional cake.
- Ultimate indulgence: If you want a rich, indulgent treat that mixes textures and flavors, this cake will be your new go-to.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you’ll have this beauty ready in no time.
What You’ll Need for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
Before we get started, here’s a quick list of everything you’ll need to make this cake. It’s easy to find all these ingredients at your local grocery store.
For the cookie dough layer:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons milk (to help with dough consistency)
For the ice cream layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (make sure it’s soft enough to spread easily)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
For the chocolate ganache topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
It might sound complicated, but don’t worry! The steps are super simple, and it’s basically like assembling layers of deliciousness. So, let’s get started and create this amazing dessert.
Step 1: Prepare the cookie dough layer
The first step is to make the cookie dough. It’s easy because we’re not baking it, so no need to worry about the oven!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing it into the butter and sugar mixture. It will form a thick dough. Don’t worry if the dough seems a bit crumbly at first. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until the dough becomes soft and easy to work with.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Once your dough is ready, transfer it into a 9-inch springform pan or a round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid layer. Place the pan in the freezer to chill while you work on the ice cream layer.
Step 2: Make the ice cream layer
While the cookie dough layer chills, it’s time to prep the ice cream layer. You’ll need soft, spreadable ice cream for this, so it’s a good idea to let it sit out for a few minutes before working with it.
- Remove the vanilla ice cream from the container and place it in a mixing bowl. Use a spatula or a large spoon to soften it until it’s smooth and easy to spread.
- Spread the softened ice cream over the chilled cookie dough layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed. You want to cover the entire cookie dough layer with a nice, thick layer of ice cream.
- Once the ice cream is spread out, return the pan to the freezer for at least 2 hours or until the ice cream layer is firm.
Step 3: Prepare the chocolate ganache topping
While the ice cream layer is setting, you can make the chocolate ganache topping. This will give your cake that rich, chocolatey finish.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Don’t let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the semisweet chocolate chips. Stir the mixture until the chocolate chips have fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
- Let the ganache cool for about 10 minutes, so it’s not too hot when you pour it over the cake.
Step 4: Assemble and freeze the cake
Once the ice cream layer is firm, it’s time to assemble your cake.
- Take the pan out of the freezer and pour the cooled chocolate ganache over the ice cream layer. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache evenly across the top.
- Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top of the ganache for a little added texture and flavor.
- Return the cake to the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the cake is completely frozen and firm.
Step 5: Serve the cake
Once the cake is fully frozen, it’s ready to serve!
- Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut through the ice cream and cookie dough layers.
- If you used a springform pan, remove the sides and place the cake on a serving platter. If you used a regular cake pan, carefully remove the parchment paper and place the cake on a platter.
- Slice the cake into wedges and serve immediately. For an extra touch, you can top the cake with whipped cream or extra mini chocolate chips.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
This cake is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure you get the perfect result every time:
- Let the ice cream soften: If the ice cream is too hard, it’ll be difficult to spread. Let it sit out for a few minutes until it’s soft enough to spread easily.
- Chill the layers properly: Make sure each layer is well-chilled before adding the next one. This helps the layers stay firm and prevents them from mixing together.
- Use a springform pan: A springform pan makes it much easier to remove the cake from the pan once it’s frozen. If you don’t have one, you can line a regular cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Add toppings: You can customize your ice cream cake by adding extra toppings. Try crushed cookies, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for some extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover cake, store it in the freezer. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
Why This Dessert is a Winner
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for so many reasons. It’s indulgent, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family dinner, or just craving something sweet, this cake will always be a hit.
The combination of rich cookie dough, creamy ice cream, and decadent chocolate ganache is irresistible. And because it’s a no-bake dessert, it’s much easier to make than traditional cakes, while still looking impressive. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re a chocolate chip cookie fan, an ice cream lover, or just someone who enjoys a delicious dessert, this cake is for you. Try it out next time you need a show-stopping treat—you won’t regret it!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
- For the cookie dough layer:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons milk
- For the ice cream layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream softened
- For the chocolate ganache topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough layer: Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually add flour to form a dough. Stir in mini chocolate chips and add milk as needed to reach dough consistency. Press dough into a springform pan and chill in the freezer.
- Make the ice cream layer: Soften the vanilla ice cream and spread it evenly over the chilled cookie dough. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the ganache over the ice cream layer and smooth it out. Freeze for at least 4 hours until the cake is firm.
- Serve the cake: Let the cake sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Remove from the pan or parchment paper, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting.
- Customize with toppings like whipped cream or sprinkles for extra flair.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.
