This festive Christmas Ice-Cream Cake is the perfect dessert to delight your guests during the holiday season. A beautiful combination of creamy ice cream, crunchy layers, and festive decorations, it’s as delicious as it is stunning. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a unique dessert to bring to a party, this cake is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Minimal baking and effort required.
- Customizable: Use your favorite flavors and toppings to suit your taste.
- Show-stopping dessert: Its stunning layers and festive presentation make it the centerpiece of your holiday table.
- Perfect for a crowd: Generous servings that are easy to slice and share.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate ice cream
- Crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos or graham crackers)
- Melted chocolate
- Whipped cream
- Festive sprinkles or candy decorations
- A springform pan
Directions
- Prepare the pan: Line a springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Crush cookies: Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush the cookies into fine crumbs.
- Make the base: Combine crushed cookies with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Layer the ice cream: Soften the vanilla ice cream and spread it over the cookie base, smoothing the surface. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Add the chocolate layer: Soften the chocolate ice cream and spread it evenly on top of the vanilla layer. Freeze until solid, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Decorate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake, pipe whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with festive decorations.
- Serve: Remove the cake from the pan, slice, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 3 hours or overnight
Variations
- Flavor swaps: Use peppermint or eggnog ice cream for a more festive twist.
- Nutty addition: Add a layer of crushed nuts between the ice cream layers for extra crunch.
- Alcohol-infused: Mix a splash of your favorite liqueur into the softened ice cream for an adult-friendly treat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cookies for the base.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the ice-cream cake covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: No reheating required, but let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can prepare this cake up to 2 weeks in advance, making it perfect for holiday planning.
Can I use store-bought crusts?
Yes, a pre-made crust can save time, but it might not fit perfectly in a springform pan.
How do I avoid ice crystals in the layers?
Make sure the ice cream is softened but not melted when layering, and smooth each layer before freezing.
What other decorations can I use?
Crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or chocolate shavings are great options.
Can I make this without a springform pan?
Yes, but the cake may be harder to remove. Use a lined loaf pan as an alternative.
What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wipe it clean between slices.
Can I add fruit to the layers?
Yes, try adding thin slices of strawberries or raspberries for a fruity touch.
What’s a good topping for adults?
Try a drizzle of Baileys or espresso for a sophisticated flavor.
Can I use non-dairy ice cream?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free ice creams to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
How can I transport the cake?
Freeze the cake solid and transport it in an insulated cooler to keep it intact.
Conclusion
This Christmas Ice-Cream Cake is a delightful combination of creamy textures and festive flavors that will make your holiday celebration even more memorable. Its simplicity, versatility, and stunning presentation make it a must-have dessert for the season. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet taste of the holidays!
PrintChristmas Ice-Cream Cake
This festive Christmas ice-cream cake is a delightful dessert to wow your guests! Layers of creamy ice cream, holiday flavors, and a crunchy base come together for a treat that’s both stunning and delicious. Perfect for Christmas gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 ounces) Oreo cookies
- 1 gallon peppermint ice cream, softened
- 12 classic rectangular ice cream sandwiches
- 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Hot fudge topping, for drizzling
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or wax paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the sides for easy removal.
- Crush the Cookies: Place the Oreo cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them into large pieces. Reserve some crushed cookies for topping.
- First Layer: Spread half of the softened peppermint ice cream evenly over the crushed cookies in the pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Add Ice Cream Sandwiches: Unwrap the ice cream sandwiches and arrange them in a single layer over the firm peppermint ice cream. You may need to cut some sandwiches to fit the pan.
- Second Layer: Spread the remaining softened peppermint ice cream over the layer of ice cream sandwiches.
- Freeze: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze the cake for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully set.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, spread the whipped topping over the cake. Drizzle with hot fudge and sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreo cookies and crushed candy canes on top.
- Serve: Use the overhanging parchment or wax paper to lift the cake from the pan. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream is softened but not melted for easy spreading.
- For a more chocolaty flavor, drizzle layers with extra hot fudge sauce.
- You can substitute peppermint ice cream with vanilla or chocolate if desired.