Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich cake layers with creamy ice cream, making it a perfect dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion. With its luscious flavor and appealing presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of sweet cake and creamy cookies and cream ice cream creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various occasions from birthday parties to summer gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Assemble: With straightforward steps, this recipe makes it simple for bakers of all levels to create a stunning dessert.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to swap in different flavors of ice cream or add your favorite toppings for a personal twist.
• Impressive Presentation: Layering the cake with ice cream not only looks beautiful but also elevates the dessert experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delectable Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, gather your tools ahead of time. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a seamless baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes whipping egg whites and creaming butter quick and effortless.
• Spatula: Essential for folding ingredients together without deflating the batter.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Perfectly shaped to create even layers for stacking the ice cream cake.

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 Assembly

• 8 large egg whites (240 grams), room temperature
• 1.5 quarts Cookies and Cream ice cream, softened (store bought or homemade)
• 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 Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to mix until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with milk until just combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Whites

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
2. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula until fully combined.
3. Carefully fold in chopped Oreo cookies.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Assemble Your Ice Cream Cake

1. Once cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter.
2. Spread softened Cookies and Cream ice cream evenly over this layer.
3. Top with the second layer of cake.
4. Frost the top and sides with whipped cream or whipped topping as desired.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Finish by sprinkling additional chopped Oreo cookies on top for garnish. Slice into pieces and serve immediately or freeze for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Serving Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

Individual Slices

• Serve individual slices on dessert plates for a classic presentation.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two layers of the cake to create ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.
• This is perfect for kids’ parties or outdoor celebrations.

Sundae Style

• Cut the cake into chunks and layer them in bowls with hot fudge or chocolate sauce.
• Top with nuts, cherries, and extra chopped Oreo cookies for a sundae-style treat.

Mini Cakes

• Bake smaller versions of the cake in cupcake tins for easy serving.
• These mini cakes are great for portion control and look adorable on any dessert table.

How to Perfect Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

To achieve the best results with your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and vanilla extract for richer flavor.
• Soften Ice Cream Properly: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature until it’s soft but not melted; this makes layering easier.
• Chill Between Layers: After adding each layer of ice cream, freeze the cake briefly to ensure it holds its shape.
• Use Fresh Oreos: Freshly chopped Oreo cookies add crunch and enhance the flavor throughout the cake.

Best Side Dishes for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some delightful options.

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice brings extra richness to every bite.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake.
4. Whipped Topping: Serve additional whipped topping on the side for those who want more creaminess.
5. Ice Cream Floats: Offer soda floats made with root beer or cola alongside slices of cake for a nostalgic treat.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides a savory contrast that balances out the sweet flavors of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the butter softening: If you use cold butter, your cake layers may end up dense. Always soften your butter at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cake layers. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a light texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurement, especially for flour and sugar.
• Using cold ice cream: Cold ice cream is hard to spread between cake layers. Let it soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes before using.
• Ignoring cooling times: Cutting into your cake while it’s still warm can make a mess. Allow it to cool completely before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring not to melt the ice cream.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until just softened.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat; warm slices gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake one day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight, covered with plastic wrap.

What type of ice cream should I use?

You can use store-bought or homemade Cookies and Cream ice cream based on your preference. Both work well!

How do I customize my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake?

Feel free to add different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. You can also change up the whipped topping with flavored varieties.

Can I use other cookies instead of Oreos?

Absolutely! While Oreos are classic, you can experiment with other cookie types like chocolate wafers or vanilla cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply treating yourself, this dessert will surely impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings!