If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you combine two of the most beloved desserts—chocolate chip cookies and ice cream—you’re about to find out with this irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake! Picture this: layers of chewy cookie dough, creamy ice cream, and a fudgy chocolate drizzle, all coming together in a perfectly indulgent dessert. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser and the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether it’s a summer party, a birthday celebration, or just because you deserve something special.
Trust me, once you slice into this cake, you’ll be met with the sweetest, most satisfying combination of flavors and textures. It’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
- Layered Indulgence: The marriage of rich cookie dough and ice cream creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Each bite is like getting the best of both worlds.
- Customizable: Want to switch up the ice cream flavor? Go for mint chocolate chip, vanilla, or even rocky road! The base layers are versatile, so feel free to get creative with your choices.
- No-Bake Convenience: This cake is simple to make, and best of all, there’s no baking required. Just layer, freeze, and enjoy!
- A Showstopper: It looks gorgeous when sliced, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dessert table. It’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of a delicious, chewy cookie dough.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Flour: The key ingredient for the dough—no baking necessary, so make sure to use heat-treated flour for safety.
- Chocolate Chips: The classic chocolate chip addition that gives this dough its signature flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness.
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- Vanilla Ice Cream (or any flavor you prefer): The creamy, dreamy base that pairs perfectly with the cookie dough.
- Chocolate Chips or Fudge: Optional, for a chocolatey swirl or drizzle that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s break down how to make this jaw-dropping dessert step by step:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix. Gradually incorporate the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Stir in the chocolate chips. This dough should have the texture of a traditional cookie dough, and it’s totally safe to eat since we’re not baking it!
2. Layer the Cookie Dough:
Line the bottom of a springform pan (around 9 inches) with parchment paper. Press half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a flat, compact layer. Set aside.
3. Add the Ice Cream:
Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes so it’s easier to spread. Once softened, spread the ice cream evenly over the cookie dough layer, smoothing it out with a spatula to make a nice, even layer. If you like, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate fudge on top of the ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
4. Top with Remaining Cookie Dough:
Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the ice cream layer. You don’t need to press it down—just scatter it over the top for that perfect cookie dough crunch in every bite.
5. Freeze the Cake:
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Freezing helps all the layers set up beautifully, making the cake easy to slice and serve.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once frozen, remove the cake from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Slice it up and serve! You’ll see that gorgeous cross-section of cookie dough, creamy ice cream, and chocolate goodness. Serve it on its own, or with an extra drizzle of hot fudge or whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
- For Special Occasions: Serve this as the centerpiece dessert at birthday parties, summer picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
- With Extra Toppings: If you really want to take it over the top, drizzle the cake with chocolate syrup, add a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or a few extra chocolate chips on top.
- A La Mode: Top each slice with a scoop of extra ice cream for a double dose of ice cream goodness.
Additional Tips
- Customize the Ice Cream: This recipe is super versatile when it comes to ice cream flavor. Try using chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream or even cookies and cream for an added cookie crunch.
- Serve Immediately: After freezing, the cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to slice it before serving, as it can be hard to cut through if it’s been frozen for a long time.
- Make Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Just pop it in the freezer the day before you need it, and it’ll be ready to serve.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cookie dough for this cake?
A1: Definitely! You can use store-bought cookie dough or make a variation with flavors like peanut butter or oatmeal. Just make sure it’s an edible dough!
Q2: Can I bake the cookie dough layer?
A2: While this recipe calls for no-bake cookie dough, you can bake the cookie dough layer if you prefer. Just bake the dough for 10-12 minutes at 350°F before adding the ice cream layer.
Q3: How do I store the cake?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To serve, let it soften slightly for a few minutes at room temperature.
Q4: Can I make this cake without a springform pan?
A4: Yes, you can use any cake pan or even a loaf pan. Just make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal!
Q5: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Use dairy-free ice cream and vegan butter in the cookie dough for a completely dairy-free treat.
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a dessert lover’s dream come true. It’s the kind of cake that makes every occasion a little bit sweeter and a lot more fun. Enjoy every creamy, chewy, and chocolatey bite—you deserve it!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the flavors of cookie dough and ice cream, creating an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chip cookies (about 20 cookies), crushed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Ice Cream Layers:
- 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1.5 quarts chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, softened
For the Cookie Dough Chunks:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie crust by combining the crushed chocolate chip cookies with the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Freeze for about 10 minutes to set.
- Take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften for about 10-15 minutes. Once softened, spread the vanilla ice cream over the cookie crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Freeze for 30-45 minutes, or until firm.
- While the vanilla layer is freezing, make the cookie dough chunks. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and softened butter. Mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together. Stir in mini chocolate chips if desired. Set aside in the fridge.
- Once the vanilla layer is firm, spread the softened chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream on top. Smooth it out and freeze for another 30-45 minutes until firm.
- Once the ice cream layers are set, sprinkle the cookie dough chunks over the top of the cake, pressing some of them lightly into the ice cream.
- Freeze the entire cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to fully set.
Notes
- Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Garnish with extra cookie crumbles or a chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Store the cake in the freezer for up to a week, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg