The Ultimate Cookies Cream Ice Cream Cake

Ultimate Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe So Easy

By Chef BakerSeptember 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Ingredients & Equipment: The Key to Ice Cream Cake Perfection

Okay, so you wanna make an epic ice cream cake recipe ? Sweet! But first, let's talk shop. Getting the right ingredients and gear is half the battle, honestly.

Trust me, I've had my share of homemade ice cream cake fails because I skimped on quality or tried to wing it with the wrong equipment.

Oops!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

For the Fudgy Brownie Base :

Melted unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . Get the good stuff. Don't even THINK about margarine, yeah?
Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) .
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (42g) . high-quality cocoa = richer brownie.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Real vanilla, not the imitation stuff.
Large eggs: 2 .
All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (60g)

For the Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Layer :

Vanilla ice cream: 1.5 quarts (approx. 1.4 liters) . Splurge on some premium vanilla. This is the heart of your cookies and cream dessert !
Oreo cookies: 1.5 cups (about 18 standard sized) , coarsely crushed. I am a big fan of oreo ice cream cake , who isn't?

For the Oreo Crumb :

Oreo cookies: 1 cup (about 12 standard sized) , finely crushed.
Melted unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) .

For the Chocolate Ganache :

Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't skimp here, it makes ALL the difference in your chocolate ganache recipe .
Semi sweet chocolate: 8 ounces (227g) , finely chopped. Good quality chocolate is essential!

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters

Vanilla extract is super important here. It elevates the flavors. A tiny pinch of sea salt in the ganache will really make the chocolate sing! If you're feeling adventurous, a little splash of coffee liqueur in the brownie batter is amazing.

You can also try using different flavored Oreos, like golden or mint, for a twist on the cookies and cream ice cream cake .

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

9 inch springform pan : This is crucial! Trust me on this.
Parchment paper: to line the pan.
Mixing bowls: Various sizes are handy.
Electric mixer: Stand or hand, whatever you have.
Rubber spatula: for folding and scraping.
Offset spatula: (Optional) Smoother the ganache.
Food processor: (Optional) Crushing Oreos.

Alright, let's dive into making this epic ice cream cake recipe ! Seriously, forget boring desserts, we're levelling up. This oreo ice cream cake is easier than it looks, trust me.

I always thought homemade ice cream cake was some mystical baking sorcery, but honestly, it's just a few steps done right.

Get Your Prep On: The Mise en Place

First things first: the dreaded prep. Essential mise en place , as the posh chefs say! Get everything measured out.

It saves a ton of time. Melt your butter for the brownie. Soften your ice cream slightly. Crush those Oreos.

You'll thank me later. I use a food processor, but a ziplock bag and a rolling pin work just fine.

Quick Tips for Speed and Sanity

Honestly, read through the whole recipe once. Then, visualise the steps. Have all your equipment ready. This will stop you from panicking mid-bake.

Time saving organization tips are your friend here. Also, watch those fingers when crushing Oreos! Safety reminders (if applicable) are real, especially when chocolate is involved.

Let's Get Baking: The step-by-step

The Ultimate Cookies Cream Ice Cream Cake presentation

Brownie Time: Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Bake brownie for 30- 35 minutes . Line your springform pan with parchment.
Oreo Crunch: Mix crushed Oreos with melted butter. Press firmly onto the brownie. Freeze for 30 minutes .
Ice Cream Magic: Gently fold slightly softened ice cream and crushed Oreos. Spread over the crumb layer. Freeze for at least 2 hours .
Ganache Goals: Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth!
Assemble!: Release cake from the pan. Pour slightly cooled ganache over the top. Freeze again for 2+ hours .
Serve like a Pro: Let it sit at room temperature for 5- 10 minutes before slicing.

Level Up Your Ice Cream Cake Game

Pro Tip number one: Don't overbake that brownie! A fudgy brownie is a happy brownie. Soften, don't melt, the ice cream.

It needs to be spreadable, not a milkshake. To avoid common mistakes, ensure you freeze between layers. This makes slicing easier.

You can actually make the brownie base a day ahead! It's a great make-ahead option, and I've definitely done that when I'm short on time.

For perfect slices, dip a knife in hot water before each cut. It makes a huge difference, I swear. You end up with a beautiful cookies and cream dessert .

So there you have it. A guaranteed crowd pleaser that's way better than anything you can buy. Now go forth and make some birthday ice cream cake magic! Looking for more ice cream cake ideas ? Experiment with different flavours and toppings.

And hey, if you're looking for " ice cream cake near me ," maybe just make this one instead!

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake

This isn't just any ice cream cake recipe ; it's a labour of love! Honestly, the steps are pretty simple.

The main thing is patience while things freeze. Let's dive into a few extra pointers to make yours a masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Presentation is key, you know? Think about slicing a generous wedge. Then, lay it on a chilled plate. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries.

You could also drizzle with caramel sauce. For a real treat, pair it with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of espresso ice cream.

Think sophisticated ice cream cake ideas ! The slight bitterness is the perfect counterpoint.

Storage Tips: Keep it Cool

To keep that oreo ice cream cake in tip-top shape, get it in the freezer ASAP. For leftovers, wrap them tightly in cling film.

Then, pop them in an airtight container. This will protect the frozen dessert recipe from freezer burn. It'll last for up to a week, but let's be real, it won't last that long.

Don't even think about keeping it in the fridge! It'll melt into a soupy mess. Reheating? Nope, this one is best straight from the freezer.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want to mix things up? Easy peasy! How about a peanut butter cup ice cream cake ? Just swap the cookies & cream ice cream for peanut butter flavour.

Chop some peanut butter cups instead of Oreos. Got someone who's avoiding dairy? Use vegan ice cream and a vegan brownie ice cream cake recipe.

Make sure your chocolate ganache recipe is vegan too. gluten-free folks can use a gluten-free brownie and gluten-free Oreos. The beauty of a homemade ice cream cake is that you can customise it, and if you don't have Oreos, chocolate sandwich cookies will also work.

Nutrition Basics: A Treat, Not a Meal (Duh!)

Okay, let's be honest. This easy ice cream cake is a treat. So, don't expect it to be a health food.

Each serving is around 450-550 calories. There are about 5-7g of protein, 25-30g of fat, and 50-60g of carbs, with 40-45g of sugar.

The good news is? It's totally worth it!

Right, what are you waiting for? Get baking that birthday ice cream cake ! Honestly, if I can do it, you can too.

Don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun!

Delicious Oreo Ice Cream Cake The Easiest Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My ice cream is melting too fast. What am I doing wrong?

Melting ice cream is a common woe! First, make sure your ice cream isn't too soft when you're mixing it with the Oreos. You want it spreadable, not soup like. Secondly, and this is key, freeze each layer of your ice cream cake thoroughly. Patience is a virtue here, especially when dealing with something this delicious.

Can I make this ice cream cake ahead of time? Like, a few days before a party?

Absolutely! This ice cream cake is actually a great make-ahead dessert. Once fully assembled and the ganache is firm, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will happily sit in the freezer for up to a week. Just let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to make things easier.

I don't have a springform pan. Can I still make this cookies and cream ice cream cake?

You can! While a springform pan makes releasing the cake much easier, you can use a regular cake pan. Line the pan with plenty of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Once the cake is frozen solid, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire cake out of the pan.

You might need to run a warm knife around the edges first. If it doesn't come out, dip the bottom of the pan in warm water for 30-60 seconds to loosen it up.

What variations can I make to this ice cream cake? I'm not a huge fan of Oreos.

Get creative! You can swap the cookies & cream ice cream for any flavour you like. Try peanut butter ice cream with chopped peanut butter cups, or strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberries mixed in. For the brownie base, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

This recipe is really a blank canvas for your ice cream dreams!

How do I stop the brownie from getting soggy in my ice cream cake?

Sogginess is the enemy! Make sure your brownie base is completely cooled before adding the Oreo crumb and ice cream layer. The Oreo crumb layer acts as a barrier. Freezing the brownie base and Oreo crumb before adding the ice cream also helps prevent it seeping into the brownie, similar to tanking an invasion like that time the Normans invaded England in 1066.

Is this ice cream cake healthy? Can I make it healthier?

Let's be honest, this ice cream cake is a treat! It's definitely not a health food, but everything in moderation, right? To make it healthier, you could use a low-sugar brownie recipe, use lighter ice cream, or swap the ganache for a drizzle of Greek yogurt mixed with cocoa powder and honey. Every little helps!