Learn How To Make Homemade Ice Cream Cakes

Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Cherie

Experience the joy of learning to make homemade ice cream cake with our easy-to-follow guide. Get ready to indulge in creamy delights straight from your kitchen

Ice cream cakes are yet another way to enjoy ice cream. They’re a delicious way to enjoy frozen treats that combine the best of both worlds: ice cream and cake. They’re perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and celebrations to casual gatherings with friends and family and by making them yourself, you can garnish them in many different ways.

What sets ice cream cakes apart is their deliciously creamy texture, decadent flavours, and endless possibilities for customisation. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations like chocolate and vanilla or prefer to get creative with unique flavour combinations and toppings, there’s an ice cream cake out there for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explain the concept of Ice Cream Cakes and show you how you can learn to make Homemade Ice Cream Cakes with our step-by-step guide.

If you’d like to go straight to the recipes we’ve shared, please click on the following links;

Jump to Homemade Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Jump to Homemade Ice Cream Cake Pops

Layers of Deliciousness

Ice cream cakes typically consist of layers of ice cream sandwiched between layers of cake or cookie crumbs. The possibilities for flavour combinations are endless, ranging from traditional favourites like chocolate and strawberry to more adventurous options like mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream.

Some ice cream cakes also feature layers of fudge, caramel, or fruit compote for added richness and flavour. They can be decorated with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, sprinkles, and other toppings to create a visually stunning dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Bringing Your Ice Cream Cake Together

Creating an ice cream cake is a fun and exciting process that involves preparing and layering different elements to achieve a deliciously textural and indulgent dessert.

Firstly, you’ll need to decide on the flavours and textures you want to incorporate into your cake, from the cake layers to the ice cream filling and any additional toppings or decorations.

It’s a good idea to prepare each element separately, allowing them to chill and set adequately before assembling the final cake. This ensures that each layer maintains its integrity and doesn’t become too soft or runny during assembly.

Once all the components are ready, you’ll carefully layer them together, alternating between cake and ice cream layers, to create a beautiful and delicious dessert masterpiece.

Finally, the assembled cake will need to be frozen again to firm up before serving, allowing all the flavours to meld together perfectly. With a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll soon have a stunning ice cream cake ready to wow your family and friends.

So now we’ve explained the process, let’s get started!

Homemade Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Here’s a recipe and method for creating a classic ice cream cake, taking you through all the processes;

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• 250g self-raising flour
• 250g caster sugar
• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 4 medium eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ice Cream Layers:

• 1.5 litres of your favourite ice cream flavours – Click on each link to find easy-to-make recipes for Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Creams or head on over to our Recipes and Methods drop-down menu above to find a large selection of ice cream recipes that you might like to try.
• Optional: additional mix-ins such as chocolate chips, fruit pieces, or cookie crumbles

For the Topping:

• 200ml double cream
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• Sprinkles, chopped nuts
• Biscuits / Cookies of your choice or other decorations you might decide to try

Method:

• Prepare the Cake Layers:
  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  • Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  • Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold until well combined.
  • Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake tins and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Assemble the Ice Cream Layers:
  • Once the cake layers have cooled, line the same cake tins with cling film, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
  • Soften the ice cream slightly by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
  • Spoon one flavour of softened ice cream into each cake tin, spreading it evenly over the base.
  • If desired, sprinkle additional mix-ins (such as chocolate chips or fruit pieces) over the ice cream layer.
  • Place the cake tins in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the ice cream is firm.

• Assemble the Ice Cream Cake:
  • Once the ice cream layers are firm, remove them from the freezer.
  • Carefully lift the cake layers out of their tins using the overhanging cling film.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  • Remove the cling film from the corresponding ice cream layer and place it on top of the cake layer.
  • Repeat with the second cake and ice cream layers, stacking them on top of each other.
  • Return the assembled ice cream cake to the freezer and let it firm up for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely frozen.

• Prepare the Topping:
  • Just before serving, make the chocolate ganache topping. Heat the double cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
  • Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over it.
  • Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
• Finish and Serve:
  • Remove the ice cream cake from the freezer and carefully remove any cling film.
  • Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  • Decorate the cake with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or any other decorations of your choice.
  • Return the cake to the freezer for a few minutes to set the ganache.
  • Slice and serve the ice cream cake straight from the freezer, enjoying the creamy layers and delicious flavours!

Enjoy your homemade ice cream cake, perfect for any occasion or celebration! Let me know if you need any further assistance or clarification.

Homemade Ice Cream Cake Pops

If you want to add a bit of fun to your Homemade Ice Cream Cake, you can try out these Ice Cream Cake Pops.

Fun, bite-sized Ice Cream Cake Pops. Perfect for kid’s parties or perfect for just about any occasion!

Simple to make and always great fun to involve the little ones with making and eating these too.

Follow our step-by-step guide as shown below;

Ingredients:

• 1 batch of your favourite cake
• Scoops of your favourite ice cream, slightly softened
• 340 grams of chocolate candy coating or melting wafers
• Lollipop sticks or cake pop sticks
• Sprinkles or toppings of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Once your cake is cooked and cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cake crumbs with the softened ice cream until well combined.
3. Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment.
4. Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball and freeze them for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Melt the chocolate candy coating or melting wafers according to the packet instructions.
6. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess, and place them back on the baking parchment.
7. Immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings, if using, before the chocolate sets.
8. Once all cake pops are coated, return them to the freezer to set completely for about 15-20 minutes.
9. Serve the ice cream cake pops chilled and enjoy!

Feel free to get creative with different cake and ice cream flavours, as well as various toppings, to customise your ice cream cake pops to your liking.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article taking you through the process of learning to make homemade ice cream cakes and ice cream cake pops. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop us a comment below and of course, we would love to hear from you if you have any ice cream cake favourites.