Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe

If you're a fan of chocolate chip cookie dough and ice cream, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! Combining layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy ice cream, and indulgent edible cookie dough, this cake is the ultimate summer treat—or any time you need a cool, decadent dessert. It’s perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or just satisfying those cookie dough cravings. Keep reading to learn how to make this indulgent, no-bake ice cream cake and impress everyone with your dessert-making skills!

What is a “Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake”?

A Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a layered cake made with creamy vanilla ice cream packed with chunks of edible cookie dough, a rich chocolate cake base (or cookie crust), and additional cookie dough mixed in for extra indulgence. Instead of traditional frosting, the cake is topped with a whipped cream layer or a chocolate ganache drizzle. This ice cream cake gives you the best of both worlds: the creamy, cold texture of ice cream and the nostalgic, chewy bites of cookie dough—all in one mouthwatering slice.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

This cake is made up of three key elements: the cookie dough, the ice cream layer, and the base (which can either be cake or a cookie crust). Gather these ingredients to create your own heavenly dessert:

For the Edible Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Ice Cream Layer:

• 1 ½ quarts vanilla ice cream (or cookie dough-flavored ice cream)
• 1 cup edible cookie dough chunks (from the recipe above)

For the Cake or Crust Base:

• Option 1: Chocolate Cake Base
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Option 2: Cookie Crust Base
  • 2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
  • ½ cup melted butter

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Extra mini chocolate chips
• Chocolate ganache drizzle (½ cup heavy cream + 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Substitutions and Variations

Customize your ice cream cake to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences with these simple substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour in the cookie dough with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free cookies for the crust.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, dairy-free ice cream, and plant-based milk to make the cookie dough. Substitute the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
• Ice Cream Flavor Variations: While vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, you can use chocolate, cookie dough, or even cookies and cream ice cream for a fun twist.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in crushed Oreos, peanut butter chips, or chocolate chunks into the ice cream layer or sprinkle on top of the cake.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Edible Cookie Dough

1. Heat-treat the flour: Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria. Let the flour cool completely.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla and milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
4. Mix in flour and chocolate chips: Gradually add the heat-treated flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Chill the cookie dough: Scoop out small cookie dough balls (or chunks) and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Layer

1. Soften the ice cream: Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until softened but not melted.
2. Mix in the cookie dough: Stir the chilled cookie dough chunks into the softened ice cream.
3. Freeze: Spread the cookie dough ice cream mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan. Place it in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours (or overnight if possible).

Step 3: Choose and Prepare Your Cake or Crust Base

You have two options for the base of your ice cream cake. Choose whichever option appeals to you most!

Option 1: Chocolate Cake Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine and add boiling water: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, remove the top dome (if needed) to make a flat surface.

Option 2: Cookie Crust Base

1. Crush the cookies: Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.
2. Mix with melted butter: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press into the pan: Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
4. Chill: Place the crust in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake

1. Layer the cake: If using the chocolate cake base, place the cooled cake layer at the bottom of the springform pan. If using the cookie crust base, proceed with the frozen crust as the bottom layer.
2. Add the ice cream layer: Once the base is ready, spread the prepared cookie dough ice cream layer over the cake or crust. Smooth the top.
3. Freeze: Place the assembled cake back in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Step 5: Whip the Cream and Decorate

1. Whip the cream: In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Frost the cake: Once the ice cream cake is fully set, remove it from the freezer. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
3. Decorate: Sprinkle extra cookie dough chunks and mini chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate ganache.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cake is decorated, place it back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to firm up. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Slice and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not heat-treating the flour for cookie dough: Raw flour can carry harmful bacteria, so don’t skip heat-treating the flour for safe, edible cookie dough.
2. Not letting the ice cream soften enough: Don’t let your ice cream completely melt, but allow it to soften so you can easily mix in the cookie dough.
3. Skipping the freezing steps: Make sure each layer has enough time to freeze properly. Rushing the freezing process can cause the layers to melt together.
4. Serving too soon: Let the cake sit out for a few minutes before slicing to ensure easier serving and cutting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a showstopper on its own, but with a few extra presentation touches, you can make it even more impressive.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

• Cold and Firm: Serve this cake straight from the freezer for the best texture. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
• Serve with Sauce: Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce to add extra richness.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

• Decorate with Cookie Dough Balls: Roll small balls of the edible cookie dough and scatter them around the top of the cake.
• Chocolate Ganache Drip: Drizzle melted chocolate ganache down the sides for a dramatic, elegant look.
• Extra Chips: Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe Tips

• Plan Ahead: This cake requires multiple freezing steps, so make it the day before you plan to serve it for the best results.
• Store Leftovers: Keep the cake in the freezer for up to a week. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Double the Cookie Dough: If you’re a true cookie dough fanatic, double the cookie dough recipe and use half in the ice cream layer and half as a garnish on top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought ice cream?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought ice cream works perfectly. You can even use cookie dough ice cream for extra cookie dough flavor.

Q: How long can I store the cake?
A: The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to one week. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour for the cookie dough, gluten-free cookies for the crust, and make sure the ice cream you use is gluten-free as well.

Q: Do I have to use cookie dough chunks in the ice cream?
A: While the cookie dough chunks add extra flavor, you can leave them out or substitute with chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or candy pieces if preferred.

Conclusion

There’s no better way to combine the nostalgia of cookie dough and the creaminess of ice cream than with this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake. With its rich layers of ice cream, indulgent cookie dough chunks, and customizable cake or crust base, this dessert is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just looking to treat yourself, this cake delivers a perfect mix of flavors and textures in every bite. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious creation!

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