Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
A Family Favorite
I can’t quite recall the first time I made this ice cream sandwich cake, but I do know it quickly became a family favorite. Over the years, this DIY ice cream cake has found its way into many of our celebrations, especially for my daughter Haley’s birthdays. It’s one of those recipes that everyone loves, not just because it’s delicious, but also because it’s incredibly easy to make.
No Baking Required
One of the best things about this cake is that it requires no baking at all. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. The layers are made with store-bought ice cream sandwiches, making the assembly straightforward and hassle-free. The hardest part is unwrapping the ice cream sandwiches!
Perfect for Any Occasion
While this easy ice cream sandwich cake is a staple for our birthday celebrations, it’s also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family get-together, or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake fits the bill. It’s easy to transport, so you can take it to potlucks or picnics, and it’s sure to be a hit wherever you go.
Ingredients for Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
- 12 ice cream sandwiches
- ½ cup hot fudge topping
- 1 pkg (3.9oz) Instant chocolate pudding mix
- 8 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 5 Oreo cookies, crumbled
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping
- For serving
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
A printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page.
Tips for Assembling the Cake
Since you’re working with ice cream, it’s important to be mindful of time. Ice cream sandwiches can melt quickly, making them harder to work with. I’ve found that it’s best to start out with ice cream sandwiches that have been in the freezer for at least 4 hours. I open all 12 sandwiches and then put them back in the fridge or freezer until I’m ready to use them, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This little trick helps keep the sandwiches firm and easy to handle.
The Fudgy Cake Layer
The cake layer in this dessert is a luscious blend of hot fudge, whipped topping, crushed Oreos, and instant pudding mix. I used my rotary grater to easily grind up the cookies and my kitchen scale to measure the hot fudge (instead of trying to eyeball it in the measuring cup).
This mixture creates a fudgy, chewy layer that isn’t completely frozen, adding a delightful contrast to the ice cream sandwiches. When you take a bite, you get the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures.
Customizing Your Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
One of the joys of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can really make it your own by experimenting with different flavors of ice cream sandwiches and various toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic Delight: Stick with traditional vanilla ice cream sandwiches and top the cake with a mix of crushed Oreos and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can never go wrong with this classic combination.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Use chocolate ice cream sandwiches for the layers. Top with chocolate chips, a generous drizzle of hot fudge, and a sprinkling of cocoa powder. This is sure to satisfy any chocoholic’s cravings.
- Caramel and Snickers Extravaganza: Add a twist by using caramel ice cream sandwiches if you can find them. Top with crushed Snickers bars and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The caramel and Snickers add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Perfection: Go for peanut butter ice cream sandwiches and top with chopped peanut butter cups, a drizzle of peanut butter topping, and some chocolate sauce. This combination gives you all the deliciousness of a Reese’s candy.
- Minty Fresh: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches and top with crushed peppermint candies and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This is a refreshing option that’s perfect for summer.
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Making Memories with Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
One of my favorite aspects of this Oreo ice cream sandwich cake is the memories it creates. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a part of our family traditions. Haley has requested it for several of her birthday celebrations, and each time I make it, it brings back fond memories of past parties and gatherings. There’s something truly special about having a go-to dessert that everyone loves and looks forward to.
Since this cake recipe only serves about 12, I have doubled the recipe for large parties. If you go this route I suggest planning out your layers while the sandwiches are still wrapped. Since platter sizes vary it may make more sense to add an additional layer vs simply making the cake wider.
This cake is also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. It’s simple enough for them to help with the assembly, and they can have fun choosing their favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach them a bit about cooking and following a recipe.
Cutting and Storing
When it’s time to serve your ice cream sandwich cake I recommend using a sharp knife. Fill a large cup with hot water and allow the knife to sit in the cup of water while you gather your cake, plates, forks, etc. Slicing an ice cream cake is much easier when you have a sharp and hot knife. Plus, you’ll be able to see each layer which makes the cake look irresistible. Even when I expect to have leftovers I like to slice the entire cake while I have my knife and hot water available. Someone always wants seconds. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in the freezer wrapped in foil or in a sealed container. Since they are already sliced it is easy to grab a piece when you’re ready for more.
The Best Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Oreo ice cream sandwich cake is more than just a DIY dessert; it’s a beloved part of our family’s celebrations. Its simplicity, combined with the endless possibilities for customization, makes it a versatile and delightful treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone who tries it. So, go ahead and give it a try – I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household, just like it has in ours.
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Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Ingredients
- 12 ice cream sandwiches
- ½ cup hot fudge topping
- 1 3.9 oz Instant chocolate pudding mix
- 8 Oreo cookies crushed
- 5 Oreo cookies crumbled
- 1 8 oz tub whipped topping
- Chocolate syrup optional
Instructions
- Warm hot fudge
- In a big bowl, combine hot fudge, pudding mix, crushed Oreos, and 1 cup of the whipped topping.
- Unwrap the ice cream sandwiches
- *You’ll need to work fast but also you can place them back in the fridge or freezer until you need them.
- On your platter, layer 4 ice cream sandwiches, half of the chocolate filling, 4 sandwiches, the remaining portion of the filling, topped with the last 4 sandwiches.
- Freeze for 20 minutes
- Cover the cake with the remaining whipped topping
- Top with crumbled Oreos
- Freeze for 20 minutes then cover with foil and freeze at least 4 hours
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce if desired
I am making this, as it is the best ice cream sandwich recipe I have seen. But, first I need to get kind of idea of what kind of pan you make this in. I thought I could figure it out by looking at the picture, but the 4 sandwich base is messing me up. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Danni, I linked the platter I used under the picture where I’m building the cake. I got it on Amazon and it worked perfectly but you can use any dish that is big enough. I’ve even used a sheet pan covered with foil.