Who doesn’t love ice cream AND cake? Put them together in one dessert, and you’ve got something magical. Ice cream sheet cake is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. It’s the kind of treat that instantly makes any occasion special—birthdays, barbecues, or even a random Tuesday.
This recipe has layers of smooth ice cream, crushed cookies, and fluffy whipped cream. The best part? You don’t need fancy skills to make it—it’s super simple, as long as you can wait for the freezing time. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (active) + 12 hours (freezing)
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Difficulty: Easy (just needs some patience!)
- What You’ll Need:
- A 9” x 13” baking dish
- Food processor (or a rolling pin + resealable bag)
- Mixing bowls and a whisk/mixer
- Spatula (offset is ideal but optional!)
This cake is perfect for making ahead—freeze it up to a week in advance. No last-minute stress? Yes, please!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: About 1½ quarts, softened slightly.
- Oreos: One standard package (around 36 cookies), crushed.
- Magic Shell: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade).
- Chocolate Ice Cream: About 1½ quarts.
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, chilled.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (granulated or powdered).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Quick Swap Ideas:
- No Oreos? Use graham crackers, Biscoff, or gluten-free cookies.
- Vegan? Opt for dairy-free ice cream and whipped coconut cream.
- Out of magic shell? Melt chocolate and mix with coconut oil!
Let’s Make This Ice Cream Cake
1. Prep the Basics
First, clear space in your freezer—this cake needs some room! If you want easy removal later, line your baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Crush Those Cookies
Throw your Oreos into a food processor and pulse until fine. No processor? Toss them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Add magic shell to the crushed cookies and mix it all up.
3. Layer #1: Vanilla Ice Cream
Take your softened vanilla ice cream and stir it until smooth and spreadable. Spread it evenly into your baking dish (use a spatula for all those corners). Freeze for about 20 minutes until it firms up.
4. Layer #2: The Cookie Crumbs
Next, sprinkle your cookie mixture over the vanilla ice cream. Make sure it’s spread evenly, and press it down lightly (don’t pack it too tight!).
5. Layer #3: Chocolate Ice Cream
Repeat the process with your softened chocolate ice cream. Spread it right over the cookie layer. Smooth it out, and pop the whole thing back in the freezer for another 20 minutes.
6. Whip Your Cream
Grab a chilled bowl and whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form—it should feel light and fluffy. Spread this dreamy whipped topping over the frozen chocolate layer.
7. Final Freeze
Cover your cake and freeze it overnight (or at least 12 hours). Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften enough for slicing.
Fun Ways to Customize
- Different Flavors:
Swap out the vanilla and chocolate ice creams for your favorites—like mint chip, strawberry, or cookies and cream. - Add-Ins:
Sprinkle chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even caramel sauce between layers. - Seasonal Twists:
Use peppermint ice cream for the holidays or top with fresh berries in the summer.
Serving & Storing Tips
How to Serve:
- Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices.
- Serve on chilled plates if it’s a hot day. Top with sprinkles, extra whipped cream, or fruit for a little flair.
Storing Leftovers:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or tuck slices in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month.
Why You’ll Make This Again (and Again)
This ice cream sheet cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, fun to make, and easy to customize for any event. Plus, every bite comes with that heavenly combo of creamy ice cream, crunchy cookies, and airy whipped cream.
The hardest part? Waiting for it to freeze! But trust me—it’s worth it.
PrintIce Cream Sheet Cake
This ice cream sheet cake is a delightful frozen dessert featuring creamy layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, a crunchy Oreo cookie center, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit your favorite flavors. With minimal prep and no baking required, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 12–16 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Cake:
- 1½ quarts (1410g) vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 standard package Oreos (about 36 cookies), crushed into crumbs
- ½ cup (120mL) magic shell (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ quarts (1410g) chocolate ice cream, softened
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup (240mL) heavy cream, chilled
- 1 tablespoon (8–13g) sugar (granulated or powdered)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Set out the vanilla ice cream at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften. Stir it in its container or transfer it to a bowl and mix until smooth. Spread the softened ice cream evenly into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, ensuring it reaches all corners. Freeze for about 20 minutes until firm.
Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with magic shell until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the frozen vanilla layer, breaking up any large clusters with your fingers. Lightly press it down for even coverage.
Soften the chocolate ice cream as you did with the vanilla. Spread it evenly over the cookie layer, smoothing out any gaps or ridges. Freeze for another 20 minutes.
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium speed until frothy, then increase to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes). Spread the whipped cream over the firm chocolate layer using a spatula.
Decorate with sprinkles if desired and freeze the entire cake for at least 12 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with sprinkles, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings for extra flair.
- Serve slices on chilled plates to prevent melting.
Tips & Tricks:
- Stir softened ice cream before spreading to ensure an even texture.
- Freeze each layer thoroughly before adding the next to maintain structure.
- Use parchment paper or plastic wrap in your dish for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the freezer for up to one month.
- Let frozen slices sit at room temperature for about five minutes before serving—no reheating needed!