Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe: A Perfect No-Bake Dessert for All Occasions

Introduction

When it comes to desserts that bring smiles to every face at the table, few things rival the sweet and decadent indulgence of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake. A rich combination of cookie dough, ice cream, and a cookie crust, this cake is the ideal no-bake dessert for any special occasion or casual treat. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving something indulgent, this dessert ticks all the boxes with its mix of creamy, chewy, and crunchy textures. And the best part? It’s effortless to prepare!

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake combines the best parts of two classic desserts: ice cream cake and cookie dough. The soft, chewy cookie dough layer paired with vanilla ice cream and a rich chocolate cookie crust is a match made in heaven. The recipe below will walk you through step-by-step instructions to create this deliciously indulgent treat.

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What is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake?

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert made from simple ingredients, yet it provides an extraordinary flavor profile. The base of the cake consists of a chocolate sandwich cookie crust, followed by a cookie dough layer that is completely edible (no need to worry about raw eggs!). On top of that, there’s a generous layer of softened vanilla ice cream, all crowned with whipped cream topping and sprinkled with extra chocolate chips for decoration. This dessert is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of cookie dough and ice cream.

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Origin of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

While the exact origin of this particular ice cream cake recipe is unknown, the combination of cookie dough and ice cream has been a popular pairing for many years. Chocolate chip cookie dough became widely loved when Ben & Jerry’s introduced their famous cookie dough ice cream in the early 1990s. This flavor quickly became a crowd favorite, leading to variations that include cookie dough bites, cakes, and even ice cream sandwiches. The idea of turning this beloved ice cream flavor into a cake, especially one that doesn’t require baking, seemed like a natural evolution for dessert lovers around the world.

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Ingredients with Quantities for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Before diving into the preparation process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (preferably heat-treated for safety)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips

Ice Cream Layer:

• 1.5 quarts (approx. 1.4 liters) vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra texture)

Crust:

• 2 cups (200g) chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), crushed
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

And lastly for the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra mini chocolate chips or chocolate drizzle for garnish

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Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

 1: Prepare the Crust

The crust is the foundation of this cake, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy layers above.

1. Crush the cookies: Use a food processor or place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form fine crumbs.
2. Mix with butter: Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter in a bowl and stir until the crumbs are well-coated.
3. Form the crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a regular cake pan. Ensure it’s compacted firmly to form an even layer.
4. Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer to set while you prepare the cookie dough layer.

 2: Make the Cookie Dough Layer

Now, we move on to making the edible cookie dough layer, which is the star of the show!

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until fully combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until the dough forms.
4. Mix in chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips to complete the cookie dough mixture.
5. Spread over crust: Evenly spread the cookie dough over the chilled crust, gently pressing it to form an even layer.
6. Freeze: Return the pan to the freezer for about 15 minutes to allow the cookie dough layer to firm up.

 3: Add the Ice Cream Layer

This is the cold, creamy layer that really makes the cake special.

1. Soften the ice cream: Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Add chocolate chips (optional): If you prefer extra chocolatey flavor, fold in mini chocolate chips into the softened ice cream.
3. Spread ice cream: Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the cookie dough layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Freeze again: Place the cake back in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream layer is completely firm.

 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

No dessert is complete without a rich, fluffy topping.

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the frozen ice cream layer, covering it completely.

 5: Garnish and Serve

Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches.

1. Decorate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flair.
2. Freeze: Freeze the cake for another 30 minutes to set the whipped cream topping.
3. Serve: When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Slice and enjoy!

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Variations of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

While the classic version of this dessert is already irresistible, there are several fun variations you can try to mix things up:

1. Flavor Variations for the Ice Cream Layer:
   • Swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate, cookie dough, or caramel ice cream for a twist on the classic.
   • Mix in chopped cookies or even caramel swirls for added flavor depth.
2. Add Extra Layers:
   • You can add a layer of crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
   • Layer in chocolate fudge or caramel sauce between the cookie dough and ice cream layers for a richer flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Substitute the regular cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookies to make the cake gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
4. Dairy-Free:
   • Use dairy-free butter and plant-based ice cream to create a dairy-free version of this decadent dessert.

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FAQs About Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, if you’re looking for a quicker option, store-bought cookie dough works perfectly fine for the cookie dough layer. Just make sure to heat-treat the flour if you’re concerned about raw flour.

2. How do I make sure the cake holds its shape when slicing?

Allow the cake to freeze completely (at least 4 hours) before slicing. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to slice through.

3. Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! This cake can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

4. What other toppings can I add?

In addition to mini chocolate chips, you can top the cake with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel or fudge sauce for extra sweetness.

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Conclusion: Enjoying Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a showstopper dessert that combines two beloved treats into one indulgent creation. Whether you’re a fan of chewy cookie dough, creamy ice cream, or crunchy chocolate cookies, this cake delivers all the textures and flavors you crave in one bite. Perfect for any celebration, this easy-to-make no-bake dessert will have your friends and family coming back for seconds.

Now that you know how to create this mouthwatering dessert, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a slice of heaven. Enjoy!

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