A Christmas Ice-Cream Cake is a festive, no-bake dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. Featuring layers of creamy ice cream, holiday flavors, and delicious toppings, this treat is perfect for celebrating the season. Customizable with your favorite flavors and decorations, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and keep things cool with this effortless dessert.
- Customizable Layers: Mix and match your favorite ice cream flavors and festive add-ins.
- Beautiful Presentation: Decorate with holiday-themed toppings for a stunning centerpiece.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance to reduce holiday stress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ice cream (2-3 flavors of your choice; vanilla, chocolate, peppermint, or eggnog work well)
- Crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos, gingersnaps, or graham crackers)
- Hot fudge or caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips (for decoration)
- Optional: Nuts, dried fruit, or festive candies
Directions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a springform pan or loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to easily lift the cake out later.
- Create the Cookie Base: Press a layer of crushed cookies into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce if desired.
- Layer the Ice Cream:
- Soften the first flavor of ice cream slightly, then spread it evenly over the cookie crust.
- Add a layer of crushed candy, nuts, or sprinkles for extra texture and flavor.
- Repeat with the remaining ice cream flavors, layering with additional add-ins as desired.
- Freeze: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
- Decorate: Remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Spread whipped cream over the top and sides. Decorate with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or festive toppings.
- Serve: Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 10-12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing Time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Peppermint Delight: Use peppermint ice cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate sauce for a refreshing holiday twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Layer chocolate ice cream with brownie pieces, hot fudge, and chocolate chips.
- Fruit-Filled: Add layers of sorbet or mix in dried cranberries and chopped nuts for a fruity flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts and focus on sprinkles, cookies, and candies for decoration.
- Mini Cakes: Make individual portions using silicone cupcake molds or ramekins.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Not applicable; serve directly from the freezer.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ice cream cake as a base?
Yes, you can add your own layers and decorations to a store-bought ice cream cake for a semi-homemade version.
How do I soften ice cream for layering?
Leave the ice cream at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals (10 seconds) until spreadable.
Can I make this without a springform pan?
Yes, use a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap for easy removal, or layer in a trifle dish for a no-lift option.
What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a knife dipped in warm water, wiping it clean between slices for neat portions.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free ice cream and whipped coconut cream for a lactose-free version.
How do I prevent the layers from melting while assembling?
Work quickly and freeze the cake between layers for 10-15 minutes to keep everything firm.
Can I use homemade ice cream?
Absolutely! Homemade ice cream adds a personal touch and allows for unique flavor combinations.
What toppings work best?
Crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, chocolate curls, and festive candies all work beautifully.
How long can I store the cake?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the cake within a week of making it.
Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
Yes, a splash of liqueur like Bailey’s or Kahlua in the ice cream layers adds a grown-up twist.
Conclusion
Christmas Ice-Cream Cake is a festive and versatile dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its customizable layers, beautiful decorations, and no-bake ease, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Make it ahead and enjoy a stress-free, showstopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Christmas Ice-Cream Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Ice Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for the holiday season. Layers of creamy ice cream, festive red and green toppings, and a crunchy cookie crust make this no-bake treat both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Ice Cream Layers:
- 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 1/2 quarts chocolate or peppermint ice cream, softened
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
- Optional: holiday-themed candies (e.g., chocolate trees, stars, or snowflakes)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the crushed cookies and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a similar-sized dish. Freeze for 10–15 minutes to set.
Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the softened chocolate or peppermint ice cream evenly over the crust. Freeze for 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Add the softened vanilla ice cream on top of the chocolate layer and spread evenly. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the entire cake is firm.
Decorate the Cake:
- Remove the ice cream cake from the freezer. Spread whipped topping or whipped cream evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, red and green sprinkles, and holiday-themed candies.
Serve:
- Return to the freezer until ready to serve. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Swap the chocolate ice cream for mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or pistachio for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cake up to 3 days in advance. Decorate on the day of serving for the freshest look.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 1 week.