Description
Have you ever wanted to serve a dessert that looks like it took hours to make but is actually a breeze to put together? Say hello to Ice Cream Cake—a creamy, crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews! This no-bake delight is packed with ice cream, nuts, cookies, and candy, all topped with dreamy sauces.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 8-10 using an 8-inch springform pan. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 ½ pints (about 5 cups) ice cream, any flavor (the creamy foundation).
- ¾ cup honey-roasted peanuts (adds nutty crunch).
- 1 cup plus ¼ cup swirled milk chocolate and peanut butter morsels or chocolate chips (rich, sweet bursts).
- 2 ounces Crunchie bar, broken into shards and dust (or Nestle Crunch, for honeycomb crunch).
- 150g (1 ½ cups) Bourbon biscuits, broken into crumbs and rubble (or chocolate cookie crumbs, for deep flavor).
- For Serving:
- Butterscotch sauce (warm, sweet drizzle).
- Chocolate sauce (or chocolate peanut butter sauce, for extra decadence).
- Equipment:
- Clingfilm/clingwrap (for lining the pan).
- 8-inch springform pan (for easy unmolding).
Why These Ingredients Matter
The ice cream is the star, holding together a mix of textures and flavors. Honey-roasted peanuts and Crunchie bar shards add crunch, while chocolate-peanut butter morsels bring sweetness. Bourbon biscuit crumbs give a rich, chocolatey depth. The warm sauces elevate each slice, making it feel like a restaurant dessert. As the creator says, the sauces are the “crowning glory”!
Substitutions and Variations
- Ice Cream: Use vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or any flavor you love. Dairy-free or low-fat ice cream works, too.
- Peanuts: Swap for almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Omit for nut-free or use crushed pretzels for crunch.
- Chocolate Morsels: Use regular chocolate chips, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips.
- Crunchie Bar: Replace with honeycomb, Heath bar, or Skor bar shards. Crushed meringue adds a lighter crunch.
- Bourbon Biscuits: Use Oreos, chocolate wafers, or graham crackers for the crumbs.
- Sauces: Skip one sauce for simplicity or use caramel, hot fudge, or strawberry sauce.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free ice cream, vegan chocolate chips, and plant-based cookies. Swap sauces for vegan versions.
Instructions
Step 1: Soften the Ice Cream
- Let 2 ½ pints ice cream soften in the fridge for 20-30 minutes or at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until it’s soft but not melted.
Tip: Stir gently to check consistency. It should be spreadable but not liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8-inch springform pan with clingfilm/clingwrap, covering the bottom and sides with some overhang at the top for easy removal.
Tip: Smooth the clingfilm to avoid wrinkles in the cake. A springform pan makes unmolding a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Ice Cream Base
- Place the softened ice cream in a large bowl.
- Add ¾ cup honey-roasted peanuts, 1 cup chocolate-peanut butter morsels, 2 ounces Crunchie bar shards, and 100g (1 cup) Bourbon biscuit crumbs.
- Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is evenly mixed.
Tip: Fold carefully to keep the mix-ins distributed without overmixing the ice cream.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Scrape the ice cream mixture into the lined springform pan.
- Spread it evenly, flattening the top like a cake with a spatula.
- Cover the top with clingfilm/clingwrap.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm.
Tip: Press gently to remove air pockets for a smooth, even cake.
Step 5: Unmold and Decorate
- Remove the cake from the freezer and unmold by lifting it out of the springform pan.
- Gently pull away the clingfilm and place the cake on a plate or cake stand.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate-peanut butter morsels and 50g (½ cup) Bourbon biscuit crumbs.
Tip: Work quickly to keep the cake frozen. If it softens, pop it back in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve with Sauces
- Slice the cake into 8-10 wedges using a sharp knife (dip in hot water for clean cuts).
- Drizzle each slice with warm butterscotch and chocolate sauces, letting them “dribble lacily” over the cake.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Warm the sauces gently in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or on the stove for easy drizzling.