Imagine combining two of your favorite treats—cookie dough and ice cream—into one irresistible dessert. This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a cool, creamy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or just any time you’re craving something extra special. Layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream are sandwiched between an easy homemade edible chocolate chip cookie dough and a crunchy Oreo crust, making this cake a showstopper! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this decadent ice cream cake.
What is a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake?
A Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake combines the rich flavors of ice cream with everyone’s favorite cookie dough. It’s built on a base of a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, layered with edible chocolate chip cookie dough and creamy ice cream. It’s then topped with more cookie dough chunks, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. This no-bake dessert is frozen, making it perfect for warm days and for those who love cold, creamy treats with a cookie dough twist!
Ingredients List for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
For the Oreo Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies (crushed into crumbs)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated (see note below)
- 2-3 tablespoon milk (as needed)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream Layers:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 pint chocolate ice cream, softened
For the Topping:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate sauce or fudge sauce for drizzling
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Cookie dough balls (optional, for extra garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
- Ice Cream Flavor Options:
You can mix and match any ice cream flavors you like! Swap the vanilla or chocolate for cookie dough ice cream, mint chocolate chip, or even peanut butter ice cream for a different flavor twist. - Dairy-Free Version:
Use dairy-free ice cream (such as coconut or almond-based ice cream) and substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan or dairy-free version. - Add Toppings:
Enhance the cake by adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or even Oreo pieces on top of the cake for extra flavor and texture. - Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free Oreos and gluten-free flour for the cookie dough to make this cake gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust
- Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a 9x13-inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it down tightly.
- Freeze the crust for about 20-30 minutes while you prepare the cookie dough and ice cream layers.
Step 2: Make the Edible Cookie Dough
- To make the cookie dough safe to eat, heat-treat the flour: Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool before using.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and gradually add the heat-treated flour, stirring until combined. Add milk as needed, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a cookie dough consistency.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and set the dough aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake
- Remove the Oreo crust from the freezer.
- Spread half of the edible cookie dough evenly over the Oreo crust, pressing it down gently.
- Spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the cookie dough layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Freeze the cake for 20-30 minutes to allow the vanilla ice cream to firm up.
- Once the vanilla layer is firm, spread the softened chocolate ice cream on top, smoothing it out.
- Top the chocolate ice cream layer with the remaining cookie dough, breaking it into chunks and scattering it across the surface.
- Freeze the entire cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Once the cake is fully frozen, remove it from the freezer and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.
- Before serving, drizzle chocolate sauce or fudge sauce over the top, and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
- Optionally, add whipped cream and extra cookie dough balls or Oreo crumbs for decoration.
- Slice and serve immediately, and enjoy!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is all about layering flavors and textures. First, you start with a crunchy Oreo crust as the base, followed by layers of edible cookie dough and softened ice cream. After freezing the cake until firm, you top it with more cookie dough, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that signature cookie dough flavor. This no-bake dessert is as easy as it is delicious, making it perfect for any special occasion or summer treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Freezing Between Layers:
Be sure to freeze the cake between ice cream layers to prevent the layers from mixing together. This gives the cake a more structured look and makes it easier to slice. - Overmixing the Ice Cream:
Don’t let the ice cream get too soft—just soften it enough to spread easily. Overmixing or melting the ice cream can cause it to become icy when refrozen. - Skipping Heat-Treating the Flour:
Make sure to heat-treat the flour for the cookie dough to eliminate any potential bacteria. This step ensures the cookie dough is safe to eat raw.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
This cake is best served right from the freezer, with each slice showcasing layers of cookie dough, ice cream, and the crunchy Oreo base. Serve with extra chocolate sauce drizzled over the top or alongside a scoop of whipped cream. It’s a perfect cool dessert for hot summer days or a special occasion.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
- Top with Cookie Dough Balls: Roll small cookie dough balls and place them on top of the cake for decoration.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Use a piping bag or spoon to drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern across the top of the cake.
- Add Fresh Fruit: For a contrast in flavors, add a few fresh strawberries or raspberries on top for a pop of color and tartness.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe Tips
- Plan Ahead:
This ice cream cake needs at least 4 hours to firm up in the freezer, but overnight is even better. Plan accordingly to ensure the cake has time to set before serving. - Use a Springform Pan for Easy Release:
A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan without damaging the layers. Just release the sides and carefully remove the pan. - Chill Your Utensils:
To prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly while assembling, chill your mixing bowl and spatula before spreading the ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This ice cream cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the freezer. Just wait to add the final toppings (whipped cream, chocolate sauce) until right before serving. - How do I store leftover ice cream cake?
Cover any leftover ice cream cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to a week. - Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
While homemade edible cookie dough adds a special touch, you can certainly use store-bought edible cookie dough to save time. - What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular 9x13-inch baking dish instead of a springform pan. Just make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal, or serve it directly from the pan.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate indulgence for ice cream and cookie dough lovers alike. With layers of crunchy Oreo crust, creamy ice cream, and rich, edible cookie dough, it’s the perfect summer dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself, this ice cream cake is easy to assemble and delicious to enjoy. Give it a try and savor every sweet,
creamy bite!
PrintChocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake recipe is the ultimate frozen dessert, perfect for summer parties or any special occasion. With layers of cookie crust, creamy vanilla ice cream filled with edible chocolate chip cookie dough, and a rich fudge topping, this cake is a cool and delicious treat for cookie dough lovers. It’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to impress everyone!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Crust:
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Edible Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- For the Fudge Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust:
- In a food processor, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
- Make the Edible Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, then gradually stir in the heat-treated flour.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Set aside.
- Assemble the Ice Cream Cake:
- In a large bowl, mix the softened vanilla ice cream with ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
- Take small pieces of the edible cookie dough and gently fold them into the ice cream mixture.
- Pour the ice cream mixture over the frozen cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Make the Fudge Topping:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl.
- Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before using.
- Add the Fudge Topping:
- Once the cake is frozen, pour the fudge topping over the top and spread it evenly.
- Freeze for another 30 minutes to allow the topping to set.
- Serve:
- Remove the cake from the springform pan and slice. Serve with whipped cream and extra cookie dough balls if desired!
Notes
- To make the flour safe for eating, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes and let it cool completely.
- For easier slicing, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
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