Ice cream cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the best of both worlds – ice cream and cake. It is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just a sweet treat on a hot day. Making an ice cream cake at home may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious homemade ice cream cake that will impress your friends and family. Follow these steps to make your own ice cream cake from scratch!
Ingredients:
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the ice cream layer:
- 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream flavor
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water, the batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembling the ice cream cake.
Step 2: Assemble the ice cream cake
- Once the cake layers have cooled, remove them from the pans and place one layer on a cake stand or plate.
- Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Spread an even layer of ice cream over the first cake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the ice cream layer.
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Step 3: Make the frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and half of the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Frost the ice cream cake
- Remove the ice cream cake from the freezer and unwrap it.
- Use a spatula to spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate the cake with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or any toppings of your choice.
- Return the cake to the freezer to set the frosting for about 30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use high-quality ice cream: The better the ice cream, the better the ice cream cake will taste. Choose your favorite flavor or mix and match for a fun twist.
- Get creative with fillings: Add layers of crushed cookies, caramel sauce, or fudge between the cake and ice cream layers for added flavor and texture.
- Allow time for freezing: Be patient and let the ice cream cake freeze for at least 4 hours before serving to ensure it holds its shape when sliced.
- Customize the frosting: Experiment with different flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or mint to complement the ice cream flavor.
- Personalize the decorations: Use your favorite candies, fruits, or edible flowers to decorate the ice cream cake and make it your own.
Now that you know how to make an ice cream cake from scratch, impress your friends and family with this delicious and refreshing dessert. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or just a sweet indulgence, homemade ice cream cake is sure to be a hit!
