This ice cream crunch cake is full of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, but the fudgy crunch center ribbon is the real star of the show. It is a copycat version of DQ’s ice cream cakes with an endless variety of flavor combinations.

top of ice cream cake with chopped oreos, fudge drizzle, whipped cream etc.

Cool off with a slice of perfectly fudgy and creamy ice cream cake. This sweet combination of cookies and cream features chocolate, vanilla and a plethora of cookie bits. Then there’s the crunchy chocolate ribbon center. Now that’s the stuff dreams are made of!

Ice cream cakes have always been a sign of a good time in our family. The layers of cold creamy ice cream sandwiching a crunchy fudge center.. you know the kind!

They can get a bit pricey to order, but you can make them easily at home. Plus that allows you to choose your favorite flavor combinations!

We have made several of these ice cream cakes over the years. It seems like we’ve used a different combination of ice cream flavors every time, so feel free to pick your favorite flavors.

A springform pan makes getting the ice cream cake together really easy. I like to line mine with parchment paper or wax paper to make getting it out super simple.

slice of ice cream cake with fudgy cookie crunch layer in the middle

first slice of layered ice cream cake with fudgy oreo center and whipped cream served on small plate.

Just like Dairy Queen’s ice cream cakes, it is the chocolate crunchies layer that takes this from good to great. It is super simple to make with Oreos and fudge.

You can buy a jar of fudge at the store, but I really like my simple homemade hot fudge recipe so I would highly recommend using that!

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We also love making chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake, which is made in a 9×13-inch pan. Or Butterfingers ice cream sandwich cake which is super simple to put together.

What flavors of ice cream would you use to make your ice cream cake?

How to soften ice cream

You need to have softened ice cream to be able to spread it easily. However you don’t want it to be too melted.

For the best most consistent results, place the ice cream in the refrigerator for twenty to thirty minutes. It will make it spreadable but not too soft.

You can also soften it on the counter. Just place it out for ten to fifteen minutes.

The line between soft and melty goes a lot more quickly on the counter. So just be careful and keep am eye on it.

Storage

One of the best parts about making an ice cream cake is that it can be made several days in advance. You just need to have room to store it.

Ideally the cake would be stored in a cake box or cake saver. That will help keep the tastes and smells of the freezer from penetrating the dessert.

It will be ok in the freezer for a few days without being wrapped. Just be aware that eventually it will get some freezer burn or may pick up some freezer flavor.

Otherwise your ice cream cake will be best in the first few days, but can be stored for up to three months of well wrapped. I can’t see how you could let it go that long without eating it though!

5 from 9 ratings

Chocolate Crunch Ice Cream Cake

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

Ice cream crunch cake is full of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, but the fudgy crunch center ribbon is the real star of the show. It is a copycat version of DQ's cake with an endless variety of flavor combinations.

Prep: 15

Cook: 0

Additional Time 4

Total: 4 15

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 1.5 quarts cookies and cream ice cream
▢ 24 Oreos + more for garnish
▢ 1 recipe hot fudge sauce or a jar of your favorite
▢ 1.5 quarts chocolate ice cream I used a chocolate truffle, but your favorite will be great!
▢ 2 cups heavy cream
▢ 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
▢ 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Line a 9 inch springform pan with parchment or wax paper.
Soften the cookies and cream ice cream a bit and then spread on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the freezer for at least a half hour to firm it back up a bit.
1.5 quarts cookies and cream ice cream
Soften the chocolate ice cream. Crunch Oreo cookies into bits. Sprinkle over ice cream and drizzle with warm fudge (reserve a quarter cup of fudge for garnish if desired.) Spread chocolate ice cream over fudge and cookie layer.
24 Oreos, 1 recipe hot fudge sauce, 1.5 quarts chocolate ice cream
Freeze at least an hour or two to firm up.
Remove the ring from the springform pan and invert cake onto serving plate. Remove all of the parchment or wax paper and place in freezer until ready to frost.
To decorate, whip the cream, sugar and vanilla until it forms stiff peaks. Spread over the outside of the cake and pipe on a border if desired. Decorate with any remaining sandwich cookies and fudge.
2 cups heavy cream, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Freeze until ready to serve. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve.