Homemade Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate treat that brings together the rich creaminess of ice cream and the moist sweetness of cake. With endless flavor combinations to explore, from classic chocolate and vanilla to fruity strawberry and mango, this cake is visually stunning with its layered colors and decorations. Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or just a delightful dessert night, it’s a showstopper that everyone will love!
Imagine slicing into a luscious cake, revealing the creamy ice cream layers inside, all topped with glossy chocolate ganache and colorful sprinkles. This recipe invites you to enjoy every mouthful, blending textures and flavors that melt together beautifully. In this article, you’ll discover how to create your own Homemade Ice Cream Cake from scratch, along with tips for serving and customizing it to your taste. Let’s dive into this fun and delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: You control what goes in, so it’s always fresh and delicious.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps mean anyone can make it with ease.
- Nutrition: Add fruits or nuts for an extra healthy twist.
- Versatility: Pick your favorite flavors and mix-ins for a unique cake each time.
- Presentation: The layered look is visually appealing, making it perfect for sharing.
This recipe will certainly impress your family and friends!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 4–5 hours
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
(Note that times may vary.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 250 g self-raising flour
- 250 g caster sugar
- 250 g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 medium eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 litres ice cream (choose 2–3 flavours)
- Optional: chocolate chips, fruit, or cookie crumbs
- 200 ml double cream
- 100 g dark chocolate, chopped
- Decorations: sprinkles, nuts, or biscuit crumbs
How To Make Homemade Ice Cream Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease two 20 cm tins.
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the self-raising flour until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two tins and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Line the cake tins with cling film. Spread softened ice cream into each tin and add any mix-ins if using. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Once frozen, layer the cake and ice cream by placing one cake layer on a plate, followed by an ice cream layer. Repeat, stacking carefully.
- Freeze the entire cake for another 2–3 hours until firm.
- To make the ganache, heat the double cream until just boiling, pour it over the chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
- Remove the cling film from the cake, pour ganache over the top, decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or biscuit crumbs, and slice while still frozen.

How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Accompaniments: Fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce goes great on the side.
- Portions: Cut into small slices since it’s rich and fulfilling.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy it with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a lovely contrast.
Enjoying your cake can make it even sweeter!
Additional Tips
- Experiment with flavor combinations like chocolate and mint or vanilla and berry.
- Customize with various toppings, such as cookie crumbs or nuts, for extra crunch.
- Serve chilled to highlight the creamy and sweet flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Cake: Use chocolate cookies for the layers instead of cake and a cookies-and-cream ice cream.
- Fruit Delight: Incorporate layers of fresh fruit, like bananas or berries, with vanilla ice cream for a fresh taste.
- Nutty Caramel Cake: Add crushed nuts and a swirl of caramel ice cream for a rich, nutty flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing: Wrap well in cling film and freeze for up to a month for the best flavor and texture.
Special Equipment
- Two 20 cm cake tins
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Cling film
- Saucepan
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, you can use frozen fruits or store-bought ice cream, just ensure they are thawed out before using.Is this recipe suitable for dietary needs?
You can modify this recipe to accommodate dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free ice cream.Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cake and ice cream layers a day in advance and assemble it later.How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to mix and match your favorite ice cream flavors and add any toppings you enjoy, like nuts or sprinkles.Are there alternative cooking methods?
While this recipe is for a traditional baked cake, you could also use a no-bake method by making a crust from crushed cookies and layering ice cream.
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Conclusion
Homemade Ice Cream Cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also an enjoyable experience to create. Bursting with flavor, this cake is perfect for celebrations, casual gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with flavors, this dessert is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, roll up your sleeves and start making your very own masterpiece today!

Homemade Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease two 20 cm tins.
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time and then add the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the self-raising flour until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two tins and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Line the cake tins with cling film. Spread softened ice cream into each tin and add any mix-ins if using. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Once frozen, layer the cake and ice cream by placing one cake layer on a plate, followed by an ice cream layer. Repeat, stacking carefully.
- Freeze the entire cake for another 2–3 hours until firm.
- Heat the double cream until just boiling, pour it over the chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
- Remove the cling film from the cake, pour ganache over the top, and decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or biscuit crumbs.
- Slice while still frozen.





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