Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake - Layers of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, fudge and Oreo cookie crunchies covered in whipped cream frosting. Tastes just like the DQ cakes we all have grown to love!
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Whew! Is it hot around here this week! Annnnd. . .I LOVE it! You've had to hear me whine ALL winter long, but today I am a happy camper. I say bring on the heat, the humidity. . .and the ice cream cake!
Yep, you heard me right. We're making HOMEMADE copycat Dairy Queen ice cream cake today!
It's the perfect dessert for a hot 4th of July weekend with layers of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, fudge and Oreo cookie crunchies covered in whipped cream frosting! If you're a DQ fan, you're going to love this recipe because, kid you not, this tastes like the REAL thing.
Just a quick note so you're prepared. . .this cake does take several hours to make but it's because you need to freeze individual layers of the cake during the creation process. I promise you that your precious time will be totally worth it!
Let's make this cake!
HOW TO MAKE COPYCAT DAIRY QUEEN ICE CREAM CAKE
To make this copycat family favorite, you'll need:
- Chocolate ice cream
- Oreo cookies
- Butter
- Chocolate chips
- Light corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Powdered sugar
Let's start putting this cake together! The first thing we're going to do is make the cookie crunch layer. Begin by combining crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter in a bowl.
Spread the cookie combination out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes at 350º Fahrenheit.
Make sure to break apart any large chunks and set the crumbs aside.
Grab an 8x3-inch round cake pan and line it with plastic wrap, making sure the bottom and sides are covered.
Scoop the thawed chocolate ice cream into the lined cake pan (this step is not pictured) and begin mixing up the fudge sauce.
Pour the fudge over the chocolate ice cream layer and place the cake in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the Oreo crumbs over top of the fudge layer.
Freeze the cake for 2-3 hours until firm and then spoon and spread the thawed vanilla ice cream over the cookie crumb layer.
Put the cake back in the freezer for two hours. When ready, lift the cake out of the pan using the plastic wrap and place it on a serving plate.
Frost the cake with the whipped cream frosting and decorate it with sprinkles. I just sprinkled some on the top and pressed some into the the bottom edges of the cake.
Go ahead and freeze the cake until you're ready to enjoy!
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CUT AN ICE CREAM CAKE?
You'll want to grab a long serrated knife for straight, clean cuts. Dip the knife in some hot water to warm it up, dry it off with a clean towel and cut your pieces. The knife should slide down easily into the cake. Repeat this process if cutting becomes more difficult.
CAN AN ICE CREAM CAKE BE MADE IN ADVANCE?
Yes, in fact, you SHOULD make it in advance and freeze at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.
To make it easier to cut when you're ready to eat, you can thaw the cake 30 minutes in the fridge or for 15 minutes out on the counter.
WHAT'S THE BEST FROSTING FOR AN ICE CREAM CAKE?
This recipe uses a sweetened whipped cream and it's what I would recommend always be used. It holds up well in the freezer without cracking and adds a nice light fluffier top layer to the dense, frozen bottom layers.
HOW DO I STORE ICE CREAM CAKE?
As long as the cake is covered, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month in advance.
Once you've dug into the cake, you can store any leftovers in the freezer and continue to enjoy up to 4 weeks after you've cut that first slice.
Just look at those delicious layers! I won't lie - my favorite parts are the cookie crumb and fudge layers. What do you like best?
This seriously tastes just like the real deal. It's going to blow your mind! Happy 4th of July, friends!
READY FOR MORE DELICIOUS SUMMER DESSERTS?
- Lemon Lush Dessert
- Berries & Cream Angel Food Dessert
- Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Lasagna
- No-Bake S’mores Tarts
- Red White and Blue Trifle
- Peanut Butter Oreo Dessert
- Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae Pie
- Very Berry Popsicles
Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ quarts chocolate ice cream
Cookie Crunch Layer:
- 10 Oreo cookies (crushed)
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter (melted)
Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ quarts vanilla ice cream
Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
For the Cookie Crunch Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit.
- Combine crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter in a bowl.
- Spread the combination on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Break apart any large chunks. Set aside.
- Line an 8x3-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap.
- Be sure that the bottom and sides are covered.
- Allow chocolate ice cream to thaw for 20 minutes.
- Spoon chocolate ice cream into prepared pan and spread it evenly over the crust.
- Freeze for 30 minutes.
For the Fudge Layer:
- In a medium mixing bowl, put chocolate chips, light corn syrup, and vanilla.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream until it begins to simmer.
- Pour hot heavy whipping cream over chocolate chips.
- Allow to sit for 3 minutes and then whisk together until smooth.
- Pour over chocolate ice cream layer.
- Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle Oreo crumbs over top of fudge.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm.
- Allow vanilla ice cream to thaw for 20 minutes.
- Then spread in an even layer over top of Oreo crumbs.
- Freeze for 2 hours.
- Grabbing the ends of the plastic wrap, lift the cake out of the pan and place it on a serving plate.
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Put heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.
- Beat on HIGH until it forms firm peaks.
- Frost the cake entirely and decorate with sprinkles.
- Freeze cake until ready to serve.
Notes
- Line your cake pan with plastic wrap before adding your thawed ice cream.
- The best way to cut your cake is to dip your knife in hot water and then dry it with a clean towel before cutting it into pieces.
- Your cake should freeze for at least 8 hours before serving.
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