Following this Oreo ice cream cake recipe is as easy as picking up a cake at the store. I love how simple ice cream cakes are! Crumbled cookies laced with melted butter make an almost-instant crust for any flavor of ice cream. It’s a no-bake dessert, so there’s no need to heat up the house before a summer party. We’ll show you how to make a homemade Oreo ice cream cake, plus lend plenty of ideas for you to make the recipe your own.
Ingredients for Oreo Ice Cream Cake
- Oreos: The star of this ice cream cake? Oreo cookies. Pure nostalgia!
- Butter: Butter holds the cookie crumbs together to form a quick crust. This sturdy base gives the soft ice cream cake some structure.
- Vanilla ice cream: Use a top-rated vanilla ice cream brand.
- Hot fudge: Top the ice cream with a thick, rich layer of fudge. Use store-bought fudge or make a homemade fudge topping. Warm it up to make it easier to spread.
- Frozen whipped topping: A carton of frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, makes a creamy cap for the Oreo cookie ice cream cake.
Directions
Step 1: Make the cookie crust
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups cookie crumbs and the butter.
Editor’s Tip:Â To make the Oreo crumbs, put the cookies in a large zip-top bag, seal the bag and crush the cookies with a rolling pin.
Press into a greased 13×9-inch dish.
Step 2: Layer the ice cream
Spread the ice cream over the Oreo crust. If it’s tough to spread out, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes until it softens.
Cover and freeze until set.
Step 3: Add the fudge layer
Drizzle the fudge topping over the ice cream. Cover and freeze again until set.
Step 4: Add the whipped topping layer
Spread the whipped topping over the top, then sprinkle the whipped topping with the remaining cookie crumbs.
Cover and freeze for two hours or until firm.
Step 5: Serve the ice cream cake
Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving to allow the cake to soften for easy slicing (and eating).
Recipe Variations
- Top with nuts: Scatter walnuts, peanuts or pecans over the top of the homemade Oreo ice cream cake recipe for extra crunch.
- Play with other toppings: Candies, sprinkles or maraschino cherries make sweet toppings that double as decorations.
- Add caramel: Layer caramel along with the fudge.
- Use real whipped cream: You can easily sub homemade whipped cream for the Cool Whip.
- Change up the ice cream flavor: Use any ice cream flavor. I think French vanilla, butter pecan, strawberry, cookie dough, salted caramel and coffee are all good choices. Mint chip or peppermint would be festive for the holidays.
How to Store Oreo Ice Cream Cake
Leftover Oreo cookie ice cream cake keeps very well. Stash the cake in the freezer, ideally covered with a layer of foil or storage wrap. Stick a few toothpicks into the top of the cake to keep the foil held above the surface of the cake so it won’t smudge.
How long does Oreo ice cream cake last?
Since homemade Oreo ice cream cake is stored in the freezer, it will last longer than regular cake. That said, the cake tastes best when eaten within the first seven days. After that, ice crystals may form on the cake or the cookie filling may dry out. If the texture is less than ideal, serve the leftover cake with an extra-generous dollop of whipped cream.
Oreo Ice Cream Cake Tips
How do you keep an Oreo ice cream cake from melting?
The best way to keep an ice cream cake from melting is to freeze it throughout the assembly process. After every step, or any time the cake looks like it’s softening, pop it in the freezer to help keep it solid.
The other big risk of melting comes when you travel. If you need to transport the Oreo cookie ice cream cake, pack it into an insulated cooler along with several ice packs.
Can you put Oreo ice cream cake in the fridge?
No, this cake will melt in the fridge. Keep Oreo ice cream cake in the freezer. Take it out about 10 minutes before serving and let it stand at room temperature to soften a bit for easy slicing.
What’s the best way to slice an ice cream cake?
Use a sharp knife to slice a homemade Oreo ice cream cake. Between each slice, rinse the knife under hot water for the cleanest cuts.
What else can you serve with Oreo ice cream cake?
This Oreo ice cream cake recipe may just be the ultimate party cake, so serve it alongside other classic party food, like pizza or barbecue. We also love this cake around the holidays—serve it as part of a Christmas dessert spread.
