Nothing beats a rich, creamy dessert made with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! If you're a fan of their indulgent flavors, then you’ll love this Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. This no-bake treat is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. The best part? It’s super easy to make, with no special equipment required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No baking required – Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
✔ Customizable – Choose your favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor and mix it up with different cookies and toppings.
✔ Make-ahead dessert – You can prepare it in advance, so it’s great for parties and events.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires just a few ingredients, and you can customize it based on your preferences.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (any flavor of your choice)
- 8 large chocolate chip cookies (or any cookies you prefer)
- ½ cup whipped cream
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup (optional)
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips (for extra topping)
How to Prepare Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Step 1: Soften the Ice Cream
Take the pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes. This will make it easier to spread without melting too quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookies
While waiting for the ice cream to soften, line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies in pairs, with their flat sides facing up. If you want extra crunch, lightly toast the cookies in a pan for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Scoop a generous amount of softened ice cream onto one cookie and use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. Place another cookie on top and gently press down to create a sandwich. Repeat this process for all cookies.
Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on the prepared tray and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly when serving.
Step 5: Stack and Decorate
Once the ice cream sandwiches are firm, stack them in layers on a serving plate to create a mini cake. Add a layer of whipped cream between each sandwich for extra creaminess. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top and sprinkle crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
Step 6: Final Freeze and Serve
Place the entire ice cream sandwich cake back in the freezer for another 30 minutes before serving. Once firm, slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
- Choose the Right Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s has tons of flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cherry Garcia, and Half Baked. Pick your favorite for a unique twist.
- Use Sturdy Cookies: Soft cookies may break apart, so opt for slightly firm ones to hold up against the ice cream.
- Freeze Between Steps: Allowing the sandwiches and cake to firm up ensures they hold their shape.
- Try Different Toppings: Caramel drizzle, crushed Oreos, or even peanut butter chips can take this dessert to the next level.
- Make it Extra Special: Add a layer of crushed brownies or graham crackers between the ice cream sandwiches for added texture.
- Use a Springform Pan: If you want a more structured cake, arrange the ice cream sandwiches in a springform pan and freeze for a perfect shape.
- Let It Sit Before Serving: After freezing, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are some delicious variations:
- Oreo Lovers: Use Oreo cookies and Cookies & Cream ice cream for a cookies-and-cream overload.
- Peanut Butter Delight: Swap chocolate chip cookies for peanut butter cookies and use Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.
- Mint Chocolate Dream: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate cookies for a refreshing twist.
- S'mores Inspired: Use graham crackers instead of cookies and add a drizzle of melted marshmallow cream on top.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Use shortbread cookies and strawberry cheesecake ice cream for a fruity variation.
- Brownie Bliss: Instead of cookies, use brownies cut into squares for a rich and fudgy dessert.
- Coffee Lover’s Dream: Use espresso-flavored ice cream and chocolate cookies for a mocha-inspired treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade cookies work great, just make sure they are firm enough to hold the ice cream.
2. How long can I store this ice cream sandwich cake?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Just let it sit for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
3. Can I use a different brand of ice cream?
Yes, but Ben & Jerry’s has the best mix-ins and creamy texture, making it perfect for this recipe!
4. How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too hard in the freezer?
If your cookies are too hard after freezing, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating to soften slightly.
5. Can I add a cake layer instead of just cookies?
Yes! You can use layers of sponge cake in between the ice cream sandwiches for a true “cake” effect.
6. Can I make mini versions of this recipe?
Yes! Use smaller cookies and less ice cream per sandwich for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.
Final Thoughts
This Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Sandwich Cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try different flavors and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy a delicious, frozen delight! 🍦🎂
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor in the comments! Happy indulging! 😊
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