Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

This super easy copycat Dairy Queen ice cream cake is one of the best frozen desserts to enjoy in the summer! You can’t go wrong with layers of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, crunchy cookie, hot fudge sauce, and whipped cream.

Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

ICE CREAM: You can substitute any flavors of your favorite ice cream for the chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

HOT FUDGE: You can also substitute the hot fudge sauce with caramel sauce, and the chocolate sandwich cookies with vanilla sandwich cookies.

TOPPINGS: For toppings, you can go basic or get really creative. I love using candy shells, Oreo cookies, M&M candies, chocolate chips, or toffee bits.

WHIPPED CREAM: You can also use Cool Whip on top of this homemade ice cream cake instead of homemade whipped cream.

How To Make This Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake Recipe

We will walk through the steps to creating the decadent layers of this creamy copycat cake. Let’s get started.

STEP ONE: Line a 9-inch springform pan with plastic wrap. Set it aside.

STEP TWO: Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

STEP THREE: Add the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to a small mixing bowl.

STEP FOUR: Stir in the melted butter until completely combined.

STEP FIVE: Evenly spread the coated cookie crumbs on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie crumbs to cool completely.

STEP SIX: While the cookie crumbs are baking, remove the chocolate ice cream from the freezer and allow it to thaw. This will make spreading the ice cream into the pan much easier.

STEP SEVEN: Once the ice cream has thawed for 15 to 20 minutes, evenly spread the layer of chocolate ice cream into the bottom of the springform pan in an even layer. Place it back in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

STEP EIGHT: Just before you are ready for the hot fudge layer, remove the lid to the hot fudge and place it in the microwave for 20 to 25 seconds. This will soften the hot fudge, making it easier to spread on top of the chocolate ice cream layer.

STEP NINE: Using either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the hot fudge over the top of the chocolate ice cream layer. 

STEP TEN: Evenly sprinkle the baked cookie crumbs over the top of the fudge layer. Return to the freezer for 1 hour. 

STEP ELEVEN: About 15 to 20 minutes before you are ready to spread the vanilla ice cream layer, remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer to thaw slightly.

STEP TWELVE: Remove the springform pan from the freezer, and evenly spread the vanilla ice cream on top of the cookie layer. Return the springform pan to the freezer for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight.

STEP THIRTEEN: Around 30 minutes before you are ready to “frost” the ice cream cake, if you are using a stand mixer, place the metal bowl in the freezer. If you are using a handheld mixer, place your mixing bowl, preferably a metal mixing bowl, in the freezer for 30 minutes.

STEP FOURTEEN: Remove the bowl from the freezer, and add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and clear vanilla flavoring. Beat on medium, just until the powdered sugar is incorporated, then beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.

STEP FIFTEEN: Separate out 1 cup of whipped cream frosting and place it in either a decorator’s piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

STEP SIXTEEN: You will need to work quickly, especially if the weather is warm. Remove the ice cream cake from the freezer.

STEP SEVENTEEN: Remove the outer edges of the springform pan. Using either a cake lifter or a large sturdy spatula, remove the plastic wrap and place the ice cream cake on either a serving platter or a round decorator’s board.

STEP EIGHTEEN: Using either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, quickly frost the sides and top of the ice cream cake. 

STEP NINETEEN: Using even pressure, holding the decorator’s piping bag a ½ inch above the edge of the top of the cake, pipe either a shell pattern or swirl pattern around the edge of the ice cream cake.

STEP TWENTY: Evenly sprinkle the colorful sprinkles on the top of the ice cream cake. Place the cake back into the freezer until you are ready to serve. 

How To Serve This Ice Cream Cake

This is the ultimate birthday cake for the ice cream lover in your life. You’ll want to serve this DIY ice cream cake immediately so it doesn’t melt before your guests can enjoy it. Don’t forget a cold strawberry lemonade or iced tea on the side.

Serve a refreshing fruit salad with juicy slices of watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries alongside this rich and velvety cake. Your guests will love the combination of the cold and sweet ice cream paired with the tanginess of the fruit.

If you’re looking for more popular recipes to enjoy, you’ll want to make our chocolate lasagna, which is another cool and creamy favorite. You’ll also like our peach cobbler for a summertime favorite.

Storing This Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Whether you want to make it ahead of time or have leftovers to savor later, here are some helpful tips to ensure your ice cream cake stays in its prime condition.

MAKE AHEAD: If you wish to prepare this ice cream cake in advance, it’s totally doable! Simply follow the recipe until you’ve assembled the cake layers and frosted it.

Once done, cover the entire cake tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container and place it in the freezer. This way, you can have your ice cream cake ready to serve whenever you desire without the stress of last-minute preparation.

IN THE FRIDGE: You don’t want your cake to melt, so it can’t be kept in the fridge at all.

IN THE FREEZER: Store any leftovers of the frozen cake in a cake carrier for up to 7 days.

Make your own copycat Dairy Queen ice cream cake for a delightful alternative to a regular birthday cake. The creamy layers and cookie crunch will be a hit for all of your party guests to enjoy.

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