Ice Cream Cake
Add Preferred SourceWhen the weather heats up or you just want a no-bake treat that feels special and is satisfying to make, this Ice Cream Cake is an easy win. With layers of crunchy graham crackers, creamy vanilla ice cream, swirls of sweet strawberry jam, and plenty of fresh berries, you get a perfect mix of flavors and textures with every slice.
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Whether I make it for a summer hangout, weekend get-together, birthday party, or any occasion (you name it), everyone always gets excited when this cake shows up on the table. This ice cream cake is not just effortlessly delicious but also a great make-ahead dessert. It’s easy to pull together in advance and freezes beautifully. So, you can enjoy leftovers anytime you want to chill—if there are any left at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Ice Cream Cake with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Your homemade ice cream cake will turn out great if you follow my simple, easy steps.
Line the Pan
Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides so you can easily lift out the cake later.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Whip the Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This adds a creamy, fluffy layer that balances out the ice cream and adds a homemade touch.
Build the First Layer
Place a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the prepared pan. They don’t need to be perfect, but aim to cover the surface as evenly as you can.
Spread half of the vanilla ice cream on top of the crackers in an even layer.
Add Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Spoon on half of the whipped cream and gently spread it over the ice cream. Drizzle half the strawberry jam across the top, then swirl it in lightly with a knife.
Sprinkle over half of the sliced strawberries.
Repeat the Layer
Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, then the rest of the ice cream and whipped cream. Swirl in the remaining jam and scatter the rest of the strawberries across the top.
Freeze the Cake
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you have the time—until everything is firm and set.
Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out of the pan. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly before slicing.
Add extra whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top, then finally, serve and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 18-20 graham crackers
- 2 -3 pints vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream to serve
- Fresh strawberries to serve
Video
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.2 cups heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Arrange a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of the pan. Spread half of the vanilla ice cream over the crackers.18-20 graham crackers, 2 -3 pints vanilla ice cream
- Add half of the whipped cream, swirling in half of the strawberry jam and half of the sliced strawberries.1 cup strawberry jam, 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining ice cream and whipped cream. Swirl in the remaining jam and scatter more strawberries on top.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Remove from the freezer and lift the cake out using the parchment paper.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.Whipped cream, Fresh strawberries
Notes
- Lining the Pan Properly: Don’t skip the parchment paper. It helps you lift the entire cake out of the pan without any sticking or breaking.
- Soft Peaks Are Key: Whip the cream until soft peaks form—not stiff. This keeps the texture light and makes it easy to layer.
- Layer Neatly: Keep each layer even so the cake slices well. Press the graham crackers gently into place so they hold together as the base.
- Soften the Ice Cream Slightly: Let your ice cream sit out for about 5–10 minutes before spreading. It makes layering much easier and won’t tear up the graham crackers.
- Swirl Gently: When you add the jam, don’t mix it too much. A few swirls with a butter knife give you that pretty marbled effect without losing the flavor contrast.
- Freeze Until Firm: Give it plenty of time in the freezer to set fully. This is what helps the layers hold together when you slice.
- Warm the Knife: Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before cutting. It makes slicing through the frozen layers much cleaner.
- Add Toppings Before Serving: Add extra whipped cream and fresh berries just before serving so they look and taste their best.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve pulled together some helpful tips to make sure everything goes smoothly and your cake turns out great.
- Lining the Pan Properly: Don’t skip the parchment paper. It helps you lift the entire cake out of the pan without any sticking or breaking.
- Soft Peaks Are Key: Whip the cream until soft peaks form—not stiff. This keeps the texture light and makes it easy to layer.
- Layer Neatly: Keep each layer even so the cake slices well. Press the graham crackers gently into place so they hold together as the base.
- Soften the Ice Cream Slightly: Let your ice cream sit out for about 5–10 minutes before spreading. It makes layering much easier and won’t tear up the graham crackers.
- Swirl Gently: When you add the jam, don’t mix it too much. A few swirls with a butter knife give you that pretty marbled effect without losing the flavor contrast.
- Freeze Until Firm: Give it plenty of time in the freezer to set fully. This is what helps the layers hold together when you slice.
- Warm the Knife: Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before cutting. It makes slicing through the frozen layers much cleaner.
- Add Toppings Before Serving: Add extra whipped cream and fresh berries just before serving so they look and taste their best.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer slices to an airtight, freezer-safe container or cover them tightly with Saran or plastic wrap. You can also wrap them again with aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection so they don’t get freezer burn.
Keep the ice cream cake frozen, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. It’s definitely freezer-friendly; just skip any toppings like whipped cream or berries until you’re ready to eat, as their texture might change once frozen and thawed. Also, keep your ice cream cake away from food with strong odors so it doesn’t absorb them.
What to Serve With Ice Cream Cake
This cake holds its own, but you can also enjoy it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top, or even fresh berries on the side.
You can also serve it alongside fruit platters or other frozen treats, like an extra scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty more easy, refreshing, and satisfying desserts that you’ll love—check them out!
