Description
A show-stopping no-bake ice cream cake featuring layers of crunchy chocolate cookie crust, creamy strawberry and chocolate ice cream, and a rich chocolate ganache, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
2 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs (about 25-30 cookies)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1.5 quarts (approx 6 cups) premium strawberry ice cream, slightly softened
1.5 quarts (approx 6 cups) rich chocolate ice cream, slightly softened
1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, or 2 cups homemade whipped cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crust. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate wafer cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to set.
Step 2: Layer the strawberry ice cream. Spread the slightly softened strawberry ice cream evenly over the frozen crust. Return the pan to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 3: Layer the chocolate ice cream. Once the strawberry layer is firm, spread the slightly softened chocolate ice cream evenly over it. Return to the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
Step 4: Add whipped topping. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the firm chocolate ice cream layer. Freeze for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly (about 10-15 minutes) until it's pourable but not hot.
Step 6: Finish the cake. Carefully pour the cooled ganache over the whipped topping layer, spreading gently to cover the top. Immediately arrange fresh strawberry slices on top of the ganache.
Step 7: Final freeze. Return the ice cream cake to the freezer for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
Step 8: Serve. To serve, remove the springform pan sides. For easier slicing, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cutting with a hot, dry knife. Enjoy your decadent treat!
Notes
For a richer crust, you can add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cookie crumbs. If you prefer homemade whipped cream, whisk 1 cup of cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg