Happy, happy, happy, happy … whatever the happy occasion, this decadent ice cream cake is certain to put a big smile on your favorite faces!
After all, cake and ice cream go together like bacon and eggs, bread and butter, peaches and cream … I think you get the point.
So why not just put the two together and make it easier and more fun too!
That’s why anytime we’ve got a special something-to-celebrate going on around here, this is one of our favorite go-to desserts – it’s certain to make any occasion an even happier one!
This delightful treat is simply my decadent fudgy brownie recipe topped with homemade vanilla ice cream and some raw cacao nibs. (However, my coconut flour brownie cake would be an equally delicious option!)
If you’re dairy-free, you can easily modify this recipe as noted below and top with your favorite dairy-free ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 batch of decadent fudge brownie batter
- 2 quarts of your favorite ice cream (see *note below)
- Raw cacao nibs (or chocolate chips) for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Very lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with coconut oil.
- Prepare brownie batter according to the instructions in the recipe. (If you're dairy-free, simply replace the butter called for in the recipe with 1/2 cup of coconut oil instead.)
- Bake the brownie cake for approximately 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow brownie cake to cool completely in the baking dish and then place it in the freezer to freeze solid.
- Note: It usually takes about an hour for the brownie cake to cool enough to go into the freezer and then another 2-3 hours for the cake to freeze. So, I find it easier to bake the cake a day ahead of time to ensure ample time for it to cool/freeze. I also like to make my ice cream base a day ahead of time as well for the reasons described below.
- If using store-bought ice cream (or homemade that's been in the freezer), allow it to sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to soften a bit. Then use an ice cream scoop to scoop the ice cream out and place the scoops side-by-side on top of the frozen brownie cake. Then, use a cake spreader to even-out the ice cream across the top of the cake.
- If making homemade ice cream, I recommend making the ice cream base a day ahead of time, so it's thoroughly chilled and the flavors have a chance to meld. Then, at least 3-4 hours before you plan to serve the cake, add the ice cream base to your ice cream maker. Once your ice cream is finished churning, spoon it over the frozen brownie cake and spread it evenly across the top.
- Sprinkle top of ice cream cake with raw cacao nibs or chocolate chips, if desired.
- Cover the ice cream cake and place it in the freezer until frozen solid. About 10 minutes before you plan to serve the ice cream cake, place it on the counter to thaw a bit so it's easier to slice. Enjoy!
Notes
Our favorite ice cream recipes: Laura at Heavenly Homemakers has a wonderful Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream recipe that's one of our absolute favorites! Or check out my friend Wardeh's DF Vanilla Coconut Milk Ice Cream recipe for a delicious dairy-free option.
This looks delish, Kelly! I’m going to print it off and try it out next time we have a family occasion. I’ve got to tell you, I only catch glimpses of your kitchen in photos, but it looks so friendly and inviting. Beautiful!
Andrea
Thanks, Andrea! That’s so kind of you! I really feel like the kitchen is the heart of the home and I am very, very thankful to God for providing us with a cozy kitchen to work, eat and fellowship in. Blessings to you, Kelly
Now that’s really something to drool upon!!
Awesome.
Thanks, Minnie! You are so sweet!
Blessings, Kelly
That looks so delicious! We’re definitely going to have to try it. We LOVE your coconut flour chocolate cake…I made it for my husband’s birthday last October. Thanks for sharing so many great recipes!
Thanks, Joy! You could certainly use the coconut flour cake or coconut brownie cake for this as well!
Blessings, Kelly
We already know your brownie batter is the best we’ve ever made. This is brilliant, I’d like it for my birthday. Thanks for the great idea!
Thanks, Gwen! You are always such an encourager! Hope you have a happy birthday!!
Blessings, Kelly
This looks amazing, of course! I think I made a DF ice cream cake for son once using store bought ice cream, but now I make my own DF ice cream. I love the idea of using a brownie base instead of cake. We will be trying this soon! Thanks!
Thanks, Michelle! I hope you all enjoy this for your next special celebration! Lots of blessings, Kelly