Celebrate the holidays with a festive Christmas Ice Cream Cake. Layers of creamy ice cream, cake, and toppings make this dessert a showstopper.
Get ready for the holiday season with a festive Christmas Ice Cream Cake! Layers of rich ice cream, moist cake, and colorful toppings come together to create a show-stopping dessert. It is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner.
This easy Christmas dessert is so much fun to make and eat. There is so much peppermint flavor in every bite of this peppermint ice cream cake recipe. From Peppermint Oreo Balls to Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe, peppermint dessert never disappoints.
What's in this post: Christmas Ice Cream Cake
Why We Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: Colorful layers and toppings make it a holiday centerpiece everyone will admire.
- Creamy and Decadent: Rich ice cream and soft cake create the ultimate indulgent dessert.
- Easy to Make: Simple assembly means you can create a stunning dessert without stress.
- Perfect for Parties: Ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Swap flavors, toppings, or decorations to match your holiday theme.
Ingredients
- Oreo Cookies: Use regular Oreos (not double-stuffed) for a perfect crunch and chocolate flavor.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: Any brand works and adds festive flavor and creamy texture.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Creates the delicious, layered structure of the ice cream cake.
- Whipped Cream: Use store-bought or homemade for a light, fluffy topping.
- Hot Fudge Topping: Adds rich, chocolatey decadence; our favorite is this Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe.
- Candy Canes: Crush into pieces for a festive, crunchy garnish.
Skip to the bottom of the post and find the complete ingredient list and recipe details.
Variations and Additions
- Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream: Substitute your own easy peppermint ice cream recipe for a fresh, festive flavor.
- Try Different Ice Cream Flavors: Mint chocolate chip, vanilla ice cream, strawberry, cherry, or chocolate ice cream all work beautifully. You can also pair multiple flavors for layered fun.
- Festive Sprinkles: Top the cake with Christmas-themed sprinkles for extra color and holiday cheer.
- Peppermint Candies: Swap crushed candy canes for peppermint candies for a different texture and flavor.
- Fresh Berries: For a lighter, fruity twist, top the cake with fresh berries instead of candy or sprinkles.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with Hot Fudge Sauce, Homemade Caramel Sauce, or chocolate shavings for an indulgent touch.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. Line a 9X13 baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper and make sure that the paper overhangs the pan for easy serving of the ice cream cake.
Step 2. Place the Oreo cookies in a ziplock bag and seal tightly.
Step 3. Then crush the cookies into large pieces. You can use a rolling pin or the back of a wooden spoon.
Step 4. Pour the cookie crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Save some for the top.
Step 5. Spread half of the ice-cream mixture on top of the crushed Oreos in the pan. Freeze for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6. Then start to layer the ice cream sandwiches on top.
Step 7. Finally, add the remaining pink peppermint ice cream on top of the ice cream sandwiches. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
Step 8. Right before serving, top the cake with the cool whip.
Step 9. Finally, drizzle hot fudge and top with crushed candy canes and the remaining chopped Oreos.
Pro Tips
- Use Regular Oreos: Regular Oreo cookies work best for texture and flavor. Avoid double-stuffed for this recipe.
- Soften Ice Cream: Let ice cream sit at room temperature until soft enough to spread easily, but not melted.
- Freeze Each Layer: Freeze each layer before adding the next to help the cake set and prevent melting when serving.
- Handle Layers Gently: Avoid stirring or blending layers to keep clean, distinct lines in your ice cream cake.
- Use a Spatula: A flat or offset spatula works best for smoothing each layer evenly.
- Chill Before Topping: Freeze the assembled cake for at least 1–2 hours before adding whipped cream, candy, or sprinkles for a neat finish.
- Cut Carefully: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean, neat slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezer the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Yes, this ice cream cake is easy to make ahead of time for holiday parties. Prepare as normal and cover tightly in foil. Freeze up to a week and then serve as normal.
When ready to serve, add the whipped topping, candy and chocolate topping.
Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes. This should soften it perfectly so that it’s easy to spread.
If the cake has been frozen for a while, it may be necessary to allow it to sit for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
More Peppermint Christmas Desserts
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Candy Cane Cookies
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
Once you make this easy Christmas Ice Cream Cake Recipe, please come back and leave a comment.
Christmas Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Oreo Cookies 14 ounces
- 1 gallon Peppermint Ice Cream softened
- 12 Ice Cream Sandwiches
- 8 ounces Whipped Topping Cool Whip
- Hot Fudge Topping for topping
- 1/4 cup Crushed Candy Canes
Instructions
- Line a 9X13 baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper and make sure that the paper overhangs the pan for easy serving of the ice cream cake.
- Crush the Oreo Cookies into large pieces. Spread them along the bottom of the pan and reserve some of the crushed Oreos for the topping.
- Spread half of the ice cream on top of the Oreos in the pan. Place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Unwrap the ice cream sandwiches. Layer the ice cream sandwiches on top of the ice cream in the pan. You can cut some of the sandwiches to make sure that they all fit in the pan.
- Spread the remaining ice cream on top of the ice cream sandwiches.
- Cover and freezer for at least 3-4 hours.
- When serving, top the cake with the whipped topping. Drizzle the hot fudge topping on top and top with the crushed candy canes and reserved chopped Oreos.
- Slice, serve and enjoy!
