This copycat of the Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake can be made three ways!
With simple-to-follow instructions and video tutorials, this copycat dairy queen ice cream cake recipe can be made at home in three different ways. I dare say, it is even better than one you can order from the popular food chain.
Do you remember the first time you had a Dairy Queen ice cream cake?
The Dairy Queen original ice cream always seemed a step above the other ice cream places. It was the “treat place” my dad always took us to as kids. The first time I had a Reese’s Blizzard, I was forever hooked. And then when I asked the employee if they would mix in other candy, they obliged me. She said, “Sure, what all do you want?” I couldn’t believe it! I’m sure my eight-year-old eyes got really big. I responded with, “M&M’s. And butterfingers! And snickers!” She blended them all together. My dad thought it was disgusting, but he was wrong.
Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
Dairy Queen will always carry a bit of childhood nostalgia for me. Well done DQ!
They inspired me to attempt my own dairy queen cake several years ago. And then when I had one that was bought in a grocery store freezer section, I knew I had to make an alternative. It had a distinct plastic flavor. There are so many reasons to do a DIY ice cream cake. You get to choose what flavor you want, you control the ingredients that go in it, and it’s cost effective. Lots of wins!
I’ve included three ways to make an ice cream cake below so you have options to choose from. A springform pan is the best pan to make a copycat dairy queen ice cream cake in. It has sides of the pan that is removable. This springform pan is one of my favorites. A food processor also helps when making the crumb crust, but isn’t required. You can also use a gallon ziploc bag and a hammer.
The first time my mom tasted one of my ice cream cakes she said, “Oh my goodness, Rach. It’s better than Dairy Queen’s!!” She would know. She worked there for a few years.
Simple DIY Ice Cream Cake
I am finding that friends and family are requesting these more and more, so I have ventured out from the original, and am making flavors that they love. The Java Chip is probably my personal favorites (because of my love for coffee), but every single one is so freaking good. NOw you can make your own ice cream cakes at home!
I am including three ways to make an ice cream cake. Each follows a similar process. Your favorite flavors of ice cream, softened at room temperature, fudge filling with a delicious oreo crumbs middle, and a wonderful coarse crumbs chocolate cookies crust. This is the real thing. Let me know your favorite! I bet you can’t eat just one slice.
Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake Three Ways
1. The Brookie Ice Cream Cake
Perfect for the cookie dough fan! The ice cream flavors profile is inspired by the baked “Brookie.” A Brookie is a half brownie, half cookie baked together in an ooey gooey treat. This ice cream cake profiles the same flavors with a layer of chocolate ice cream (plus brownies) and cookie dough ice cream wrapped in homemade hot fudge. Oh my goodness, it’s good!
2. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake
My little boy inspired this ice cream cake recipe. His favorite ice cream is cookies and cream ice cream, so naturally, Mama had to make him a cake! This recipe has classic chocolate crunchies (cookie crumbles) made of oreo cookie crumbs and a hot fudge sauce layer just like Dairy Queen’s. You have the option of using two cookies and cream layers, or swapping out one for a vanilla ice cream layer. This recipe is creamy, delicious, and full of Oreo cookies. Cookie-fudge mixture, yes, please! With there now being a version of oreos that are gluten free, the Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake is a worthy gluten-free option if you desire it to be.
3. Java Chip Frappuccino® Ice Cream Cake
This ice cream cake was made with all the flavors of a Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino. If you are unfamiliar with the drink, Starbucks takes coffee, milk, mocha sauce, and chocolate chips and blends it all together with ice. I don’t know how something that sounds so simple can be so good, but it is! This ice cream cake combines layers of coffee ice cream, with hot fudge, and chocolate chips. It also has a delicious crunchy fudge layer.
For best results, loosely cover your ice cream cake with plastic wrap, and let your frozen cake stay in the freezer for at least 6 hours before removing the bottom of your springform cake pan from its side. Making this ice cream cake a day ahead of time is also a great option.
There you have it! Three delicious DIY copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes. It makes for a very Happy Birthday! Did you have a favorite?
You might also like the Copycat Great American’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake or DIY Nutty Buddy Bars.
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