Description
This Peppermint Ice Cream Cake is a festive and refreshing dessert perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a creamy peppermint ice cream layer, and a fluffy whipped cream topping sprinkled with crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings, this no-bake cake is easy to assemble and sure to impress your guests with its cool minty flavor and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups (200g) chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreos, without the filling)
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Ice Cream Layer
- 1 ½ quarts (1.4 liters) peppermint ice cream, slightly softened
- ½ cup (50g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Whipped Topping
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Decoration
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand, ensuring the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes to set it firmly.
- Add the Ice Cream Layer: Spread the softened peppermint ice cream evenly over the chilled crust, creating a smooth, even layer.
- Sprinkle Peppermint Candies: Distribute the crushed peppermint candies over the ice cream to add texture and festive crunch.
- Freeze Cake: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and well set.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, making a light and fluffy topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Remove the cake from the freezer and evenly spread the whipped topping over the ice cream layer to finish the cake.
- Decorate the Cake: Garnish the whipped topping with crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or mini chocolate chips for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Chill to Set: Return the assembled cake to the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow the whipped topping to firm up properly.
- Serve: Before slicing, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, easing cutting and enhancing the texture.
Notes
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cake without damaging its shape.
- If peppermint ice cream is too hard, allow it to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before spreading.
- Crushed peppermint candies can be substituted with crushed candy canes or peppermint baking chips.
- For an extra chocolatey touch, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce before adding the whipped topping.
- This cake should be kept frozen until ready to serve to maintain its structure.
