Bhofack2/Getty Images
What makes a cake so satisfying? Is it the tender crumb, the creamy filling, or the decadent flavors that melt right onto your taste buds? Ice cream sandwiches have all of this in spade, so imagine just how spectacular they will be when turned into a full-on cake. Fortunately, you can make this idea a reality with no trouble. Considering how simple and low-effort ice cream sandwiches are, their cake transformation won’t be much of a hassle, either. In fact, this might be the unexpected shortcut to your very own one-of-a-kind dessert — one that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and comes with endless possibilities.
Ice cream sandwiches don’t ask for much, not a bowl, a spoon, or even a recipe. Just unwrap and indulge in the sweetness sitting right at your fingertips. It’s just what you need when the mood calls for something utterly rich and creamy, but baking from scratch feels like such a chore. All you need is two dozen ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream, and other optional additions. Just lay the sandwiches in a baking dish, spread a thick layer of whipped cream over it, sprinkle in other toppings, and repeat the process until the dish is filled to the brim. Cover the whole thing with aluminum foil and freeze it for around half an hour. Straight out of the fridge, it’s cold and solid yet no less creamy, adorning a tantalizing richness and sweet nuances — just pure joy in dessert form.
There is creative potential in every ingredient
John E. Kelly/Getty Images
This fun, special twist already defies expectations, so it should come as no surprise that it’s also the perfect blank canvas. Even just swapping out the whipped cream for ice cream can do wonders. It may seem like an overkill, but you might change your mind once the ice cream cake hits the table. There are so many ice cream flavors to choose from, so have fun matching it with the ice cream sandwich. Vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter are foolproof choices, but feel free to experiment with mint, coconut, pistachio, or anything you like. More extravagantly, consider elevating your ice cream sandwich with a second ice cream layer. No longer separated by the cookies, the ice cream melds into one another, creating a wonderfully unique mishmash of flavors.
Between the layers, you can lace the cake with salty hints from salted caramel or the sweet-tart goodness of strawberry syrup. Don’t hesitate to borrow inspiration from other pastries, either. When combined, coffee, cocoa powder, and the creamy base, make a mean imitation of the classic tiramisu — only with an intriguing cooling twist. Rich, luscious fudge, on the other hand, brings to mind the magic of a well-made chocolate cake.
As for the toppings, you can hardly go wrong with chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, and chopped nuts. Sprinkles or M&Ms can add a pop of color. Fresh fruits can mellow out all that cloying intensity. Or, as a nod to the familiar cakes we’ve come to love, pop some maraschino cherries over top.
