If you’re craving a decadent treat that brings together the best parts of a gooey brownie and creamy, melty ice cream, Brownie Ice Cream Cake is about to be your new obsession. Layers of rich brownie and your favorite ice cream flavor unite for a dreamy dessert that feels special enough for birthdays yet easy enough for any weeknight splurge. With a drizzle of hot fudge and a cloud of whipped cream on top, every slice is pure joy and guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re a chocolate purist or love to play with flavors, Brownie Ice Cream Cake is that show-stopping, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on package)
Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 1/2 quarts ice cream (any flavor, softened)
Toppings:
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownie Layer
Start by preheating your oven according to your brownie mix instructions. Mix up the brownies as directed and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to make later removal super easy. Pour in the batter and bake as the instructions say. Trust that intoxicating scent to let you know it’s nearly ready! Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan—patience here ensures a perfect, sturdy base for your Brownie Ice Cream Cake.
Step 2: Add the Ice Cream Layer
Once your brownie base is completely cool (this is key—no melty mishaps!), grab your softly melted ice cream. Spread it evenly over the brownie using a spatula. If you’re swirling in extras like caramel or peanut butter, gently ripple them through the ice cream before smoothing out the top. Cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, until the whole thing is firm and sliceable.
Step 3: Unmold and Decorate
Right before serving, take the Brownie Ice Cream Cake out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to help with releasing from the pan. Release the springform and peel away the parchment for clean edges. Warm your hot fudge until it’s glossy and pourable, then drizzle it generously over the top. Dollop on the whipped cream and add any sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate shavings you love.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
For the neatest slices, use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve immediately, and soak up those happy smiles as everyone digs in to the irresistible layers of brownie and ice cream!
How to Serve Brownie Ice Cream Cake
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you get to let your personality shine! Classic options like rainbow sprinkles or crushed nuts add both crunch and color, while chocolate shavings or caramel drizzle whisper pure indulgence. Even a few fresh berries can dress things up beautifully. Don’t skimp—these finishing touches make your Brownie Ice Cream Cake look and taste even more spectacular.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple, since this cake is the superstar. A big bowl of fresh strawberries or a platter of sliced bananas is a refreshing match for the cake’s sweet richness. For a coffee-shop vibe, serve with espresso or strong cold brew—a little bitterness that balances every scrumptious bite of Brownie Ice Cream Cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not slice the Brownie Ice Cream Cake into slim wedges, stack on tiny dessert plates, and top each with a mini scoop of ice cream? Or, try making individual cakes in muffin tins with cupcake liners for adorable single serves. For a birthday, set out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own slice with a medley of sauces, fruits, and crunchy bits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brownie Ice Cream Cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in your freezer. This helps keep the ice cream from absorbing any freezer smells and preserves that fresh, luscious taste. It can last up to a week, though it’s so good, it rarely sticks around that long!
Freezing
The whole cake can be made ahead and frozen for up to a week. Make sure to wrap the pan or cake well to prevent ice crystals from forming. You can also freeze individual slices—just place parchment paper between them for easy grab-and-go treats.
Reheating
No reheating required! But for the best texture, let your Brownie Ice Cream Cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This quick rest softens the layers slightly and makes for silky-smooth cuts.
FAQs
What’s the best ice cream flavor for Brownie Ice Cream Cake?
You can’t go wrong with classics like vanilla or chocolate, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even raspberry ripple make for fun and delicious twists on the original. The beauty of Brownie Ice Cream Cake is how customizable it is to please every palate.
Can I use homemade brownies and ice cream?
Absolutely! If you want to make everything from scratch, go for it. Homemade brownies will lend an even richer chocolate flavor, and churning your own ice cream adds a lovely personal touch. Just make sure your brownies are cool and sturdy, and your ice cream is thoroughly softened before layering.
How do I keep the brownie from getting too hard in the freezer?
Freezing naturally firms up the brownie base, but letting the cake sit at room temperature for several minutes before slicing helps bring it back to that perfect chewy texture. Using a fudgy brownie recipe or mix also keeps it moist after freezing.
Can I make a gluten-free or dairy-free version?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free brownie mix and opt for a dairy-free ice cream (such as coconut or almond milk-based ones). For toppings, check their ingredient lists to confirm they’re suitable for your dietary needs. It’s easy to make Brownie Ice Cream Cake work for just about everyone.
What’s the best way to transport Brownie Ice Cream Cake to a party?
Freeze the cake solid, keep it in the springform pan, and wrap well. Transport in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs so it stays nice and firm. Add the hot fudge and whipped cream once you arrive for a freshly decorated look.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a dazzling dessert that’s both comfortingly familiar and impossibly decadent, you simply must make this Brownie Ice Cream Cake. Every bite is a celebration of chocolate, cold creaminess, and that magical combination of textures you’ll crave all year round. Trust me—you and your guests are going to fall in love, so gather your favorite ingredients and treat yourself soon!
Print
Brownie Ice Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Brownie Ice Cream Cake. A decadent treat featuring a rich brownie base topped with creamy ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on package)
Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 1/2 quarts ice cream (any flavor, softened)
Toppings:
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Layer: Preheat the oven and prepare the brownie batter. Bake in a springform pan, then cool.
- Add Ice Cream: Spread softened ice cream over the brownie base.
- Freeze: Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
- Final Touches: Drizzle with warmed hot fudge, top with whipped cream and garnishes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a layered effect, use two smaller brownie rounds and sandwich the ice cream between them.
- You can also swirl caramel or peanut butter sauce into the ice cream before freezing for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
