Next, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, just mixing until it’s combined. Then, stir in the chocolate chips and M&M’s—this is where it gets really fun as those vibrant colors pop! Spread half of this batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. While that’s baking, let’s talk about the ice cream layer. Take your quart of softened vanilla ice cream and spread it evenly over the baked and cooled cookie cake once it’s ready.
Once you’ve added the ice cream layer, it’s time for the next cake layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough batter on top of the ice cream, spreading it gently to make sure it covers the ice cream but doesn’t melt it. Then, freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm. Once it’s set, carefully remove it from the springform pan, and top it with whipped cream and extra M&M’s. I usually drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top, because who doesn’t love some extra decadence?
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first made this ice cream cake, I experimented with different types of ice cream—try using chocolate or cookie dough flavors for a fun twist. Only the classic vanilla gave me the great balance I wanted, so that’s my go-to now! I’ve also found that letting the cookie dough layer bake just until golden brown creates a wonderful texture—chewy and soft, but not undercooked.
Speaking of cookie dough, make sure to let it cool completely before adding the ice cream layer to prevent it from melting. I once made the mistake of layering too soon, and it turned into a bit of a melty mess! Also, freezing time is important; giving it extra time helps the flavors meld together perfectly and makes for easier slicing later on.
Lastly, consider using mini M&M’s in the cake mix if you want more candy pieces distributed throughout. I’ve tested both regular and mini, and while they both work, the minis add a nice little crunch without overpowering the other textures in the cake!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake I made when first trying this recipe was not measuring the flour accurately. I ended up with a denser cookie layer than I wanted. Always make sure to spoon (and level) your flour into the measuring cup to avoid that! (See the next page below to continue…)