Now, pour the batter into your prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While waiting, I like to daydream about how yummy this cake will be!
Once your cake has cooled, it’s time to assemble the layers. Just like assembling a sandwich, you’ll want to layer carefully! Begin by placing the first layer of cake in the bottom of your springform pan. Spread a layer of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream on top—about half of what you have in your pint. Then, top this with a second layer of cake, followed by the rest of the cookie dough ice cream. End with your final cake layer on top and smooth some chocolate ice cream over the top for that gorgeous finish. You can even sprinkle some extra M&M’s on this top layer for a pop of color!
To complete your masterpiece, cover everything with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, that’s even better. It allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
Pro Tips for Best Results
After making this cake several times, I have a few tips up my sleeve. First, try to use high-quality ice cream. The richer the ice cream, the creamier your cake will be. I found that using gelato makes a delightful difference! Secondly, don’t skimp on the cooling time. If you cut it too soon, you’ll end up with a melty mess instead of the stunning layers you want to showcase. Trust me, patience is a virtue here!
Lastly, consider adding some extra mix-ins. Sometimes, I like to throw in crushed Oreo cookies or even a swirl of marshmallow fluff between the layers for a touch of whimsy. Experimenting has led to some scrumptious surprises in my kitchen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake that I made was not allowing my cake to cool enough before assembling. I was too eager to taste the results, and it caused everything to get a little messy. Letting the layers cool completely lets each layer maintain its shape. Also, when mixing your batter, be sure not to over-mix. I learned this the hard way when my cake came out dense instead of light and fluffy. (See the next page below to continue…)