Name: Ice Cream Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: 15.5 ounces chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed and divided into ¼ cup, and the remainder); ¼ cup butter (melted); 3 quarts vanilla ice cream (softened); 22 to 24 ounces hot fudge ice cream topping ((two 11 to 12-ounce jars), warmed and divided into 2 cups, and the remainder); 8 ounces frozen whipped topping (thawed)

A slice of ice cream dessert on a white plate

This Ice Cream Dessert is a creamy, layered treat with crunchy toppings and rich chocolate sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make An Ice Cream Dessert
Why You'll Love This Ice Cream Dessert Recipe
Baking FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

This Ice Cream Dessert is the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion! With layers of creamy ice cream, crunchy toppings, and rich chocolate sauce, every bite is pure bliss. You can easily customize it with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings to make it your own. It’s perfect for a quick dessert that will wow your family and friends!

This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the guide below. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions, plus pro tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly. You'll also find answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions to help along the way!

a big piece of Ice Cream Dessert on a plate with a big bite out of it.

More Recipes ⭐ Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake | Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake | Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipes

This frozen Ice Cream Dessert takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or any special occasion. Layers of creamy ice cream, crunchy toppings, and rich chocolate sauce create a dessert everyone will love. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ice cream flavors, so you can make it your own. This treat is a showstopper and will leave your guests asking for more!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Ice Cream Dessert Recipe:

One package (15.5 ounces) of chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed, divided into ¼ cup, and the remainder
¼ cup of butter, melted
Two (1.5-quart) containers of vanilla ice cream, softened
2 (11 to 12-ounce) jars of hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed, divided into 2 cups, and the remainder
1 (8-ounce) container of Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Ice Cream Dessert by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These simple changes can make your dessert uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Substitute Ice Cream: Use any kind of ice cream you want for a different flavor of Frozen Ice Cream Dessert. Use store-bought containers, or try our Chocolate Chip Ice Cream or Cookie Dough Ice Cream recipes. Keep in mind, you'll need 2-3 batches of homemade ice cream to make this cake.
Add Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries for a fresh, fruity twist.
Swap Chocolate Sauce: Try caramel, hot fudge, or even fruit syrup to switch up the flavor of your dessert.

How to Make An Ice Cream Dessert

Follow along with our pictures and step-by-step instructions to make this delicious Ice Cream Dessert. Don’t forget to check out the tips and tricks listed below for extra help. Let’s get started and create this sweet treat!

FIRST STEP: Place the cookies into a food processor and pulse until a crumb texture. Remove ¼ cup of cookie crumbs to be used as a sprinkle topping. For the remaining crumbs, run the food processor and drizzle in the melted butter, and run for about 15 seconds.

Pro Tip

If you don’t have a food processor to make cookie crumbs, place the cookies in a zipper-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine crumbs.

Ground cookies in a food processor with butter being poured in.

SECOND STEP: Press the cookie crumbs into the bottom of a greased 9×13 pan. Place the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you let the ice cream soften. To soften the ice cream, remove the lid from the ice cream and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Pro Tip

Let the containers sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes and then dump the ice cream into a large bowl. You can then use a spoon to gently stir it around. Once it is soft enough to scoop and “spread” in the bowl it is ready to scoop and spread onto the crust!

A glass baking pan with the oreo cookie crust pressed into the bottom.

THIRD STEP: Remove the pan from the freezer, and using an ice cream scoop, place scooped ice cream all over the crust and then spread the softened ice cream over the cookie crust. Lay a piece of cling wrap on top of the ice cream and place it in the freezer to freeze until solid again (about 2 hours).

Vanilla ice cream is being spread over the top of the cookie crumbs.

FOURTH STEP: Next, warm the jars of hot fudge ice cream topping per the instructions on the jar. Measure out 2 cups of the warmed topping, and reserve the remaining fudge to pour over the finished dessert. Pour the warmed fudge over the top of the frozen ice cream and spread it into an even layer. Freeze again until solid (about one hour).

Hot fudge is spread over the ice cream layer.

FIFTH STEP: Next, remove the dessert and spread the thawed whipped topping evenly on top of the dessert. Sprinkle with the reserved ¼ cup of crushed cookies. Place back into the freezer for two hours or until ready to serve.

Cool whip and crushed oreos decorate the top of the cake.

Pro Tip

Freezing the dessert between each step will really help keep it solid.

SIXTH STEP: When ready to serve, remove the dessert from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or on the countertop for 15 minutes. Drizzle with remaining warmed fudge topping as desired.

Pro Tip

To cut the cake, use a long serrated knife that has been run under hot water and wiped dry to cut the cake, reheating the knife as necessary.

How To Serve

You can serve this Ice Cream Dessert for so many occasions! It’s a versatile treat that works year-round and is loved by all ages. Whether it’s for a summer party or a cozy family gathering, this dessert will be a hit.

Birthday Parties - Kids will love the creamy layers and fun toppings in this dessert. It’s perfect for birthday celebrations, especially with a side of cupcakes or cookies for extra sweetness.
Summer BBQs - This cold treat is a refreshing option for hot summer days. Pair it with grilled burgers or BBQ chicken sliders to keep things cool and delicious.
Holiday Gatherings - Serve this dessert at holiday dinners for an easy, crowd-pleasing option. It’s a festive hit when paired with pumpkin pie or gingerbread cookies during the winter season.

A slice of Ice Cream Dessert being lifted out of a baking dish.

Why You'll Love This Ice Cream Dessert Recipe

Ice Cream Dessert is a beloved favorite for so many delightful reasons, and it’s easy to see why!

A Layered Delight - This recipe creates layers of creamy ice cream, crunchy cookies, and rich chocolate sauce. Each bite offers a perfect combination of textures that will leave you wanting more!
Easy to Customize - You can easily make this dessert your own by adding different flavors or toppings. It’s a fun recipe that adapts to everyone’s tastes, making it a hit at every gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion - Whether it's a casual family night or a special celebration, this ice cream dessert always impresses. Its simplicity makes it both delicious and approachable for any event.

Ice Cream Dessert is more than just a sweet treat—it's a fun and versatile recipe your family will love!

Ice cream dessert is sliced and put on a white plate.

Baking FAQ

Can I make this Ice Cream Dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day ahead. Just keep it in the freezer until ready to serve.

How should I serve this dessert at a party?
Slice the dessert into squares and serve on chilled plates. Add extra toppings like sprinkles for a festive touch.

Can I use different ice cream flavors?
Absolutely! Customize this recipe by using your favorite ice cream flavors, like chocolate, mint, or cookie dough, for variety.

How many servings does this recipe make?
This Ice Cream Dessert typically serves 12 to 16 people, depending on the portion size you prefer. Perfect for a crowd!

A slice of Ice Cream Dessert is being lifted from the cake pan.

Serving FAQ

Follow the directions below for tips and tricks on how to store this Ice Cream Dessert. From making ahead to enjoying leftovers, we've got all the details covered to help you serve this dessert perfectly.

Can I make this Ice Cream Dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dessert ahead of time and keep it in the freezer until ready to serve.

How should I store leftover Ice Cream Dessert?
Store any leftover Ice Cream Dessert in the freezer, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Ice Cream Dessert for a longer time?
Yes, you can keep it in the freezer for up to one week without losing flavor or texture.

How do I serve the dessert after freezing?
Let the dessert sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving for easier cutting.

a decorate Ice Cream Dessert is beside a slice on a dessert plate.

Storage FAQ

For optimal storage, follow the directions, tips, and tricks below. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered.

Can I prepare an Ice Cream Dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Ice Cream Dessert a day ahead. Store it in the freezer until you're ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover Ice Cream Dessert?
Store any leftover dessert in the freezer, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Is it possible to freeze Ice Cream Dessert for a longer period?
Yes, you can freeze this dessert for up to one week without affecting the flavor or texture.

How do I serve the dessert after freezing?
Let the dessert sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.