Brownie Ice Cream Cake Recipe

The Perfect Brownie Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Brownie ice cream cake blends decadent chocolate richness with cool, creamy indulgence in one extraordinary dessert.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the harmonious marriage of dense, fudgy textures and smooth frozen delights.

Layers of intense flavor create a sensational experience that changes ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between warm, gooey brownie foundations and silky frozen cream surfaces.

The magic happens when temperatures and textures converge, producing a dessert that tantalizes multiple senses simultaneously.

Versatile and crowd-pleasing, this treat adapts to any gathering, mood, or sweet tooth’s desire.

Your guests will be captivated by its elegant simplicity and irresistible charm.

Decadent Brownie Ice Cream Cake

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: This brownie ice cream cake combines rich, fudgy brownie base with creamy ice cream, creating a luxurious dessert that satisfies deep chocolate cravings in every single bite.
  • Craft a Showstopping Dessert: Perfect for special occasions, this cake looks incredibly impressive yet doesn't require professional baking skills, making it accessible for home cooks wanting to create something spectacular.
  • Experience Textural Bliss: The dessert offers an amazing contrast between dense, moist brownie bottom and smooth, cold ice cream layer, topped with fluffy whipped cream – providing multiple delightful textures that dance on your palate.
  • Customize with Endless Possibilities: Easily personalize the cake by switching ice cream flavors, adding different toppings, or experimenting with chocolate varieties, ensuring each creation feels uniquely yours.

Key Ingredients for Brownie Ice Cream Cake

Brownie Layer Ingredients:
  • Canola Oil: Light and neutral oil that helps create a moist and tender brownie base.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft texture in the brownie layer.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the brownie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its rich, aromatic profile.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Basic flour that forms the foundation of the brownie base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownie layer.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
Ice Cream Layer Ingredients:
  • Ice Cream: Creamy filling that adds rich, cold contrast to the brownie base, choose a flavor that complements chocolate.
  • Hot Fudge Sauce: Decadent chocolate sauce that adds extra moisture and flavor between layers.
Frosting and Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, fluffy frosting with smooth texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor depth to the whipped cream.
  • Colorful Toppings: Optional decorative elements that add visual appeal and texture to the final dessert.

How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil, leaving extra hanging over edges for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Brownie Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Canola oil
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until well mixed.

Step 3: Create Brownie Batter

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Stir gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Bake Brownie Layer

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until edges set. Test with toothpick – moist crumbs are okay, but no wet batter.

Step 5: Cool Brownie

Let brownie cool completely in its pan.

Step 6: Prepare Ice Cream Layer

Soften ice cream at room temperature. Line another 9-inch round pan with plastic wrap.

Step 7: Freeze Ice Cream Layer

Spoon softened ice cream into pan. Smooth evenly, removing air pockets. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Step 8: Freeze Ice Cream

Freeze ice cream layer for 8 hours or up to 3 days.

Step 9: Remove Brownie

Lift brownie from pan using foil overhangs. Place on serving plate.

Step 10: Add Hot Fudge

Pour hot fudge sauce generously over brownie, ensuring even coverage.

Step 11: Add Ice Cream Layer

Remove frozen ice cream from pan. Carefully place on top of hot fudge layer.

Step 12: Stabilize Cake

Wrap cake in plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes to set layers.

Step 13: Create Whipped Topping

In mixer bowl, whip together:
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 14: Apply Whipped Topping

Remove cake from freezer. Spread whipped cream over entire surface, including sides.

Step 15: Final Freeze

Freeze cake for additional 30 minutes until topping sets.

Step 16: Decorate and Serve

Sprinkle colorful toppings just before serving. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Brownie Ice Cream Cake

  • Choose Premium Ingredients: Select high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract to enhance the rich chocolate flavor and overall taste of your dessert.
  • Prevent Brownie Overbaking: Remove brownies from oven when toothpick shows moist crumbs to maintain a fudgy, soft texture that won't become dry or crumbly.
  • Control Ice Cream Texture: Let ice cream soften just enough to spread easily without becoming too melted, which helps create clean, even layers during assembly.
  • Stabilize Cake Structure: Allow brief freezing between layers to help the cake hold its shape and prevent ingredients from sliding around when slicing.
  • Create Perfect Whipped Cream: Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream whip faster and form more stable, fluffy peaks for a professional-looking frosting.

Storing and Reheating Brownie Ice Cream Cake

  • Refrigeration: Wrap the remaining Brownie Ice Cream Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 5 days to maintain optimal taste and texture. Keep cake away from foods with strong odors that might compromise its delicate flavor profile.
  • Reheating: Remove cake from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gentle thawing process helps soften the ice cream and prevents crystallization. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to create clean, smooth slices that showcase beautiful layers.
  • Freshness Tips: Never refreeze partially thawed cake as this can create unwanted ice crystals and compromise the dessert's creamy consistency. Consume within 24-48 hours after initial serving for the best taste experience.

Pairing Brownie Ice Cream Cake with Coffee

  • Elevate Chocolate Companions: Pair this decadent brownie ice cream cake with a glass of rich port wine or a smooth bourbon to complement the deep chocolate flavors.
  • Brew the Perfect Match: Serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee, which will cut through the sweetness and enhance the dessert's intense chocolate notes.
  • Cool Contrast Companions: Add a scoop of fresh raspberries or a drizzle of raspberry coulis to provide a tart counterpoint to the rich, sweet cake, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Indulgent Sip Selection: Consider a creamy chocolate martini or a Bailey's Irish Cream to echo the dessert's luxurious chocolate and cream elements while adding an extra layer of sophistication.

Fun Variations of Brownie Ice Cream Cake

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Delight: Replace vanilla ice cream with mint chocolate chip, adding crushed peppermint candies on top for extra crunch and festive flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Swap vanilla ice cream with salted caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce between brownie and ice cream layers, and sprinkle sea salt flakes for heightened richness.
  • Nutty Chocolate Explosion: Mix chopped roasted almonds or pecans into brownie batter, use chocolate ice cream, and garnish with chocolate-covered nuts for added texture and intense chocolate experience.
  • Berry Bliss Fusion: Use strawberry or raspberry ice cream, add fresh berry compote between layers, and top with fresh mixed berries for a fruity, refreshing summer-inspired version.
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Brownie Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Brownie Ice Cream Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Brownie Ice Cream Cake delivers pure chocolate indulgence with layers of rich fudgy brownie and creamy ice cream. Dessert enthusiasts will savor this cool, crowd-pleasing marvel that perfectly combines classic comfort with elegant simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (340g) sugar
  • ¾ cup (177ml) canola oil
  • 1.5 quart (1.41L) ice cream flavor of choice
  • 2 cups (473ml) heavy whipping cream

Dry Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (100g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (70g) cocoa powder any type
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (50g) powdered sugar

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (for brownie)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
  • ½ to ¾ cup (118 to 177ml) hot fudge sauce
  • Sprinkles for topping

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with aluminum foil, creating extended edges for effortless removal.
  2. Combine canola oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and pure vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Gently fold all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and kosher salt into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing.
  4. Transfer brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until edges appear firm and a toothpick inserted reveals moist crumbs without raw batter.
  5. Let the brownie layer cool completely within the pan at room temperature.
  6. Remove the brownie from the pan using foil overhangs and place on a serving plate with the top surface facing upward.
  7. Drizzle warmed chocolate fudge sauce generously across the brownie, ensuring uniform coverage.
  8. Allow chosen ice cream flavor to soften slightly at room temperature for easier manipulation.
  9. Line another 9-inch round pan with plastic wrap and carefully spread the softened ice cream, creating a smooth, even layer while eliminating air bubbles.
  10. Freeze the ice cream layer for a minimum of eight hours or up to three days.
  11. Extract the frozen ice cream from its pan by peeling away the plastic wrap and position it directly atop the fudge-covered brownie layer.
  12. Wrap the entire dessert in plastic wrap and briefly return to the freezer for 30 minutes to help stabilize the layers.
  13. Prepare the whipped topping by beating heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  14. Remove the cake from the freezer and apply the whipped cream smoothly around the entire surface, covering sides and top completely.
  15. Return the decorated cake to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes to set the whipped cream.
  16. Just before serving, garnish with desired decorative toppings like chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed nuts.

Notes

  • Transform leftover brownies into a show-stopping ice cream cake that’ll make dessert lovers swoon.
  • Freezing helps create clean, precise layers that look professionally designed and taste absolutely delicious.
  • Preparing pans with foil and plastic wrap ensures super easy removal without damaging delicate cake structure.
  • Softening ice cream slightly allows smooth spreading and prevents potential cracking during assembly.
  • Hot fudge sauce acts like magical glue between brownie and ice cream layers, adding extra decadent flavor dimension.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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