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Close-up of a slice showing chocolate, vanilla, and cookie crunch layers

Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

A layered homemade Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, Oreo cookie crumbs, and whipped cream frosting.
Servings

Ingredients

For the Cookie Crumb Layer:

  • 20 Oreo cookies crushed (including the cream filling)
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter melted

For the Ice Cream Layers:

  • 1 quart chocolate ice cream
  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream preferably vanilla bean

For the Fudge Layer:

  • 11.75 ounces hot fudge topping

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
  • cups powdered sugar
  • teaspoons clear vanilla extract
  • Chocolate or rainbow sprinkles for optional garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Springform Pan:

  1. Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with plastic wrap, ensuring full coverage. This will make removal of the cake easier once frozen.

Bake the Cookie Crumb Layer:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies with the melted butter. Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 7–8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, break the cookie mixture into coarse crumbs.

Form the Chocolate Ice Cream Base:

  1. Allow the chocolate ice cream to soften at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Once softened, spread it into the base of the springform pan in an even layer. Place the pan in the freezer until the layer is firm.

Add the Fudge and Cookie Crumb Layers:

  1. Slightly warm the hot fudge topping in the microwave for approximately 15–20 seconds to make it easier to spread. Evenly spread the hot fudge over the frozen chocolate ice cream layer, followed by a layer of the cooled cookie crumbs. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Add the Vanilla Ice Cream Layer:

  1. Soften the vanilla ice cream at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes. Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the cookie crumb layer. Smooth the top with a spatula. Freeze the cake for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure stability.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and clear vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed using an electric mixer for 3–4 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.

Assemble and Decorate the Cake:

  1. Remove the cake from the freezer and release the sides of the springform pan. Carefully lift the cake out using the plastic wrap and place it on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top and sides with the prepared whipped cream. Garnish with sprinkles, if desired. Return the finished cake to the freezer until ready to serve.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies in place of standard Oreos. Ensure that the hot fudge topping, ice creams, and all flavorings are also labeled gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for potential sources of gluten, especially in processed items like sprinkles or fudge toppings.
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