Delicious Carvel Ice Cream Cake Recipe

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a Carvel Ice Cream Cake. For many Americans, it brings back birthday parties, summer gatherings, and sweet, cold bites of childhood joy. Growing up, it was the showstopper of every family celebration. My grandmother would always try to “one-up” the store-bought version, and eventually, she perfected a homemade take that was even better than the original. This recipe is inspired by her, with a few modern twists.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, cooling off during the heatwave, or just treating yourself, this dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. And yes, it includes that iconic crunchy chocolate layer!

Why You’ll Love This Carvel Ice Cream Cake

• No baking required – perfect for summer!

• Customizable flavors – stick to classics or mix it up!

• That famous chocolate crunch, just like the original Carvel layer!

• Freezer-friendly – make it ahead for parties or gatherings.

Prep Time, Chill Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Freezing Time: Minimum 6 hours (preferably overnight)

• Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Crunch Layer:

• 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup chocolate shell topping or melted chocolate chips

For the Ice Cream Layers:

• 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened)

• 1 quart of chocolate ice cream (softened)

For the Whipped Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 3 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Sprinkles

• Crushed cookies

• Maraschino cherries

• Caramel or chocolate drizzle

How to Make a Carvel Ice Cream Cake at Home

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8-inch springform pan with plastic wrap, making sure it overhangs on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Build the First Ice Cream Layer

Spread the vanilla ice cream evenly into the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula or back of a spoon to smooth it out. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Crunch

In a bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter and the chocolate shell topping. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated and resemble wet sand. Spread this layer over the vanilla ice cream and gently press down.

Pro Tip: For that real Carvel crunch, don’t over-press—it should still have a nice crumbly bite!

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Ice Cream

Spread the chocolate ice cream over the chocolate crunch layer. Smooth it out evenly. Cover the entire cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

Right before serving, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. You can also use store-bought whipped topping if you’re short on time.

Step 6: Frost & Decorate

Remove the cake from the springform pan and peel away the plastic wrap. Frost the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream. Decorate with sprinkles, cookie crumbles, cherries, or whatever makes you smile!

Customization Ideas

This Carvel Ice Cream Cake is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to customize it:

• Mint Chocolate Delight: Use mint chip and chocolate ice creams, and add mint extract to the whipped topping.

• Fruity Fun: Layer strawberry and vanilla ice cream with freeze-dried strawberries in the center.

  Birthday Bash: Add a layer of Funfetti cake crumbs between the ice cream layers and top with rainbow sprinkles.

Print

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in the freezer for up to 1 week. For best texture, consume within 3 days.

Tips for Success

• Soften ice cream just right: Leave it out for 10–15 minutes—too soft and it’ll melt, too hard and it won’t spread easily.

• Use a springform pan: It makes layering and unmolding a breeze.

• Chill between layers: Give each layer time to set for neat, distinct layers.

• Don’t skip the crunch layer: It’s the heart of the Carvel charm!

A Cake to Celebrate, Carvel Style

There’s no doubt that Carvel Ice Cream Cake is a beloved classic—and now, you can bring it to life right in your kitchen. Whether it’s a party of two or a celebration with friends, this cake brings smiles with every slice.

So go ahead, grab a spoon (or a fork), and dig in. And if you put your own spin on it, let me know! I’d love to see how you made it your own.