This easy no-bake ice cream cake starts with a base of ice cream sandwiches for the perfect creamy foundation. Top it with your favorite toppings for a customizable dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or any celebration.

Homemade Ice Cream Cake Recipe

This recipe is for my people who do not like cake but still want a birthday cake. Basically, this is everyone in my family. For some reason, they are just not cake lovers. And that’s ok, because honestly, I’m not the best cake decorator either. However, I can make a mean homemade ice cream cake that everyone raves about.

Honestly, this cake is kind of magical. You can throw in whatever flavors or toppings you love, from sprinkles to chocolate chips, and it still comes out looking amazing. No baking, no complicated decorating—just layers of ice cream sandwiches and your favorite toppings. It’s fast, delicious, and always earns compliments without the stress of a traditional cake.

The Cowboys’ Rating: 10/10

Every time I make a new recipe, I have my family rate the recipe out of 10. By the time, these recipes make the blog, they’ve been tried and tested by some of my hardest tiny critics!

What Ingredients are in Easy Homemade Ice Cream Cake?

Ice Cream Sandwiches – Just plain ‘ole ice cream sandwiches here. Nothing fancy. I buy the great value ones and use them for the base of this recipe.
Vanilla Ice Cream – I use vanilla ice cream because we love it. But feel free to use any kind of ice cream you love! If you’re an Oreo lover, add in Oreo ice cream!
Cool Whip (or whipped topping) – This adds a different flavor and texture to the cake that seriously is so good.
Toppings – For this recipe, I used caramel topping, shaved chocolate and sprinkles. You can crush up cookies, use candy, or anything that you want to make it your own.

Tools You’ll Need

Recipe for Homemade Ice Cream Cake

About 10 minutes before making the ice cream cake, set the ice cream and Cool Whip out on the counter to soften slightly.
Unwrap the ice cream sandwiches and layer them in the bottom of a 9×13″ casserole dish.
Scoop the softened vanilla ice cream over the ice cream sandwiches and spread evenly, then top with the Cool Whip and spread it evenly as well.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow the cake to set.
Remove from the freezer and drizzle with caramel topping, shaved chocolate, and sprinkles.
Cut into squares and serve.
Enjoy!

Storage and Make Ahead Directions

The best part about this homemade ice cream cake is that it can be make days in advance! Just cover with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Right before serving, take it out of the freezer, top with your desired toppings and serve.

Try More of My Easy Recipes