The Dreamiest Coffee Ice Cream Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Rich coffee ice cream cake reimagines ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Sweet dreams of creamy indulgence come alive with this decadent treat that blends smooth frozen textures and robust caffeine-infused flavors.

Delicate layers melt together, creating a symphony of cool, velvety sensations that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert bridges the gap between elegant dining and comforting nostalgia.

Chocolate and coffee enthusiasts will adore the deep, complex notes that weave through each delectable slice.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple to assemble, requiring minimal technical skills but delivering maximum flavor impact.

Summer gatherings or intimate dinner parties become instantly memorable with this show-stopping confection.

Coffee Ice Cream Cake for Bold, Cold Dessert Lovers

• Craft Decadent Layers: This recipe transforms a simple brownie into a luxurious multi-layered dessert with rich coffee and vanilla ice cream, creating a stunning visual and taste experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant creation.
• Customize with Ease: Whether using homemade or store-bought ice cream, the recipe offers flexible preparation methods that make it accessible for both expert bakers and casual home cooks, reducing stress and increasing enjoyment.
• Indulge in Texture Play: The combination of fudgy brownie base, creamy ice cream, and swirled chocolate creates a delightful contrast of soft, smooth, and rich textures that dance deliciously across your palate with every bite.
• Perfect for Special Moments: This elegant dessert works wonderfully for celebrations, summer gatherings, or as a show-stopping finale to a dinner party, making ordinary occasions feel extraordinary and memorable.

Ingredients for a Dreamy Coffee Ice Cream Cake

• Chocolate, Unsweetened Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate provides rich, deep flavor and creates a fudgy brownie base.
• Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the brownie layer, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the brownie and contributes to its moist, dense structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the brownie.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and texture to the brownie base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Coffee Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy layers that create a delightful contrast with the chocolate brownie base.
• Chocolate Fudge: Adds extra richness and creates a beautiful swirl effect on the vanilla ice cream layer.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal of the cake.
• Acetate Strip: Allows for clean layers and easy unmolding of the ice cream cake.

Building Coffee Ice Cream Cake in Layers

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 375°F. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Set aside.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

• Chopped chocolate
• Sugars
• Butter

Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Whisk eggs into the chocolate mixture one at a time, ensuring complete blending after each addition.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl. Fold flour mixture and remaining chopped chocolate into the batter until no dry streaks remain.

Step 5: Bake Brownie Layer

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Release Brownie

Gently remove brownie from pan using an offset spatula. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Cake Mold

Place cake ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Line ring with acetate. Position cooled brownie inside the ring.

Step 8: Add Coffee Ice Cream Layer

If using homemade ice cream:

Spread freshly churned coffee ice cream over brownie layer.

If using store-bought:

Soften ice cream by beating, then spread evenly.

Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.

Step 9: Create Vanilla Swirl Layer

Soften vanilla ice cream and spread over coffee layer. Drizzle chocolate fudge and swirl with a knife. Freeze for 3 hours or overnight.

Step 10: Unmold and Prepare

Remove cake from freezer. Carefully remove cake ring and acetate strip. If melting, return to freezer briefly.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice with a sharp knife. Serve immediately and savor the layers of chocolatey, creamy goodness.

Tips to Keep Ice Cream Cake From Melting Too Fast

• Chill Chocolate Carefully: Melt chocolate slowly over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy texture for your brownie base.
• Soften Ice Cream Smartly: Let store-bought ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before mixing to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency without melting completely.
• Layer with Precision: Use an offset spatula to spread ice cream evenly, creating clean and smooth layers that look professionally made.
• Freeze Strategically: Allow each layer to set completely before adding the next to prevent mixing and maintain distinct flavor profiles.
• Slice with Hot Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to create clean, beautiful slices that showcase the cake's beautiful layers.

How to Store and Slice Coffee Ice Cream Cake Cleanly

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover coffee ice cream cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place in the coldest part of the freezer to maintain texture and prevent freezer burn.
• Freezer Preservation: For longer storage, keep the cake frozen for 2-3 weeks. Wrap individual slices separately in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container to prevent crystallization and preserve flavor.
• Reheating Tips: Remove the cake from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Let it sit at room temperature to ensure the brownie layer becomes tender and the ice cream reaches a creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, which can cause uneven melting and ruin the cake's delicate texture.

Pairing Ideas for Coffee Ice Cream Cake Plates

• Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Serve this decadent coffee ice cream cake alongside a rich, medium-roast espresso or a smooth cold brew coffee to enhance the coffee notes and complement the dessert's deep chocolate flavors.
• Chocolate Lover's Wine Selection: Pair with a sweet ruby port or a dessert wine like Banyuls from France, which will beautifully highlight the chocolate's complexity and provide a luxurious drinking experience.
• Creamy Accompaniment Choice: Garnish with a small glass of Irish cream liqueur or amaretto, which will add a complementary creamy texture and nutty undertones that dance perfectly with the ice cream cake's rich profile.
• Textural Contrast Recommendation: Add a side of crisp almond biscotti or hazelnut cookies to provide a crunchy counterpoint to the smooth, velvety ice cream cake layers.

Coffee Ice Cream Cake Upgrades to Try Next

• Mocha Madness: Replace vanilla ice cream with mocha-flavored ice cream and add crushed espresso beans between layers for an extra coffee punch.
• Nutty Java Journey: Mix chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds into the coffee ice cream layer, enhancing the cake's texture and creating a rich, crunchy element.
• Caramel Coffee Craze: Drizzle salted caramel sauce between the brownie and coffee ice cream layers, then top with caramel-coated coffee beans for a decadent finish.
• Chocolate Espresso Explosion: Incorporate dark chocolate-covered espresso beans into the brownie batter and sprinkle additional chocolate shavings between ice cream layers for intense coffee-chocolate flavor.

Coffee Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky smooth coffee ice cream cake delivers pure indulgence with layers of rich espresso-infused dessert. Each elegant slice promises a luxurious journey through creamy textures and bold coffee notes that will tempt coffee enthusiasts into sweet bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pints (0.75 quart) coffee ice cream
• 1 pint (0.5 quart) vanilla ice cream

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons chocolate fudge

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
2. Utilize a double boiler to gently melt chocolate, sugars, and butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Incorporate eggs into the chocolate mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth blend.
4. Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl. Fold the flour mixture and remaining chocolate chunks into the batter, mixing until no dry ingredients are visible.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake until the center sets and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
6. After baking, let the brownie cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to reach room temperature.
7. Position a cake ring mold on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Wrap the interior with acetate and place the cooled brownie inside.
8. For homemade coffee ice cream, spread a soft layer directly over the brownie base. Alternatively, soften store-bought coffee ice cream by mixing until spreadable.
9. Freeze the first ice cream layer for 2-3 hours until completely solid.
10. Prepare the vanilla ice cream using the same softening technique as the coffee layer. Spread evenly over the coffee ice cream.
11. Create a decorative swirl by dolloping chocolate fudge across the vanilla layer and gently marbling with a knife.
12. Return the cake to the freezer for an additional 3 hours or preferably overnight to ensure complete setting.
13. Before serving, carefully remove the cake ring and acetate strip. If the cake begins to soften, briefly return it to the freezer.
14. Slice with a sharp knife, allowing the brownie layer to slightly soften for easier cutting and a more enjoyable texture.

Notes

• Prep in advance by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better incorporation.
• Use high-quality chocolate and coffee for rich, intense flavors that elevate the entire dessert.
• Softening ice cream requires careful attention to prevent melting completely – aim for spreadable consistency.
• Freezing between layers helps create clean, defined ice cream cake sections and prevents blending.
• Acetate strip is crucial for easy cake removal and creating professional-looking layered dessert.
• Serve immediately after cutting to enjoy the perfect balance of soft brownie and frozen ice cream textures.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg