Dairy Queen-Style Ice Cream Cake

A Copycat Recipe with Layers of Cookie Crust, Ice Cream, Hot Fudge & Whipped Cream!

✨ Introduction

This Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake is a showstopping dessert that replicates the iconic treat—no fancy equipment needed! With layers of chocolate cookie crust, velvety ice cream, rich hot fudge, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s perfect for:

Birthday parties
Summer celebrations
Any occasion that calls for a frosty, indulgent dessert


📝 Ingredients

Cookie Crust Layer:

  • 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed (filling included)
  • 4 tbsp salted butter, melted

Ice Cream Layers:

  • 1 quart chocolate ice cream, slightly softened
  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream (vanilla bean for best flavor), slightly softened

Hot Fudge Layer:

  • 11.75 oz jar hot fudge topping (or homemade)

Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp clear vanilla extract (or regular)
  • Sprinkles (for decoration)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Crust

  1. Crush cookies into fine crumbs (use a food processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin).
  2. Mix with melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze 15 mins to set.

2. Layer the Ice Cream & Fudge

  1. Spread chocolate ice cream over crust (work quickly so it doesn’t melt).
  2. Drizzle hot fudge evenly over chocolate ice cream.
  3. Spread vanilla ice cream over fudge layer.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze 4+ hours (or overnight).

3. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

  1. Whip cold cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Add powdered sugar & vanilla, whip to stiff peaks.

4. Decorate & Serve

  1. Release cake from springform pan.
  2. Frost with whipped cream (pipe swirls for a bakery look).
  3. Add sprinkles (press gently so they stick).
  4. Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Cake

🍦 Ice Cream Hacks:

  • Soften ice cream at room temp 10–15 mins for easy spreading.
  • Use a warm spoon to smooth layers.

🎂 Presentation Tips:

  • Chill the cake board before assembling to prevent sliding.
  • Pipe whipped cream borders for a polished finish.

⏳ Make-Ahead & Storage:

  • Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 1 week. Add frosting before serving.
  • Leftovers? Cover tightly and freeze up to 2 weeks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different ice cream flavors?

Yes! Try mint chocolate chip + vanilla or strawberry + chocolate.

2. How do I prevent the layers from melting?

  • Work in a cool kitchen.
  • Freeze each layer for 15 mins before adding the next.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use GF cookies and check ice cream labels.

4. Why is my whipped cream runny?

  • Cream wasn’t cold enough.
  • Overwhipped? It’ll turn grainy—start over with new cream.

5. Can I use Cool Whip instead?

Yes, but homemade whipped cream tastes richer!


🍨 Final Thoughts

This Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!

“No need to visit DQ—this cake is BETTER!” 🏆

Tag us in your cake photos! 📸 #DQIceCreamCakeCopycat

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