This Brownie Bottom Ice Cream Cake is the BEST Ice Cream Cake EVER! You’ve got a thick fudgy brownie layer on the bottom topped with creamy chocolate frosting, cookie dough ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles!
The BEST Ice Cream Cake In All of the Land!
My kids are fairly jaded when it comes to desserts. When they come home from school and there is a giant plate of cookies waiting for them, they don’t even waggle an eyebrow. Same old, same old. They have even, on occasion, bypassed my fresh baked cookies for Oreos. I kid you not.
BUT since I just chalk that up to kids being weird, I don’t let them get to me. However, they do, every so often, have a pretty fab idea. Which bring me to…
I cannot take full credit for the inception of this cake. You wanna know why? I actually don’t like ice cream cake. GASP I KNOW.
Let me explain a quick minute before I lose you. The thing is generally ice cream cakes are…well…all ice cream. I know, I know, duh. I am an oddball. Ice cream isn’t my favorite. I mean I love it when ice cream is filled with delicious extras, but I kinda-sorta pick those out and leave all the ice cream.
But that’s why this is the BEST Ice Cream Cake…it is filled with all sorts of other yummy things that while it is definitely an ice cream cake, it is a Brownie Bottom Ice Cream Cake topped with chocolate frosting, cookie dough ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles. You’re into this, right?
How To Make Brownie Bottom Ice Cream Cake
It’s really super simple, and there are tons of variations that we will get to in a minute. But first let’s start with the basics:
- Bake up some brownies in an 8×8 or 11×7 pan. But make sure the pan has deep sides, because you are going to be topping the brownie with all the extras and you don’t want it to overflow! I used a boxed brownie mix for ease in this recipe, but 100% absolutely you can bake brownies from scratch. My Fudgy Brownies recipe would work great! More on the size of the brownie mix in a minute.
- Top the brownies with some frosting! You can make your own homemade chocolate frosting, or certainly you can use canned chocolate frosting. Completely up to you and your willingness. Pop the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the frosting set up.
- While the frosting is chilling, pull out your ice cream from the freezer to let it soften up, so it will spread easily.
- You’re pretty much done at this point. Cover the cake with cling wrap and let it freeze for a few hours.
- When you’re ready to serve it up, make some homemade whipped cream and spread that on top of the ice cream and then finally SPRINKLES!
Ice Cream Cake FAQs – This Recipe is Totally Adaptable!
Here’s where I am going to try to answer all your questions! There are TONS of adaptations to this “recipe”, and I want to set you up for success. So let’s chat…
What Size Brownie Mix Do I Use?
Ok, here’s the deal. I wrote this recipe using a “regular” sized brownie mix, not a “Family Size” brownie mix. Generally a “Family Size” brownie mix says Bake in a 9×13 Pan on the front. When I buy and make Family Size brownies I always bake them in a 9×9 pan, because I like thicker brownies. But for this recipe a thicker brownie in a 9×9 pan might not leave enough room for all your ice cream unless the pan has tall sides. AND if you use a 9×13 sized pan, the layers of brownie, ice cream, and frosting will be super thin. Have I confused you yet?
So the recipe is written for a 10-ish ounce brownie mix, not an 18-ish ounce brownie mix. BUT. Here’s where I am really going to mess with your brain. You can EASILY make this recipe in a 9×13 pan, you will just need to increase the amount of frosting, ice cream and whipped cream by about a third.
Trust me, you’re not going to mess ANYTHING up. Make it as big or as small as you want, it’s totally up to you. Use this recipe as a guideline and get creative!
Side note – I have even made this using a Family Sized Brownie mix in a 9×9 pan with all the rest of the measurements the same, it just almost overflowed my pan because I didn’t decrease the amount of ice cream, but I wan’t made about it!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Ice Cream?
1000% yes! Cookie Dough is my favorite, so that’s what I used. But imagine the flavor possibilities:
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: This would be so amazing on top of the brownie and chocolate frosting. You could even use mini chocolate chips instead of sprinkles!
- Strawberry Ice Cream: You would have a Neapolitan situation going on!
- Vanilla: Nothing wrong with a little plain vanilla for the purest!
- Rocky Road: This could be great with chopped peanuts on top of the whipped cream!
- Cookies and Cream: Imagine this with chopped Oreo cookies as a garnish!
- Butter Pecan: Top the brownie with caramel instead of frosting and sprinkle the whipped cream with chopped candied pecans!
Will the Brownie Be Frozen and Solid?
Nope! Here are my tips to brownie success when it comes to this ice cream cake:
- Under-bake the brownie a bit. This is normal for me, as I prefer ooey-gooey brownies, but if you’re a rule follower and like to bake a brownie all the way, consider bending the rules slightly here.
- I bake brownies until a toothpick inserted an inch or two from the edge of the pan comes out clean. If the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s over-baked in my book.
- An under-baked brownie in this recipe will stay softer.
- Also make sure you allow the cake to sit out for 15-20 minutes or so before you slice it! Of course it will be rock solid if you try and eat it straight from the freezer…I mean, it’s frozen! So let it warm up a touch and you’ll be set!
Looking for More Ice Cream Recipes? Try These:
- Chipwich Ice Cram Cake
- Krispie Treat Ice Cream Pie
- Peanut Butter Dream Ice Cream Bars
- Sweet and Salty Ice Cream Terrine
This recipe was originally posted in 2013, but the recipe, tips and pictures have been updated!
PrintBrownie Bottom Ice Cream Cake
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Prep Time: 10 minutes -
Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: serves 10 1x
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Category: Cake
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Method: Oven
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Cuisine: Dessert
Prep Time:
Yield:
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PinDescription:
This Brownie Bottom Ice Cream Cake is the BEST Ice Cream Cake EVER! You’ve got a thick fudgy brownie layer on the bottom topped with creamy chocolate frosting, cookie dough ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles!
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-15 ounces) Brownie Mix, made according to package directions in an 8×8 pan
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate frosting
- 1.5 quarts Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- sprinkles to garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare your pan: Grease an 8×8 or 11×7 deep-dish baking dish. You can also add a layer of foil and grease the foil to make it easier to remove the ice cream cake. If you use foil, it needs to come up the sides of the pan at least 3 inches to leave room for the ice cream and whipped cream layer.
2. Make the brownies and frost: Bake the brownies according to package directions in the prepared pan and allow to cool completely. Spread chocolate frosting onto cooled brownies. Place frosted brownies in refrigerator.
3. Add ice cream: Remove ice cream from freezer and allow to soften for about 30 minutes while the brownies are chilling. Remove the brownies from the refrigerator and top with ice cream, spreading evenly with an off-set spatula. Cover and place in freezer for at least 3 hours.
4. Add whipped cream: Before serving prepare your whipped cream. Place heavy whipping cream in bowl of stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and add in granulated sugar. Beat cream on high speed for about 2 minutes until it becomes thick.
5. Decorate with sprinkles & serve: Spread onto ice cream cake, top with sprinkles and serve immediately.
Notes:
Store air-tight in freezer for up to 2 weeks. Allow to soften 15 minutes before serving.
Keywords:: cookies and cups, ice cream cake recipe, brownies, cake recipe, ice cream, whipped cream, how to make ice cream cake, homemade ice cream cake
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Hi! I’m Shelly and I’m an addict. Of the buttercream sort. I started this site a few years ago as a way to justify my sugary, buttery obsession with desserts. It has worked out well for me so far, because as it turns out you guys all love sugary, buttery desserts too! It feels good to know you're not alone, doesn’t it?
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Hi I’m using to make for my birthday I’ll need for 16 people how big of pan do I need to double the recipe thanks
Do I need to add frosting to the brownie? I was just going to layer it as brownie-ice cream- then cool whip
You can omit the frosting if you prefer!
Instead of frosting could I use pudding?
Yes you can
yes you can 🙂
Can I ask, is the frosting between the brownie and ice cream necessary? I’m not a huge frosting fan but I’m wondering if this keeps the brownies from getting soggy.
Nope, not necessary!
brownie ice i like this favorite meal, thanks for receipe and beuatiful pic
Its really looking so delicious. Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
Kids loved it. very good and easy recipe, i tried it with strawberry flavor ice cream and added some dry fruits . it was woo..very yummy. thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Oooh love that idea!!
HeLP!! Lol I assembled my cake but I did a brownie layer then ice cream and then brownie again and then I put cool whip over the whole thing.. will it be ok over night? The cake is for tomorrow night..I’m scared the brownie will be rock hard ??
The frozen brownie will get a bit hard, so I definitely recommend letting it sit out for a bit to soften up before serving. Obviously not too long, so the ine cream melts, but I’d give it at least 15 minutes or so!
Made this as a birthday cake. Had a hard time getting the brownies off the bottom of the pan. Where on Earth do you find an 8×8 pan with 3 inch sides? Very good
★★★
I need to double the recipe but I am questioning the amount of time the brownies need to bake. I am using Ghirardelli brownie mixes.
My family loved it. Awesome Idea it was delicious.
Thank you for such a great recipe! I made it for a church function and It got rave reviews. Since it was “going to church” I did find a way to dress it up. I made it in a springform pan, lining bottom and sides with parchment paper. I left it in the pan and followed all directions until just before the whipped topping was added. At that point I released it from the pan and pulled off the parchment paper from the sides only. Then I covered the sides with cookie crumbs. I topped that with the whipped topping… Read more »
Great idea using the springform pan!!
Will be making this for my daughters birthday this weekend. I see that recipie stresses not to use family sized box of brownie mix. Need to double recipie for a larger crowd..use larger pan and double all ingredients? Thanks!
Use a 9×13 pan and double the ingredients 🙂
Thanks can’t wait to try it!!! ?
I made this today and it was really fantastic with our Memorial day cookout. I debated my pan choice a while… thinking my 8×8 wouldn’t leave enough height for ice cream and whipped cream, I split my brownie batter between 2 loaf pans. It was perfect as far as accommodating all of the layers, but the brownie layer was too thick and super rich. Next time ( oh yes, there will definitely be a next time) I’ll use my spring form or a 13×9. Can’t wait to try Blondie bottom, strawberry jam, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and then garnish… Read more »
I made this for my son’s girlfriend for her b-day. She loves anything brownie. But it turned out perfect! The best brownie desert I have ever had. I used cookie dough ice cream being as it’s her favorite flavor. I also used Betty crocker fudge brownies. Along with milk chocolate frosting and real whipped cream. I will make this again and again and again. We all absolutely loved it! Great recipe no matter what you want to call it.