Move over Dairy Queen because this gluten-free ice cream cake beats any recipe out there! Celebrate a birthday or special occasion with chocolate cake layered with gluten-free Oreos, hot fudge, and ice cream, all covered with fluffy whipped cream frosting. Includes easy step-by-step photos and dairy-free option.
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World’s Best Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cake Recipe (Seriously)
An ice cream cake is one of those nostalgic desserts I thought I would never be able to enjoy again. Who doesn’t remember the coveted Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, or even Cold Stone birthday cakes while guests drooled with anticipation?
With the magic of GF Oreos being invented (thank you from the bottom of my heart, Nabisco!) this cookies and cream gluten-free ice cream cake, or even a decadently creamy gluten-free Oreo cheesecake, means you no longer have to miss out on a classic, even for dairy-free dessert folks!
A gooey layer of hot fudge sauce and gluten-free Oreo cookies sits on a famously moist GF chocolate cake. For the ice cream layer, mix together vanilla ice cream (or go nuts with your favorite flave) and add chopped Oreos to make an easy cookies and cream flavor. Then cover it all with a light whipped cream frosting.
If you are ready to blow a loved one’s mind with a gluten-free dessert suggestion of their dreams, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make one of the most epic gluten-free ice cream desserts (possibly right up there with these legendary gluten-free ice cream sandwiches). Let’s do this.
I made this as a surprise for my husband’s birthday and he couldn’t believe it wasn’t store bought! It was the best ice cream cake ever! Better than DQ 😀 so good and really good directions! I also used the homemade hot fudge recipe as well. Delicious!!
—Rhea
Free Guide! 5 easy tips for baking like a gluten-free pro!
Simple hacks for fail-proof gluten-free dishes every time!
Ingredient Tid Bits
The ingredients in a homemade ice cream cake are completely adaptable to a variety of flavors and combinations! Swap the chocolate cake for a homemade gluten-free white cake or use any gluten-free or dairy-free ice cream if you would like to make something besides a gluten-free Oreo dessert.
- Ice Cream – I mixed vanilla ice cream with chopped GF Oreos, but any gluten-free or dairy-free flavor may be used.
- Gluten-Free Cake – You will need one 9-inch cake layer, either homemade (recipe included below) or use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Hot fudge – Use a store-bought brand, homemade recipe (included below), or vegan sauce for a dairy-free cake.
- Gluten-Free Oreos – The best invention! You can use them to make every from this crust to gloriously fudgy gluten-free cookies and cream brownies. For this dessert add a layer of chopped Oreos to the cake layers and sprinkle more on top. You may also swap them out with any preferred gluten free cookie crumbs.
- Heavy Cream – Used to make the homemade whipped cream frosting, but Cool Whip or dairy-free coconut whipped topping may also be used.
Let’s Make This Together!
(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)
Start with the ice cream layer
Begin by making the ice cream layer so it has time to freeze. Either soften a GF store bought variety or mix softened vanilla ice cream with chopped GF Oreos.
Line a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan with foil and pour in ice cream mixture. Spread evenly, press on plastic wrap and freeze until solid, at least 3 hours.
Now for the cake
For this recipe you will need only one 9-inch cake. The recipe below includes the ingredients for a single layer, but if you use a box mix, you can wrap up the other and freeze for a future ice cream cake or dessert!
Time to assemble
Place the cooled cake on a cake platter or stand. Tuck strips of waxed paper underneath the cake to keep the plate clean while layering. Spread a layer of hot fudge on top, then sprinkle with chopped Oreos.
See, I told you this recipe was the best. But just wait, it gets better!
Finish and frost
Don’t forget about the most important parts – ice cream and whipped cream frosting! Remove the ice cream layer from the freezer and place on top of the crushed cookies.
At this point I recommend putting the cake bake in the freezer while the frosting is prepared to make sure it doesn’t move around on you while it’s frosting.
Start by spreading the whipped cream over the top and sides. You can also save some to pipe on top and sprinkle on more Oreos. Gosh, is this thing goooooood.
When you’re ready to dig in, make sure you check out this ice cream cake cutting tutorial to slice it like a pro.
Let’s Mix It Up – Yummy Variations!
If making a birthday ice cream cake or for a special celebration, honor your special guest with their preferred flavor! They can choose their favorite ice cream or use one of suggested ice cream flavors below.
- Make a funfetti cake layer by adding gluten-free sprinkles to a vanilla cake or mix. You will need a half recipe for one layer.
- Mint chocolate chip, peanut butter cup, or chocolate ice cream
- Omit the Oreos or use other gluten free cookies (homemade or purchased).
- Want something besides whipped cream frosting? Try Cool Whip (12-ounce frozen whipped topping), chocolate whipped cream frosting, buttercream, or coconut whipped topping (dairy-free), like TruWhip.
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Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Leave a star rating and comment below the recipe card. It helps others when searching for recipes and I appreciate feedback from our community. You will always hear back from me! -Melissa
Easy Peasy Gluten Free Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Ice Cream Layer
- 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream (or any preferred gluten-free flavor), softened for 20-30 minutes
- 1 package Gluten-Free Oreo Cookies, divided
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
- 1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour, (I highly recommend Cup4Cup gluten free flour)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
- 1 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk or non-dairy milk
- ¼ cup vegetable, canola, or coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 12 ounce (gluten-free) hot fudge, divided
Instructions
Ice Cream Layer
- Line a 9-inch cake pan with two large pieces of foil, criss crossed. Press down to the shape of the pan, leaving overhang edges to pull it out of the pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the softened ice cream with 12 chopped or crushed Oreos. Spread evenly in the prepared pan and press a layer of plastic wrap on top. Freeze until solid, at least 3 hours or overnight.1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream (or any preferred gluten-free flavor), 1 package Gluten-Free Oreo Cookies
Chocolate Cake
- While the ice cream solidifies, prepare the cake layer. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prepare another 9-inch cake pan by spraying with cooking spray, lining bottom with cut-to-size parchment, and then spraying the parchment. Set aside.
- In a large bowl add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine or, using your paddle attachment on stand mixer, mix until combined.1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa , 1 teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoons baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed to low and slowly add boiling water to the cake batter. Once the water is mixed in, increase to high speed and mix for 1 minute.½ cup milk or non-dairy milk, ¼ cup vegetable, canola, or coconut oil, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ cup boiling water
- Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
Assembling
- Place the cooled cake on a cake platter or stand. Tuck strips of waxed paper underneath the cake to keep the plate clean while layering.
- Spread ¾ cup hot fudge on top of the cake. Chop or crush 12 more Oreo cookies and sprinkle on top of the sauce.12 ounce (gluten-free) hot fudge
- Remove the ice cream layer from the freezer and release from the pan. Place on top of the crushed cookies. Place the assembled cake bake in the freezer while the frosting is prepared.
Whipped Cream Frosting
- In a mixing bowl place the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Beat until it holds shape and peaks form.2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Use an offset spatula to spread the whipped cream over the top and sides. If desired, reserve some to pipe a decorative edge on top.
- Sprinkle more crushed Oreos on top and remaining hot fudge sauce, if desired. Place back in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Let the cake sit for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. For a complete easy step-by-step guide, see this how to cut ice cream cake post. Cover and store leftovers in the freezer up to 1 week.
Notes
Dairy-Free Modifications
The cake recipe included is already dairy-free by simply using a non-dairy milk. Replace the ice cream with your favorite dairy-free flavor and instead of using heavy cream for the frosting, use canned coconut milk. For the hot fudge, many store brands are dairy-free or use a homemade dairy-free recipe. Recipe adapted from Preppy KitchenThis post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.
Would it work to prepare this in a springform pan? Both the ice cream and the cake?
Hi Debra,
I’d be happy to help, but can you tell me exactly what you mean? Would you be pouring all the batter into a springform pan and baking? If so, I don’t think all the cake batter would fit in one springform pan, you’d have to bake in stages.
Best,
Melissa
Soo good! My husband made this for my birthday and it’s been one of the best desserts I’ve ever had!
Thank you, Alexandra! This makes me so happy to hear. Happy birthday to your husband!
Best,
Melissa
really great!! made for my boyfriends birthday party and everyone loved it so much.
Glad to hear! This is the PERFECT birthday cake!
Best,
Melissa
My granddaughter is gluten free. I made this for Easter and now making for her birthday. Delicious. I recommend 1 cup gluten free flour then it gets like a brownie on the bottom.
Great idea, Laurie! Thanks for sharing!
Best,
Melissa
I mad this as a surprise for my husband’s birthday and he couldn’t believe it wasn’t store bought! It was the best ice cream cake ever! Better than DQ 😀 so good and really good directions! I also used the homemade hot fudge recipe as well. Delicious!!
This makes me so happy, Rhea! Best compliment ever and I’m so glad the cake was a hit!
Best,
Melissa
This ice cream cake looks so yummy, so easy to prepare too. Such a great gluten free option.