Name: Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake with M&M’s
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-488549H30M53S
Cuisine: American / Dessert
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required: eggs, oil, water); 1½ quarts cookie dough ice cream (softened); 1 cup mini chocolate chip cookie dough pieces or chunks; 1 cup M&M’s (plain or mini); ½ cup chocolate sauce or fudge topping; 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping; Optional: extra M&M’s or cookie dough bits for garnish

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This cookie dough ice cream cake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert layered with chocolate cake, creamy cookie dough ice cream, colorful M&M’s, and rich chocolate sauce. Every bite is packed with different textures and flavors—soft, crunchy, chewy, and melty—all in one slice. It’s the kind of fun and festive dessert I love to make when I want to impress with minimal effort. Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake with M&M’s

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the nostalgia of birthday cakes with the indulgence of ice cream treats. The chocolate cake base adds a deep, moist richness, while the cookie dough ice cream delivers a buttery, creamy contrast. M&M’s add a pop of color and crunch, making this dessert as fun to look at as it is to eat. Plus, it’s a make-ahead option, which means I can prep it the night before and pull it out when it’s time to serve. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any summer gathering.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required: eggs, oil, water)
1½ quarts cookie dough ice cream (softened)
1 cup mini chocolate chip cookie dough pieces or chunks
1 cup M&M’s (plain or mini)
½ cup chocolate sauce or fudge topping
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
Optional: extra M&M’s or cookie dough bits for garnish

Directions

I start by preheating the oven and baking the chocolate cake in a round springform or similarly sized pan, following the package instructions. Once baked, I let it cool completely.
I line the same cake pan or a cake ring with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang to cover the top later.
I scoop softened cookie dough ice cream over the cooled cake layer and spread it evenly.
Then I sprinkle cookie dough pieces and M&M’s over the ice cream, gently pressing them into the surface.
I drizzle chocolate sauce or fudge topping over the top.
I fold the plastic wrap over the cake and place it in the freezer for several hours or overnight until it’s firm.
Once the cake is fully set, I unmold it, top it with whipped cream, and decorate it with more M&M’s and cookie dough bits.
I return it to the freezer until it’s time to slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (for the cake)
Freeze Time: Approximately 5–6 hours (or overnight for best results)
Total Time: Around 6 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices

Variations

I sometimes use a homemade chocolate cake instead of the boxed mix for a more personal touch.
For a peanut butter twist, I swap in peanut butter ice cream and use peanut M&M’s.
I like to use caramel sauce instead of chocolate sauce for a sweeter, buttery finish.
Instead of M&M’s, crushed Oreo cookies or chopped Snickers work wonderfully as mix-ins.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the freezer. The cake holds well for up to a week. When I’m ready to serve again, I let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes for easier slicing. This cake is meant to be served frozen, so reheating isn’t necessary.

FAQs

How do I keep the layers from sliding when slicing?

I always make sure the ice cream is frozen solid before slicing. Letting it rest at room temperature for a few minutes helps keep the layers intact while cutting.

Can I use other ice cream flavors?

Absolutely. I’ve tried this with cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, and mint chocolate chip—all delicious swaps depending on the occasion.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes unmolding easier, but if I don’t have one, I use a regular round pan lined well with plastic wrap for easy lifting.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, I prefer to make it the night before and let it firm up overnight in the freezer. It’s a great make-ahead dessert.

How do I make cleaner slices?

I run a sharp knife under warm water, wipe it dry, and slice through the cake while still slightly frozen. This helps me get neat, clean slices.

Conclusion

This cookie dough ice cream cake is my go-to dessert when I want something easy, festive, and undeniably indulgent. With layers of cake, ice cream, candy, and chocolate, it hits every note of a perfect party treat. Whether it’s for a birthday or just a weekend celebration, I know this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds.