This Butterfinger ice cream cake is a simple no-bake dessert! You will adore this layered recipe that incorporates vanilla ice cream, Butterfinger candy bars, ice cream cones, and a homemade whipped cream frosting.
I am back with another recipe this week to commemorate National Ice Cream Day. This Butterfinger ice cream cake is a layered ice cream cake recipe that is incredibly easy to prepare.
Although Butterfingers are not my preferred candy bar, they are my go-to flavor whenever I order a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Therefore, it seems appropriate to include them in this ice cream dessert.
If you are in search of additional candy bar-inspired desserts, be sure to explore my Milky Way Cake, Twix Cake, chocolate coconut bites, and caramel and brown sugar shortbread.
Reasons to love this ice cream cake:
- A no-bake recipe; ideal for warm weather or when you require a dessert that does not occupy valuable oven space.
- Quick recipe ~ this Butterfinger dessert cake requires approximately 15 minutes of preparation time.
- Ice cream, sugar cones, Butterfinger candy bars, and whipped cream; what is there not to love?! You can use your favorite store-bought ice cream or the no-churn vanilla from this brownie batter ice cream.
- Tastes like a Dairy Queen Blizzard, but even better!
Ingredients for Butterfinger cake:
Ice cream cones ~ I utilize store-bought sugar cones. Waffle cones can be used as a substitute. I have not tested gluten-free sugar cones, but I am confident they should work well as a replacement.
Butterfinger candy bars ~ purchase any size candy bars you prefer. I provide the weight amount required in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Unsalted butter ~ melted for the "cake" layer. Salted butter can be used as a substitute.
Vanilla ice cream ~ select your favorite brand. Homemade ice cream can also be utilized. If you prefer chocolate ice cream, feel free to use that.
Heavy whipping cream {not shown} ~ for the whipped cream frosting layer.
Sugar {not shown} ~ granulated or confectioners' sugar.
The whipped cream can be utilized. However, if you prefer, it can be omitted.
Vanilla ~ merely a suggestion for the whipped cream.
slices of butterfinger ice cream cake arranged on plates
Instructions for preparing this no-bake butterfinger cake
Begin by melting the butter and setting it aside. Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or plastic wrap, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides.
Place the ice cream in a bowl {this is my preferred set to use} and allow it to sit on the counter to soften.
Next, take the ice cream cones and place them in another bowl, breaking them into smaller pieces {I use my hands}. The tips of the cones may require some effort to crush. Chop six fun size Butterfingers and mix them with the crushed cones. Then, add the melted butter and stir to combine.
Now, take ⅓ of the crushed cone mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
Subsequently, place the loaf pan in the freezer for 5 minutes while you prepare the ice cream.
Chop six additional fun size Butterfingers and incorporate them into the softened ice cream.
Take ⅓ of the ice cream and spread it over the chilled cones in the loaf pan. Be gentle, as you want to keep the cones at the bottom and avoid mixing the two layers. Continue layering the Butterfinger mixture and the ice cream until you have three layers. Then, cover the loaf pan and place it in the freezer.
Finally, prepare the whipped cream frosting. Spoon the whipped cream over the top and garnish with 2-3 fun size Butterfingers, chopped into small pieces. Freeze for 6-8 hours to allow all layers to firm up together.
When you are ready to serve, utilize the parchment or plastic wrap overhang to pull the ice cream cake out of the pan.
Suggestions for preparing this DIY Butterfinger dessert cake
Ensure that you line your loaf pan with parchment paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. This will allow you to easily lift the cake out of the pan when it is time to slice and serve.
For optimal results, utilize a metal loaf pan. Metal is more effective at freezing the ice cream compared to a glass pan.
Be mindful of the freezing duration; it requires 6-8 hours for this Butterfinger ice cream cake to freeze thoroughly.
Avoid allowing the ice cream to become overly melted while softening. It only requires approximately 5 minutes on the countertop.
When you are ready to serve, you may need to run a knife along the edge of the pan, between the parchment paper and the pan, to facilitate its release.
How to store
The Butterfinger ice cream cake should be kept in the freezer. It can remain in the loaf pan, covered securely with plastic wrap, for up to one week.
For maximum freshness, remove the Butterfinger cake from the pan and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Subsequently, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a zip-top bag.
Is this Butterfinger ice cream cake gluten-free?
The recipe as it stands is not gluten-free; however, if you substitute gluten-free sugar cones, it can be made gluten-free. The original flavor of Butterfingers is a gluten-free candy, so ensure you use that variety.
Slices of ice cream cake on plates
Do not forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram if you prepare this Butterfinger Ice Cream Cake. It brings me joy to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for your presence and happy baking!
More layered recipes to try
Shortbread Brownies
Lemon White Chocolate Cake
Cookie Butter Bars
Double Chocolate Oat Bottom Brownies
Butterscotch Mixed Nut Bars
Notes
I utilize fun-sized candy bars as they are readily available at my local market. Any size of Butterfinger bars will suffice; you will require approximately 331g in total.
Waffle cones are also a viable option; simply use the same weight measurement of 130g. Although I have not tested this with gluten-free sugar cones, I am confident they should serve as a suitable alternative.
Chocolate, or any other flavor of your preference, can be used in place of vanilla ice cream.
The Butterfinger ice cream cake must be stored in the freezer. It can remain in the loaf pan, covered securely with plastic wrap, for up to one week.
To maintain optimal freshness, it is advisable to remove the Butterfinger cake from the pan and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Subsequently, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a zip-top bag.
INGREDIENTS
1 brick vanilla ice cream
1 brick chocolate ice cream
1 pint cream, whipped
3 Butterfinger bars
INSTRUCTIONS
Break up Butterfinger bars. This is easier to do if you freeze the candy bars first, then crush with a mallet. Cut ice cream into slabs. Layer 1 vanilla ice cream, then Butterfinger crumbs, then chocolate ice cream, then Butterfinger crumbs, then vanilla ice cream again. Top with whipped cream and Butterfinger crumbs. Put back into freezer until needed. Enjoy the Butterfinger Ice Cream Cake !!
My gluten-free Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Cake is a delightful make-ahead dessert perfect for summer. You can use any gluten-free brownie recipe you prefer, then layer it with ice cream and sorbet. This dessert is straightforward to prepare in stages; follow the instructions, and you will impress your guests when you present this at your next summer gathering.
Serve this frozen cake after any summer meal. Whether it's burgers, steak, or my somewhat upscale Farm-To-Table dinner, brownies and ice cream are always a winning combination. If you plan to attend an event, heed this advice from numerous gluten-free chefs: be the one who brings dessert to the party, ensuring you have a delicious and safe conclusion to your meal.
Ingredients
Fudgy brownies, which are my favorite, are made with a minimal amount of flour. This makes gluten-free brownies one of the first recipes to perfect. I have my preferred recipe!
gluten-free chocolate brownie (fudgy brownie or cake-like brownie)
vanilla ice cream
raspberry sorbet/sherbet - Sorbet consists of fruit juice and sugar, while sherbet includes fruit juice, sugar, and a small amount of milk.
Optional Garnishes - whipped cream, raspberries, and mint leaves
Refer to the recipe card for precise measurements.
Instructions for Cutting a Brownie in Half Horizontally
Utilize a long knife with a serrated edge and cut with assurance! The knife blade should exceed 8 inches in length to ensure it slices through the entire side of the brownie.
Employ a sawing motion and cut inward approximately 2 inches on all sides. Once you reach that point, you will feel confident enough to make the final cut directly through the center of the brownie.
I recommend sliding a flexible baking mat between the two layers to facilitate the separation of the top and bottom. A cookie sheet or placemat can also serve this purpose.
If the top layer cracks slightly, the ice cream will help hold it together, so just continue with the process.
Instructions: How To Cut Ice Cream Cake
The key to achieving flawless slices of cheesecake and ice cream cake lies in utilizing a heated knife and exercising patience. This meticulous approach often elicits compliments on the delightful desserts produced in your kitchen.
Submerge a long knife in hot water. This can be done in a sink, a tall glass, or under a running tap.
After each cut, clean the knife with a damp dishcloth. I typically rinse and wring out the dishcloth while my knife is submerged in the sink, ensuring it appears tidy.
If you wish to sample what remains on the knife, I have no objections. Cultivate a technique that prevents finger cuts and savor the experience! To me, this feels like a well-deserved reward for my efforts.
The objective is to showcase the layers in every slice. In the final photograph, mine may not be entirely flawless (once again demonstrating that this process cannot be hurried), but on that occasion, I was pleased with my results.
Substitutions
Brownie layer - For this ice cream cake, I utilize only the brownie layer from my Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies. You are welcome to replace it with any gluten-free brownie recipe of your choice; whether it be a store-bought mix or a cherished family recipe.
Ice cream and sorbet layers - Feel free to create any combination you desire by altering the ice cream or sorbet layers. Numerous ideas come to mind as I consider my Aztec chocolate ice cream, strawberry cheesecake ice cream, and many more.
Dairy-free version - My dairy-free coconut ice cream would pair wonderfully with a mango sorbet.
Variations
Here are three methods to modify this Brownie Ice Cream Cake, giving it a completely different appearance.
Create a single layer of brownie topped with ice cream. Drizzle it with two types of chocolate (dark and white) or two sauces such as raspberry and caramel.
Bake the brownie recipe in a round pan. Construct a layered dessert as I have done here, or follow the previous suggestion and create a single layer topped with ice cream.
Prepare a large sheet cake by slicing the brownie in half and placing the two halves side by side on a large tray. Ensure there is adequate space in your freezer before committing to this option.
Equipment
An 8-inch square baking pan is all that is required to prepare this dessert. If you are purchasing a new one, it is advisable to buy them in pairs; you will not regret this decision!
Top Tip
To prevent the layers from melting into one another, it is crucial to freeze the cake completely at each stage. Therefore, it is recommended to begin a few days prior to serving. Additionally, cutting the pieces will take more than a minute, so it is wise to do that in advance as well. These suggestions are what make serving this dessert appear effortless.
A pedestal tray featuring square pieces of a layered raspberry brownie ice cream cake.
Square pieces of Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Cake arranged on a tray adorned with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and mint leaves.
Gluten Free Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Cake
This frozen dessert consists of layers of gluten-free brownie, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sorbet. The main effort lies in the cutting, but since this can be done ahead of time, it makes for an ideal make-ahead summer dessert.
Notes
Bake for the same duration.
It is essential to freeze each layer of the cake until solid, as well as the final Ice Cream Cake. Alternatively, you can serve a more casual version in jars, martini glasses, or sundae dishes, giving it a playful name.
The heat from the knife aids in slicing through the frozen cake, showcasing the distinct layers. Be sure to wipe the knife after each cut.
Refer to the recipe description for additional tips and variations.
An amazing ice cream cake recipe to try !
INGREDIENTS
1 (24 ounce) box fudge brownie mix,
prepared as directed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted, if desired
2 ounces semisweet or bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
2 1/2 cups individually-quick frozen unsweetened
raspberries (from a 12 ounce bag), not thawed
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oven to temperature called for on brownie mix. Grease bottom of two 8-inch layer-cake pans; line bottoms with wax paper or foil and grease. Have ready an 8-inch springform pan. Stir nuts and chocolate into batter. Divide batter between layer-cake pans. for Bake 30 to 35 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges of layers and invert on rack. Peel off paper; cool layers completely.
To assemble: Select 10 to 12 whole berries; keep frozen.
Place 1 brownie layer in bottom of springform pan. Top with half the ice cream; sprinkle with half the remaining raspberries. Press into an even layer with back of a spoon. Cover with remaining brownie layer; sprinkle with remaining raspberries, top with remaining ice cream and press into an even layer.
Push reserved raspberries into the ice cream. Cover pan tightly with foil and freeze at least 8 hours or up to 2 weeks.
Three to 4 hours before serving: Run a knife between cake and springform pan; remove pan sides.
Leave cake on pan bottom or loosen with a pancake turner and carefully transfer to a serving plate. Cut cake in wedges; leave assembled. Place in freezer. About 20 minutes before serving: Transfer cake to refrigerator to soften lightly.
The ice cream cake recipe of brownie raspberry is ready to serve...nice one ! Enjoy the ice cream !
16 ounces frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
Chocolate syrup
Caramel syrup
Topping of choice: such as mini M&M’s, sprinkles, crushed Oreo cookies, toffee bits, etc.
Instructions
Layer 12 ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch dish. You will need to cut the last ice cream sandwich in half in order to get it to fit in the bottom of the dish.
Allow to soften for a few minutes and then use a spoon to gently press the ice cream sandwiches down a little bit.
Spread half of the whipped topping over the ice cream sandwiches. Drizzle with chocolate and caramel syrups. Sprinkle with desired toppings.
Top with another layer of 12 ice cream sandwiches. Spread remaining whipped topping over the ice cream sandwiches. Drizzle with additional chocolate syrup and caramel syrup. Sprinkle with additional toppings. Cool. Enjoy the 5-Ingredient Ice Cream Sandwich Cake recipes !!!
Preheat oven, grease and flour pans.
In small bowl, beat egg whites until foamy; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
In large bowl, stir together flour, remaining 1 cup sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
Add oil, buttermilk and egg yolks; beat until smooth. Gently fold egg white mixture into batter.
Pour about 1 2/3 cups batter into each prepared pan.
Bake until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. (Bake remaining layer, if necessary.) Cool completely.
Wrap each layer separately in foil; freeze several hours or several days in advance of serving.
Prepare Ice Cream Layers.
Remove cake and Ice Cream Layers from freezer; peel off foil.
On serving plate, alternately layer cake and ice cream layers, beginning and ending with cake. Wrap tightly; return to freezer. Just before serving, frost top of cake with whipped cream.
Arrange fruit in decorative design on top; pipe on Chocolate Cream Rosettes, if desired.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
* To sour milk: Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup.
Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Layers:
Line two 9-inch round layer pans with foil; working quickly, evenly spread 1/2 gallon of your favorite flavor slightly softened ice cream into prepared pans. Cover tightly; freeze until firm.
Chocolate Cream Rosettes:
In small mixer bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons HERSHEY'S Cocoa.
Stir in 1/2 cup cold whipping cream and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until stiff; spoon into decorating bag fitted with large rosette tip.
The ice cream cake recipe chocolate is ready to serve....! Enjoy !
Prepare sauces and let cool before preparing cake. Let strawberry ice cream stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until spreadable; pack evenly into 9-inch springform pan. Pour chocolate sauce over top. Freeze for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm.
Meanwhile, let vanilla ice cream stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until softened. Meanwhile, drain pineapple and pure in food processor; mix into vanilla ice cream. Spread over chocolate layer; freeze for 20 minutes or until firm. Meanwhile, let chocolate ice cream stand at room temperature for 20 minutes or until softened; spread over pineapple layer.
Whip cream with confectioners' sugar; spread or pipe over top of cake. Remove side of pan; garnish with banana and Strawberry Sauce. Serve immediately. Freeze for 20 minutes or
until firm.
Strawberry Sauce:
1 1/4 cups frozen strawberries
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange rind, grated
1 tablespoon orange juice or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
In small saucepan, stir together strawberries, sugar and orange rind. Blend orange juice with cornstarch; stir into pan and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes or until thickened. Refrigerate until chilled.
Chocolate Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup whipping cream or evaporated milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
In saucepan, whisk together sugar, whipping cream, cocoa, Vanilla extract and salt until smooth; cook over medium heat, stirring for 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened and smooth. Let cool.
The ice cream cake recipe is ready...nice !
basic-ice-cream-cake-recipe.
Directions
To make the chocolate cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Choose between a 10 by 3-inch round or a rectangular shaped baking pan and spray it with baking grease or butter and then line the bottom with parchment paper.
Combine the oil and the sugar in mixer until well blended. Add the eggs and the vanilla extract and continue to mix until well blended. Add the milk and the coffee.
Sift all of the dry ingredients and then add them to the wet ingredients in three batches allowing each batch to be thoroughly absorbed.
Pour the batter in prepared pans and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a skewer is clean when removed. Allow to cool before unmolding. Once chocolate cake has cooled, unmold, and refrigerate overnight to allow it to cool thoroughly.
To make the ice cream cake: Cut the chocolate cake horizontally to make 2 layers out of the 1 layer and slide 1 of the layers onto a plate or cake board attempting not to break the layers.
Line the same pan used to bake the chocolate cake in plastic wrap (the plastic will help you remove the ice cream cake from the pan once it is set, so make sure to use a large enough piece and slide 1 of the half layers of chocolate cake into the pan). Make sure that it rests firmly in the bottom of the pan and if the plastic wrap has slipped in, adjust so that it spills over the sides of the pan.
Empty a pint of chocolate ice cream, or your favorite brand, into a mixer and soften until it is easily spread, do not let it become runny. Pour the ice cream into mold over chocolate layer and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Return to freezer until set, approximately 2 hours.
Soften 2 cups of creamy peanut butter in the microwave without letting it get runny, approximately 2 minutes. Then pour the peanut butter over the chocolate ice cream. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the peanut butter evenly over the chocolate ice cream. Place the second half of the chocolate cake layer over the peanut butter and pat down firmly. Return to freezer until set, approximately 2 hours.
Empty a pint of vanilla ice cream or your favorite brand, into a mixer and soften it until it can be easily spread. Pour into mold over chocolate layer and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Return to freezer and allow to set overnight.
To unmold, simply invert over cake board or plate, place a warm towel over the pan for a couple of minutes. The cake should slide out without any problems, grab a hold of the ends of the plastic wrap, and give it a tug if it is stubborn. Invert back so that vanilla ice cream is on top. Decorate with melted chocolate or whipped cream.
If you chose a rectangular shaped mold, cut lengthwise and stack on top of each other for a dramatic presentation. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Enjoy it!
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened until spreadable
INSTRUCTIONS
Tear cake into bite-size pieces. Divide among 3 bowls.
Mix 1 package of Kool-Aid with each cake bowl. Line 10-inch angel food cake pan with foil. Place strawberry cake in pan. Cover with frozen strawberries with juice. Spread 1/2 of ice cream over top. Place orange cake with peaches in next. Place raspberry cake over and then frozen raspberries with juice. Cover with remaining ice cream. Freeze 24 hours.
Two hours before serving, put into refrigerator. Thirty minutes before serving, unmold. Enjoy !