Welcome to the simplest, most surprising cake recipe you’ll ever encounter! This Melted Ice Cream Cake is an absolute game-changer, crafted with just three basic ingredients: a box of cake mix, your favorite melted ice cream, and eggs. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can create a dessert that’s both deeply flavorful and wonderfully moist – it’s like having cake and ice cream all in one delightful bite. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
The Magic Behind Melted Ice Cream Cake: A Culinary Secret Revealed
Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional baking. This isn’t an unfortunate incident involving a melted ice cream cake, nor is it a whimsical confection designed to mimic a drippy cone. This is a genuinely innovative cake made with melted ice cream. Yes, you read that correctly – melted ice cream! It may sound unconventional at first, but this brilliant baking hack replaces the conventional liquid ingredients typically called for in a standard cake mix recipe with the rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful goodness of softened ice cream. The outcome is nothing short of spectacular: a cake that is exceptionally moist, beautifully dense, and bursting with the nuanced flavors of your chosen ice cream. It’s an unexpectedly easy yet incredibly impressive dessert that will undoubtedly have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
The science behind this delicious transformation is quite simple yet ingenious. Ice cream, beyond being a frozen treat, is essentially a rich emulsion of dairy fat, sugar, and water, along with various flavorings. When melted, it provides all the necessary liquid, fat, and sugar a cake mix needs, often exceeding what standard oil and water would offer. This infusion results in a cake with an unparalleled tenderness, a fine crumb, and a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a true testament to how simple tweaks can lead to extraordinary culinary results, making “Melted Ice Cream Cake” a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
Only 3 Ingredients: A Baking Breakthrough for Busy Lives
The sheer simplicity of this Melted Ice Cream Cake recipe is truly what sets it apart, elevating it beyond just another dessert into a genuine baking breakthrough. You need only three core ingredients to conjure up this show-stopping dessert, not including the optional, but highly recommended, simple glaze. We’re talking about a basic box of your favorite cake mix, a generous amount of any melted ice cream you love, and three large eggs. That’s truly all it takes! This incredibly minimal ingredient list makes it an ideal choice for spontaneous baking sessions, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying without the typical fuss and extensive preparation. The genius lies in the melted ice cream itself, which generously contributes not only essential moisture and richness but also an incredible depth of flavor that plain oil and water simply cannot replicate. This simple addition transforms a humble box of cake mix into a gourmet-tasting delight, making it a favorite for quick and easy dessert solutions.
Beyond its astonishing simplicity, the beauty of this recipe also resides in its infinite versatility. With an ever-expanding universe of ice cream flavors available on store shelves today, the combinations you can create are genuinely endless. For this particular recipe, we chose a festive Birthday Cake ice cream, which infused our bundt cake with delightful sprinkles and a distinct, celebratory taste, making every slice feel like a party. But why stop there? We encourage you to dive into our detailed notes below for a wealth of other beloved flavor combinations that we’ve personally tried and tested, each promising a unique and delicious experience. And for those who love to elevate their desserts with an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, adding our optional homemade glaze, fully detailed in the recipe card, will undoubtedly take your Melted Ice Cream Cake from merely fantastic to utterly irresistible and truly memorable.
Essential Ingredients for Your Melted Ice Cream Cake: (Full Recipe Details Below)
- One box (approximately 15.25 oz / 432g) white cake mix (or any flavor that harmonizes with your chosen ice cream!)
- 2 cups melted ice cream (any flavor you absolutely adore – the possibilities are truly endless!)
- 3 large eggs
- Optional Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar)
- 2 Tablespoons milk (or more, gradually added to achieve your desired consistency)
- Sprinkles (for a cheerful and festive finish!)
A Quick Note on Ice Cream Selection: When preparing your melted ice cream for this recipe, convenience is a wonderful thing! Pint-sized premium ice creams, such as popular brands like Ben & Jerry’s or Häagen-Dazs, often come in perfectly measured 16-ounce (which equals 2-cup) containers. This means that one full container of these premium ice creams, once thoroughly melted, provides precisely the amount you need for this recipe. This eliminates the need for any additional measuring, making your baking experience even smoother and more enjoyable. While virtually any ice cream flavor will work beautifully, remember that richer, higher-quality ice creams generally tend to yield a more decadent, flavorful, and denser cake, so feel free to indulge in your favorite premium brand for the best results!
How to Make the Ultimate Melted Ice Cream Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Melted Ice Cream Cake is remarkably straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both novice bakers looking for an easy win and seasoned pros who appreciate a clever shortcut. Follow these simple steps to bring this unique and incredibly satisfying dessert to life in your kitchen:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ice Cream and Oven
The first crucial step in making this cake is to ensure your ice cream is properly melted to the correct consistency. You’ll need to measure out exactly two cups of liquid ice cream. It’s absolutely vital to measure it after it has fully melted, not while it’s still in its frozen or even semi-frozen state, as the volume will differ significantly. You can achieve this by letting the ice cream sit at room temperature for a while until softened and liquid, or by gently warming it in the microwave in short, controlled bursts, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a smooth, pourable liquid consistency. Once measured, set this flavorful liquid aside.
While your ice cream is melting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, meticulously prepare your bundt pan. Thoroughly spray the entire interior surface of the pan, paying special attention to all the intricate crevices and designs, with a good quality nonstick cooking spray. For bundt cakes, in particular, I highly recommend using a spray that includes flour, such as Baker’s Joy. This specific type of spray creates a robust nonstick barrier, ensuring your beautiful cake will release cleanly and effortlessly after baking, thereby preserving its intricate and impressive shape without any breakage or sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter to Perfection
In a large, spacious mixing bowl, combine the entire contents of your chosen cake mix box with the three large eggs and the two cups of the perfectly melted ice cream. Using either a sturdy whisk or an electric mixer set to low speed, gently stir all the ingredients together until they are just combined and the batter appears smooth. The key here is to be careful not to overmix the batter; excessive mixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which often leads to a tougher, less tender cake texture. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and will typically bake out, ensuring your cake remains wonderfully moist and tender.
Once your batter is uniformly mixed, carefully pour it into your meticulously greased bundt pan. Before placing it in the oven, gently tap the pan on your counter a few times. This simple action helps to release any trapped air bubbles within the batter and encourages it to settle evenly into all the intricate crevices and designs of the bundt pan, ensuring a beautifully formed cake.
Step 3: Bake, Cool, and Release Your Masterpiece
Carefully place the bundt pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 33-36 minutes. It’s important to remember that baking times can vary slightly depending on the calibration of your specific oven, so it’s always a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your cake. The cake is perfectly done when it springs back lightly to the touch in the center, and a wooden toothpick (or a thin skewer) inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. To ensure even baking and prevent the cake from sinking, try to avoid opening the oven door too frequently during the baking process.
Once baked to golden perfection, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This crucial initial cooling period allows the cake to firm up sufficiently and slightly pull away from the edges of the pan, which helps significantly in preventing it from breaking or sticking when inverted. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. It is absolutely essential that the cake is fully cooled to room temperature before you attempt to apply any icing or glaze; otherwise, the warmth from the cake will cause your beautiful glaze to melt, run off, and create a messy, rather than elegant, finish.
Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Perfect Glaze
While your cake is undergoing its essential cooling process, you can efficiently prepare the optional, yet highly recommended, simple icing. In a small, clean bowl, thoroughly whisk together the powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) with an initial two tablespoons of milk. Begin with this suggested amount of milk and then, crucially, gradually add more liquid, just a teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. What you’re aiming for is a smooth, pourable glaze that possesses enough body to beautifully cling to the contours of the cake, yet is thin enough to cascade elegantly down the sides in enticing drips.
Once your magnificent cake is completely cool and has been carefully transferred to your chosen serving platter or cake stand, it’s time for the final artistic touch. Generously drizzle the prepared icing all over the top of the cake, allowing it to naturally cascade down the intricate sides of the bundt cake for a truly beautiful and enticing effect. For an extra flourish of charm, visual appeal, and a delightful textural contrast, immediately scatter a few colorful sprinkles on top of the wet glaze. This simple, festive addition elevates the overall presentation and introduces a playful, subtle crunch with every bite, completing your Melted Ice Cream Cake masterpiece.
Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!
Once the icing has had a chance to set slightly, your stunning and incredibly flavorful Melted Ice Cream Cake is finally ready to be admired and, more importantly, devoured! Carefully slice generous portions, perhaps a little thicker than usual to truly appreciate its moist density, and serve them to your eager family and guests. This cake is an absolute delight on its own, a self-contained explosion of cake and ice cream flavor. However, for those who love to elevate their dessert experience, it also pairs wonderfully with a small scoop of fresh seasonal fruit, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a tiny side of its namesake – a petite scoop of a complementary ice cream flavor! Enjoy the cheers and compliments this simple yet spectacular cake is sure to bring.
Endless Flavor Combinations for Your Melted Ice Cream Cake
The true genius and joy of this recipe lie in its incredible adaptability and the almost limitless creative possibilities it offers. The flavor combinations are truly endless, especially with the constant introduction of new, innovative, and exciting ice cream flavors hitting the market all the time. This means you’re only limited by your imagination – don’t be afraid to get wonderfully creative and experiment with different pairings!
Here are some tried-and-true favorites, along with inspired ideas for complementary cake mixes and delightful glazes, to spark your creativity and inspire your next unforgettable baking adventure:
- Classic Vanilla Bean Dream: Pair a versatile white or yellow cake mix with rich, aromatic vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle generously with a simple vanilla glaze or a luscious, buttery caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Decadent Chocolate Fudge Fantasy: Elevate a chocolate cake mix by combining it with a deeply flavored chocolate fudge brownie or rocky road ice cream. Crown this masterpiece with a glossy dark chocolate ganache or a velvety chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Fruity Strawberry Sensation: A classic white cake mix works wonderfully with sweet strawberry or creamy strawberry cheesecake ice cream. A vibrant strawberry glaze (easily made with powdered sugar and a touch of strawberry puree) or a tangy cream cheese frosting would be absolutely delightful.
- Nutty Butter Pecan Delight: Combine a rich yellow or specific butter pecan cake mix with decadent butter pecan ice cream. A warm brown butter glaze or a sweet maple-pecan topping would magnificently enhance this beloved classic flavor profile.
- Refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip Dream: For a wonderfully refreshing twist, use a chocolate or white cake mix with cool mint chocolate chip ice cream. A simple mint-flavored glaze (using just a tiny drop of mint extract) or a rich, contrasting dark chocolate drizzle is perfectly refreshing.
- Birthday Cake Bash: As famously featured in this very recipe, Birthday Cake ice cream paired with a white cake mix and finished with a classic vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles creates an instant party in every slice!
- Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Magic: This is a personal favorite for a reason! Use a rich chocolate fudge cake mix with Ben & Jerry’s iconic Chunky Monkey ice cream. A luscious chocolate glaze or a banana cream frosting takes this delightful combination to an entirely new level. The distinct banana and chocolate notes from the ice cream truly shine through.
- Cherry Garcia Indulgence: Another fantastic and popular Ben & Jerry’s option! Pair a white or cherry chip cake mix with the beloved Cherry Garcia ice cream. A simple homemade cherry glaze or a delicate white chocolate drizzle would be exquisitely delicious.
- Coffee Lover’s Treat: A chocolate or yellow cake mix combined with robust coffee or espresso-flavored ice cream. A complementary coffee-flavored glaze or a sophisticated mocha frosting would be absolutely heavenly for coffee aficionados.
- Spiced Pumpkin Delight (Seasonal Favorite): During the cozy autumn months, try using a spice cake mix with fragrant pumpkin pie or warming cinnamon ice cream. A creamy cream cheese glaze or a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar would be the perfect autumnal embellishment.
Don’t hesitate to mix and match cake and ice cream flavors that aren’t listed! Think about intriguing complementary pairings – perhaps a lemon cake mix with blueberry ice cream for a summery treat, or a red velvet cake mix with cream cheese ice cream. While most dairy-based ice creams work best, experimenting with sorbet might yield a lighter, fruitier cake, though the texture might differ slightly from cream-based ice cream versions. Let your culinary imagination run wild and create your truly signature Melted Ice Cream Cake, uniquely yours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Melted Ice Cream Cake
What kind of ice cream should I use?
Any flavor of ice cream will technically work for this recipe, allowing for immense creativity! However, premium, full-fat ice creams (such as Ben & Jerry’s or Häagen-Dazs) tend to yield a richer, more flavorful, and often a slightly denser cake. This is due to their higher fat content, which contributes to moisture and tenderness. Regular ice creams are also perfectly fine and will still produce a wonderfully delicious and moist result. The most important thing is to ensure you melt it completely and measure it accurately before incorporating it into the cake mix.
Can I use a different pan instead of a bundt pan?
Absolutely! While the bundt pan undoubtedly gives this cake a beautiful, classic, and elegant presentation, this versatile recipe is incredibly adaptable to various baking vessels. You can easily use two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans if you prefer a layered cake, a 9×13 inch rectangular baking dish for a convenient sheet cake, or even fill individual cupcake liners for charming, single-serving treats. Just remember to adjust the baking times accordingly for these different pan sizes:
- For a 9×13 inch rectangular pan: Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- For two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans: Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- For cupcakes: Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes.
Always test for doneness with a simple toothpick test to ensure your cake is perfectly baked through.
How should I store Melted Ice Cream Cake?
For optimal freshness and flavor, store any leftover Melted Ice Cream Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store it longer, or if your glaze contains ingredients that require refrigeration, transfer it to the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 5 days. When refrigerating, it’s best to allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving; this will ensure the best possible texture and fully release its flavors. This cake also freezes exceptionally well for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Can I add extra ingredients to the batter?
Yes, absolutely! This Melted Ice Cream Cake provides a fantastic, flexible base for endless customization and creative additions. Feel free to fold in delightful extras like chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark), chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds), fresh berries (especially when paired with a complementary ice cream flavor), or even a vibrant swirl of fruit preserves. You can also add zest from citrus fruits for a brighter flavor. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the batter with too many additions, as this could potentially affect its overall structure and baking consistency. A good rule of thumb is to add no more than 1 to 1.5 cups of total mix-ins.
My cake is too dense, what went wrong?
A slightly denser, moister texture is actually quite characteristic and desirable for this unique cake, largely attributed to the rich melted ice cream replacing lighter liquids. However, if your cake turns out excessively dense, gummy, or tough, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Overmixing vigorously develops the gluten in the flour, which inevitably leads to a less tender and more rubbery texture. To avoid this, always mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined and smooth, stopping as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain. Another factor could be inactive leavening agents in your cake mix, so always double-check the expiration date of your cake mix to ensure it’s fresh and potent.
Craving More Irresistible Cake Recipes?
If you thoroughly enjoyed the surprising simplicity and undeniable deliciousness of this Melted Ice Cream Cake, then you are definitely in for a treat! We invite you to explore some of our other fantastic cake creations that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a smile to your face. From classic comforts to unique delights, there’s always something new to bake and enjoy:
- Effortlessly Refreshing 7Up Cake
- Decadent Chocolate Pudding Bundt Cake
- Festive Patriotic Funfetti Cake
- Whimsical Shirley Temple Poke Cake
- Sweet Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes
- Unique Fried Ice Cream Cake
- Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
- Light and Delicious Fresh Strawberry Cake
Melted Ice Cream Cake
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10 minutes
36 minutes
46 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 cups melted ice cream (measure while melted)
- 3 large eggs
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray, preferably one that contains flour for easy release (like Baker’s Joy).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with the eggs and the two cups of melted ice cream. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased bundt pan.
- Bake for approximately 33-36 minutes, or until the cake springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate to cool fully.
- For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar with the milk in a small bowl.
- Gradually add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until your icing reaches the desired pourable yet clingy consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the icing generously over the top. Finish by scattering a few festive sprinkles over the wet glaze.
- Slice and serve your delightful Melted Ice Cream Cake!
Video
Notes
- Pint-sized premium ice creams (e.g., Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs) typically come in 16-ounce (2-cup) containers, which is the perfect amount of melted ice cream needed for this recipe.
- The flavor possibilities are truly endless! We highly recommend experimenting. Some tried-and-true favorites include Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream paired with a chocolate glaze, Cherry Garcia for a fruity-chocolatey blend, or a classic butter pecan cake.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories:
230kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
45g
|
Protein:
3g
|
Fat:
4g
|
Sodium:
275mg
|
Sugar:
24g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Originally published: July 2013
Updated & republished: June 2019
Recipe adapted from Anne Byrn, Cake Mix Doctor