Description
A no-bake, make-ahead summer dessert featuring distinct layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream on a cookie crust. This nostalgic treat is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 standard 1.5-quart carton Neapolitan ice cream block (brick-style, full-fat)
- 1.5 cups (150g) cookie crumbs (chocolate wafer, graham cracker, or Nilla wafers)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter, melted
- ½ cup sprinkles (for decoration)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
- Crush cookie crumbs until fine. Mix with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Remove Neapolitan ice cream from freezer and let sit for 10-15 minutes until soft enough to spread but not melting.
- Spread the chocolate layer evenly over the cold crust (about 1 inch thick). Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Spread the vanilla layer over the set chocolate layer. Freeze for another 15 minutes.
- Spread the strawberry layer on top, smoothing it level with the rim of the pan.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Lift the cake out of the pan using the plastic wrap overhang. Peel off the wrap.
- Press sprinkles onto the sides and top if desired. Drizzle with chocolate ganache if using.
- Slice using a serrated knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the ice cream is softened correctly: too hard will crack layers, too soft will cause bleeding. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Use a hot knife for clean slices. The cake can be made dairy-free or gluten-free by using appropriate substitutes. Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 32 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Neapolitan ice cream cake, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, ice cream cake, make-ahead dessert, easy dessert, party dessert, nostalgic dessert