Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake – Colorful, Creamy & Loaded with Goodness
Introduction
Looking for the ultimate dessert to cool off with and impress everyone in the room? This Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake brings together layers of soft cookie dough, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, a rich ganache topping, and of course, colorful M&M’s for the ultimate celebration cake.
It’s sweet, fun, easy to make ahead, and completely no-bake—ideal for birthdays, parties, summer holidays, or just because.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✔️ No baking required – just freeze and serve
✔️ Made with real cookie dough, no raw eggs
✔️ Two kinds of ice cream = layered flavor heaven
✔️ Topped with M&M’s and silky ganache for color and crunch
✔️ Feeds a crowd and makes the happiest leftovers ever
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream Layers:
- ½ gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
- ½ gallon chocolate ice cream, softened
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus more for topping)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
👨🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
2️⃣ Build the Crust
Line the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch springform pan with parchment or lightly grease.
Press half the cookie dough into the base to form a crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten evenly.
3️⃣ Layer the Ice Cream
Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle M&M’s generously over the vanilla layer.
Add the softened chocolate ice cream and smooth the top.
4️⃣ Add the Top Cookie Dough Layer
Crumble and press the remaining cookie dough over the chocolate ice cream layer to form a rustic topping.
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5️⃣ Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
6️⃣ Decorate the Cake
Unmold the frozen cake and place it on a serving platter.
Pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Sprinkle more M&M’s on top for decoration.
Return the cake to the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
7️⃣ Slice & Serve
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean slices.
Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
⏱️ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Freeze Time: 4+ hours
- Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 12–14 slices
- Calories: ~450 per slice
💡 Tips & Variations
- Swap in cookies ‘n cream, strawberry, or mint chip ice cream
- Add a layer of crushed Oreos or fudge sauce between the ice creams
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and cookie dough
- Make mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A side of fresh fruit or berry compote
- Paired with blueberry lemonade
- Finish a BBQ or summer dinner featuring grilled chicken avocado salad or turkey wings
🧾 Final Thoughts
This Chocolate M&M’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a celebration in every slice—colorful, crunchy, creamy, and full of the sweet nostalgia you crave. It’s perfect for warm days, birthdays, or “just because” moments. Plus, it’s no-bake and make-ahead friendly.
💬 Show Me the Layers!
Made it? Tag @ChefManiac and show off those dreamy slices! Want to add peanut butter, use brownie bits, or make it dairy-free? Let me know—I’ve got ice cream cake spins for every flavor lover.
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