Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake 🍫🍦🍪
Looking for a showstopping dessert that’s rich, colorful, and completely no-bake? This Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is layered with chewy cookie dough, two dreamy ice cream flavors, and a generous pour of chocolate ganache on top. Oh—and plenty of M&M’s, of course.
It’s perfect for birthdays, summer celebrations, or any moment when “just a scoop of ice cream” won’t do.
Why I Love This Recipe
- 🍪 No eggs = safe-to-eat raw cookie dough
- 🍫 Two layers of ice cream = double the fun
- 🎉 Colorful and festive with M&M’s
- ❄️ Make-ahead friendly for parties
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon 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 extra for topping)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Instructions
1. Make the Edible Cookie Dough
In a bowl, cream together:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Add vanilla extract, then mix in flour and salt. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and soft.
👉 Tip: Heat-treat the flour in the microwave for 1 minute or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to make it safe to eat.
2. Assemble the Crust
Press half the cookie dough into the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch springform pan to form a crust. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm it up.
3. Layer the Ice Cream
- Spread vanilla ice cream evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle with a layer of M&M’s.
- Add the chocolate ice cream and smooth the top.
- Press the remaining cookie dough on top.
Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture.
4. Make the Ganache
Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Decorate
- Remove the cake from the freezer and release it from the springform pan.
- Pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle generously with more M&M’s.
Freeze again for 30 minutes to set.
6. Slice and Serve
Let the cake sit at room temp for a few minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.
Tips for Success
- Soften ice cream for easy spreading, but don’t let it melt.
- Make sure to press the cookie dough layers firmly for structure.
- Want more crunch? Fold in crushed pretzels or graham crackers!
Perfect Pairings & More Sweets You’ll Love
Want more dessert magic? Pair this cake with fun, no-bake treats:
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
- 🍫 Brownie Batter Dip
- 🌈 Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- 🧁 Unicorn Poke Cake
- 🍰 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to steal the dessert table spotlight, this Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is your golden ticket. Creamy, chewy, chocolatey, and packed with playful crunch, it’s everything a sweet tooth craves—no oven required.
💬 Have you tried it? Tag us @chefmaniac and show off your cake masterpiece. Want more frozen fun? Drop your flavor combos below!
