Chocolate M&M’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake (No-Bake & Party-Perfect!)

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

  • 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

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:


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!