Looking for a show-stopping dessert to beat the summer heat? This mint chocolate ice cream cake is the answer. With its dreamy layers of rich chocolate cake, cool mint ice cream, fluffy whipped topping, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, this dessert is every bit as indulgent as it looks. It’s cold, creamy, and packed with texture—ideal for warm weather celebrations or just because.
This cake is a favorite among USA dessert lovers during summer. Why? Because it combines two beloved flavors—mint and chocolate—in a chilled format that’s easy to prep and guaranteed to wow your guests. Whether you’re throwing a backyard party, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something refreshing and sweet, this mint chocolate ice cream cake delivers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- 🍃 Cool and creamy mint ice cream paired with moist chocolate cake
- 🍫 Topped with fluffy whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and chips
- ❄️ Perfect for hot summer days or make-ahead desserts
- 🎂 Crowd-pleasing, kid-approved, and party-ready
- 🧁 Easy to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings
Quick Facts
- Preparation Time: PT20M
- Cooking Time: PT1H (includes freezing/resting)
- Total Time: PT1H20M
- Type: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Recipe Yield: 10 servings
- Calories: ~450 per slice
What You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake Layers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water
For the Ice Cream & Filling
- 1.5 quarts mint chocolate chip ice cream (softened slightly)
- 1 cup whipped cream or topping (for layering and decorating)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for topping)
- Chocolate ganache (optional drizzle):
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Let’s Make It
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, egg, yogurt, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Slowly mix in hot water until smooth.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 22–25 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Layer
- Let the mint chocolate chip ice cream soften at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Line an 8-inch cake pan with plastic wrap.
- Spread ice cream into the pan and smooth the top.
- Freeze for 1 hour or until solid.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Add the frozen ice cream layer on top.
- Place the second cake layer over the ice cream.
- Freeze the entire cake for 30 minutes to firm it up.
Step 4: Decorate
- Spread whipped cream or topping over the top and edges.
- Drizzle chocolate ganache (melt chocolate chips with cream).
- Pipe swirls of whipped cream and top with chocolate chips or shavings.
Conclusion
This mint chocolate ice cream cake brings everything you love about summer desserts into one amazing slice. The fluffy cake layers are rich but not heavy, while the cool mint ice cream keeps things refreshing. The whipped cream and ganache on top add a luscious finish that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
It’s perfect for parties, BBQs, birthdays—or whenever you just want to treat yourself to something epic and cool. Best of all, you can prepare it ahead and keep it frozen until it’s time to serve.
FAQs
How to make mint chocolate ice cream cake without baking?
Use store-bought chocolate cake or brownie layers to skip baking. Just layer with softened ice cream and freeze.
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
Yes! Chocolate, cookies and cream, or vanilla bean also work well with chocolate cake.
How long can I keep it in the freezer?
This cake keeps well for up to 5 days in the freezer. Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly.
What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean between slices for neat results.
Can I make this in a loaf pan or square pan?
Absolutely! Just make sure the layers fit and freeze well before cutting.
Wrapping It Up
There’s no better way to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth than with a slice of mint chocolate ice cream cake. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and bursting with fresh mint flavor—perfect for summer parties, special occasions, or weekend indulgence.
🎂 Save this recipe, try it out, and don’t forget to tag us with your cake creations! Looking for more frozen desserts? Check out our full summer dessert collection and keep the cool vibes coming.