Easy Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake You Can Make at Home Today

Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake You Can Make at Home is a delightful, layered dessert. Its rich, cocoa-infused flavor contrasts beautifully with creamy ice cream.

This layered dessert combines the classic appeal of red velvet cake with the refreshing coolness of ice cream. The result is a vibrant, flavorful treat perfect for celebrations or any occasion calling for a touch of indulgence. Its striking appearance and delicious taste make it a memorable dessert.

The initial bite offers a tantalizing contrast: the slightly tangy, cocoa-infused crumb of the red velvet melding seamlessly with the smooth, cold ice cream. Each layer contributes a unique texture, from the soft cake to the firm, frozen cream. The visual appeal is equally captivating, with its vibrant red hues and creamy white layers creating an eye-catching dessert.

Red velvet desserts hold a special place in culinary history, often associated with Southern baking traditions. Their distinctive color and subtle cocoa flavor have made them a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The ice cream cake variation offers a modern twist on this classic, combining familiar flavors in a new and exciting way.

What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability and ease of preparation. While it looks impressive, it can be assembled with readily available ingredients and requires no specialized baking skills. This makes it an accessible option for home bakers of all levels, allowing them to create a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort. It is great for hot weather and can be customized to different ice cream flavors.

Variations of this dessert might include different types of ice cream, such as chocolate, vanilla bean, or even coffee flavors, to complement the red velvet. Some recipes incorporate cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for an extra layer of tanginess and richness. Garnishes like chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder can also elevate the presentation.

Ready to create this stunning dessert in your own kitchen? Follow along for a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a sweet treat.

Recipe Metadata

• Categories: Baking, Desserts, Holiday Recipes, No Bake Recipes, Summer Recipes
• Courses: Desserts
• Cuisines: American
• Keywords: Red Velvet, Ice Cream Cake, Easy Dessert, Party Dessert, Frozen Dessert

Estimated Cost: $25.00 total

Preparation Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Freeze Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Recipe Yield: Serves 8-10 people

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) Red Velvet Cake Mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
• 1/2 gallon Vanilla Ice Cream, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Red Food Coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
• Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake: Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions. Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack. This step can be done a day ahead.
• Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring (if using) until the desired color is achieved.
• Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake: Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the cake. Then, spread half of the cream cheese frosting over the ice cream layer.
• Step 4: Add the Second Layer: Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
• Step 5: Freeze the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream and frosting to firm up.
• Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Before serving, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired. Slice and serve immediately.

For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of crushed Oreo cookies or chopped nuts between the cake and ice cream layers. To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, brush the cake layers with a simple syrup before adding the ice cream.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 1/10 of the cake):

Essential Cooking Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula or knife for frosting
• Cake stand or serving platter
• Plastic wrap
• Freezer-safe container or wrap

Variations

Possible adaptations can enhance the flavors and suitability of the dessert to different preferences:

• Ingredient Swaps: Chocolate ice cream can replace vanilla for a richer flavor profile. Gluten-free cake mix can be used for those with gluten sensitivities. A dairy-free ice cream alternative makes it suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Regional Twists: Add a hint of coffee liqueur to the cake layers for an Italian-inspired tiramisu variation. Use a pecan praline ice cream to evoke Southern flavors.
• Dietary Adjustments: Sugar-free sweetener can replace powdered sugar in the frosting for a lower-sugar option. Consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative and plant-based ice cream for a fully vegan dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert excels as a centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or casual gatherings. It is best served slightly softened, allowing the ice cream to be creamy but not melted. Consider pairing it with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an enhanced presentation. Individual slices can be accompanied by a scoop of additional ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Tips

To preserve freshness, the assembled cake should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer. It can maintain its quality for up to one week. Allowing the cake to thaw slightly before serving ensures optimal texture and flavor. Re-freezing leftover slices is possible, although the texture may be slightly altered.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question 1: Can the cake layers be made ahead of time? The cake layers can be baked a day in advance, cooled completely, and wrapped tightly before assembling the cake.
• Question 2: How long does the ice cream cake need to freeze? A minimum of 4 hours is recommended, but overnight freezing is ideal for optimal firmness.
• Question 3: Can other types of frosting be used? Yes, a classic buttercream or a chocolate ganache can be substituted for the cream cheese frosting.
• Question 4: How do you prevent the cake from becoming soggy? Brushing the cake layers with a simple syrup before adding the ice cream can help keep the cake moist but not soggy.

Summary & Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake You Can Make at Home is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience. Combining the comforting flavors of red velvet cake with the cool, creamy texture of ice cream, it’s a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly simple to create.

Its versatility shines through in the endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors, frostings, or even add layers of cookies or nuts to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress.

We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover the joy of creating your own Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake. Don’t hesitate to share your results with us or leave a comment with your own creative twists. We’d love to hear how yours turns out!

Happy cooking, and may your Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake be a delicious success!