Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Joy

Cold winter nights meet their match with this ultimate festive peppermint ice cream cake that promises pure magic.

Layers of creamy, minty goodness dance between delicate cake crumbs for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Sweet peppermint swirls create a delightful symphony of flavors perfect for holiday celebrations.

Chilled and decadent, each slice brings a burst of festive cheer to your table.

Chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes add a playful crunch that makes this treat irresistible.

Memories of cozy gatherings and joyful moments come alive with every delectable bite.

Whip up this show-stopping dessert and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Reasons Ultimate Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake Shines

• Craft a Showstopping Dessert: This peppermint ice cream cake transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning holiday centerpiece that will impress guests and family with minimal effort.
• Customize with Festive Flair: Easily personalize the cake by adding extra peppermint candies, chocolate drizzles, or seasonal decorations to match your celebration's style and mood.
• Master No-Bake Magic: Skip complicated baking steps and create a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires simple assembly, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Celebrate Seasonal Delights: Capture the classic winter flavor combination of chocolate and peppermint in a cool, creamy dessert that brings instant holiday cheer to any gathering.

Ingredients for Ultimate Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A classic base that provides a rich, chocolatey foundation for the ice cream cake.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs together and creates a solid, delicious crust.

• Peppermint Ice Cream: The star ingredient that brings a cool, refreshing minty flavor to the dessert.
• Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: Add a delightful crunch and extra burst of peppermint flavor to the ice cream layer.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy, and creamy topping that complements the ice cream.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the whipped topping.
• Chocolate Shavings or Mini Chocolate Chips: Provide a decorative and tasty finishing touch to the cake.

Instructions for Making Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Create Chocolate Cookie Base

Grab a springform pan and line it with parchment paper. Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation. Pop the pan into the freezer for 15 minutes to help the base set perfectly.

Step 2: Layer Peppermint Ice Cream

Remove the pan from the freezer and spread softened peppermint ice cream across the cookie base. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the ice cream, adding delightful crunch and festive flair.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and return to the freezer for 4 hours until the ice cream becomes completely solid.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Topping

Pull out a chilled mixing bowl and combine heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Whip the mixture vigorously until it transforms into fluffy, stiff peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 4: Decorate and Finish

Carefully spread the whipped cream topping over the frozen ice cream layer.

• Crushed candy canes
• Chocolate shavings
• Mini chocolate chips

Freeze the cake for one additional hour to help the topping set completely.

Step 5: Slice and Celebrate

Remove the cake from the freezer and slice into delectable portions.

Serve immediately for a refreshing, festive dessert that will delight everyone at your holiday gathering.

Helpful Tips for Ultimate Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

• Mix cookie crumbs and butter thoroughly to ensure a compact, stable base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
• Remove peppermint ice cream from freezer 5-10 minutes before spreading to achieve smooth, even layer without tearing crust.
• Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream whip faster and create more stable, fluffy peaks.
• Run knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts to get clean, neat slices through frozen cake layers.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer for up to one week, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.

Flavor Variations for Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

• Chocolate Mint Explosion: Replace peppermint ice cream with rich chocolate mint chip ice cream, adding dark chocolate ganache drizzle between layers for intense flavor depth.
• Holiday Bark Crunch: Incorporate crushed chocolate peppermint bark into cookie crust and sprinkle throughout layers for extra holiday-themed texture and crunch.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Dream: Swap regular whipped cream with white chocolate whipped cream, using white chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes as elegant decorative elements.
• Mocha Peppermint Fusion: Introduce espresso-soaked chocolate cookie base with peppermint mocha ice cream, topped with coffee-infused whipped cream for sophisticated adult version.

Best Pairings for Ultimate Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

• Pair Peppermint Chocolate Delight with Bold Red Wine: A rich, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly complements the cake's sweet and minty profile, balancing the dessert's richness with its deep, complex flavor notes.
• Enhance with Warm Coffee Companion: Serve a hot espresso or dark roast coffee alongside the cake, as the coffee's robust bitterness cuts through the sweetness and highlights the peppermint's refreshing taste.
• Create Festive Champagne Experience: Pop open a chilled, slightly sweet sparkling wine or champagne to elevate the dessert's holiday spirit, with bubbles that cleanse the palate and match the cake's celebratory feel.

Proper Storage for Ultimate Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the freezer for up to 1 week to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn.

Cut the cake into portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for easy individual servings that last up to 2 weeks.

Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. This gentle thawing method helps preserve the cake’s smooth consistency and prevents ice crystals.

For immediate enjoyment, use a knife dipped in hot water to slice clean, smooth pieces. Wipe the knife between cuts to ensure neat, picture-perfect servings.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?

You can substitute store-bought whipped cream, but homemade whipped cream will provide a fresher taste and better texture that elevates the entire dessert.

• How long can I keep the peppermint ice cream cake in the freezer?

The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 5-7 days if properly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

This specific recipe doesn’t contain nuts, but always check ingredient labels of cookies, ice cream, and candy canes to ensure they are nut-free and produced in a nut-free facility.

Ultimate Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy peppermint ice cream cake delivers winter holiday magic in one delightful dessert. Chocolate cookie crust and cool mint layers promise sweet celebration with each indulgent spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 quarts (1.4 liters) peppermint ice cream
• 2 cups (200g) chocolate cookie crumbs
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorative and Flavor Enhancing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish)
• Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Combine chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, creating a uniform mixture that will form the cake’s foundation.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base layer.
4. Chill the crust in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes to help it set and maintain its structure.
5. Remove the peppermint ice cream from the freezer and allow it to soften slightly for easier spreading.
6. Carefully spread the softened peppermint ice cream across the chilled crust, ensuring an even, smooth layer.
7. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the ice cream, distributing them for consistent texture and flavor.
8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and return to the freezer for 4 hours or until the ice cream becomes completely firm.
9. Prepare the whipped topping by chilling a mixing bowl beforehand to help achieve optimal cream volume.
10. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating proper consistency.
11. Gently spread the whipped topping across the frozen ice cream layer, creating a uniform and elegant surface.
12. Decorate the cake with additional crushed candy canes, peppermint candies, chocolate shavings, or mini chocolate chips.
13. Return the cake to the freezer for one final hour to set the whipped topping and ensure a perfect presentation.
14. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and slice immediately for the most refreshing holiday dessert experience.

Notes

• Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream to achieve perfect, stable peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
• Use full-fat cream for a richer, more luxurious whipped topping that won’t deflate quickly during freezing.
• Crush peppermint candies just before adding to prevent moisture from making them sticky and maintain their delightful crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies to create an equally delicious crust.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg