This mint chip ice cream cake is a fun, festive dessert that comes together in just 15 minutes! With a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for the holidays.
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Why You’ll Love Ice Cream Pies
In honor of my love for all things chocolate and peppermint, I give you this minty ice cream cake, a dessert I first made for Christmas Eve (as if our dessert table needed more sweets!). It was an instant hit, and it’s easy to see why.
You get the best of both worlds: a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy mint chip ice cream, and a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Top it all with chocolate sauce or mini chips, and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping, no-bake dessert. Best of all, it takes just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes to put together before the freezer does the rest of the work. Why you’ll love it:
- The perfect chocolate-peppermint combo
- Quick, easy, and no baking required
- Great for holidays or parties
- Always a crowd favorite
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
- Oreo cookie crust- A classic chocolate base that pairs perfectly with mint ice cream. You can also use a homemade crust or gluten-free sandwich cookies for a gluten-free option.
- Mint chocolate chip ice cream- Use your favorite brand! Peppermint ice cream or mint chocolate cookie ice cream also works.
- Heavy cream- Whip it yourself for the best flavor and texture, or use whipped topping for a shortcut.
- Vanilla extract- Adds a subtle flavor boost to your homemade whipped cream.
- Confectioner’s sugar- Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
- Chocolate sauce or mini chocolate chips- Garnish with one or both! You can also add crushed peppermint or shaved chocolate for a festive touch.
How To Make An Ice Cream Cake
Step 1- Soften the ice cream.
Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit for about 10 minutes (a bit longer if it’s extra firm).
Step 2- Whip the cream.
In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the heavy cream, vanilla, and confectioner’s sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3- Fill the crust.
Gently scoop the softened ice cream into the Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Leave a little room at the top for the whipped cream layer.
Step 4- Add the whipped cream.
Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the ice cream layer.
Step 5- Garnish and freeze.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce, sprinkle mini chocolate chips, or decorate with both. Freeze uncovered for at least 1 hour before serving so the cake can set
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This recipe works with almost any flavor: chocolate, coffee, or even cookies and cream would all be delicious.
You can make it up to 2-3 days ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Run a sharp knife under warm water, wipe it dry, and slice quickly. It makes clean, easy cuts every time.
Tips For Making This Ice Cream Pie Recipe
- Soften the ice cream first. Let the ice cream sit out for about 10–15 minutes before assembling. This makes spreading it into the crust so much easier.
- Handle the crust gently. Oreo crusts can be delicate, so take your time when pressing and filling to avoid cracks.
- Use freshly whipped cream if you can. It gives the best flavor and texture, but store-bought whipped topping totally works in a pinch.
- Line your freezer shelf. Place the pie on a flat surface or baking sheet to keep it level as it freezes.
- Don’t skip the chill time. Give it at least an hour in the freezer to firm up before serving. Overnight is even better!
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Whip the cream and soften the ice cream before you start layering.
- Leftovers and storage- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What To Serve With Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
Since the cake is cool and refreshing, it pairs especially well with hearty mains and vibrant salads. Serve it after a family dinner or during the holidays when you want something light and sweet to balance out all the rich foods. Here are a few dishes that make a great match:
- Mini Meatloaf Recipe with Potatoes
- Italian Chicken and Rice Stew
- Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Dill
- Strawberry Salad With Goat Cheese
Other Dessert Recipes To Try
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
Mint Chip Ice Cream Cake
Equipment
- stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 Oreo pie crust
- 24 ounces mint chip ice cream, the recipe uses about half of the box, give or take
- ½ pint heavy cream if you're whipping it yourself, you can use ½ pt. of heavy cream, 1 tsp. of vanilla extract and ¼ cup of confectioner's sugar whipped unt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 14 cup confectioner's sugar
- Chocolate sauce or mini chocolate chips for garnish or both if you like to live dangerously
Instructions
- Pull ice cream out of the freezer for 5-10 minutes to soften (if the box has already been opened, but may take a minute or two longer to soften than an unopened box).
- While the ice cream softens, place heavy cream, vanilla extract and confctioner's sugar into a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or bowl with a hand mixer and whip until they form nice, fluffy peaks of whipped cream. Set aside.
- Carefully scoop ice cream into the pie crust, leaving a small amount of space on top for the layer of whipped cream. Using a spatula, smooth it out a bit on top so that it's level.
- Next, pipe or scoop whipped cream on top of the pie.
- If you're planning on garnishing with chocolate sauce and/or mini chocolate chips, add them at this point.
- Place the pie in the freezer to harden uncovered. Let it freeze for a couple of hours or longer and serve.
Video
Notes
- Soften the ice cream first. Let the ice cream sit out for about 10–15 minutes before assembling. This makes spreading it into the crust so much easier.
- Handle the crust gently. Oreo crusts can be delicate, so take your time when pressing and filling to avoid cracks.
- Use freshly whipped cream if you can. It gives the best flavor and texture, but store-bought whipped topping totally works in a pinch.
- Line your freezer shelf. Place the pie on a flat surface or baking sheet to keep it level as it freezes.
- Don’t skip the chill time. Give it at least an hour in the freezer to firm up before serving. Overnight is even better!
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Whip the cream and soften the ice cream before you start layering.
- Leftovers and storage- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
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