Imagine the perfect blend of spicy carrot cake and creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with fluffy whipped cream and adorable chocolate carrots. This Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cake is a delightful twist on two classic desserts, creating a show-stopping treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two desserts in one: Enjoy the best of both worlds with carrot cake and ice cream in every bite.
- Easy to make: Using a boxed cake mix and store-bought ice cream simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any special occasion.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences with different cake flavors or ice cream varieties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Carrot cake mix: The foundation of our dessert, providing that classic carrot cake flavor.
- Cream soda: A secret ingredient that adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cake.
- Vanilla ice cream: Creates a creamy layer that complements the spiced cake perfectly.
- Whipped cream: Adds a light, fluffy topping to balance the rich cake and ice cream.
- White chocolate almond bark: For making those adorable chocolate carrots.
- Food coloring: To give the chocolate carrots their realistic orange and green hues.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for extra crunch.
- Fruity fun: Mix in some crushed pineapple or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Ice cream swap: Try different ice cream flavors like cream cheese or cinnamon for a unique taste.
- Frosting fancy: Replace the whipped cream with cream cheese frosting for a more traditional carrot cake feel.
How to Make Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cake
Step 1: Bake the Carrot Cake
Preheat your oven and mix the carrot cake with cream soda. Pour into a baking dish and bake until done. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Add the Ice Cream Layer
Spread softened vanilla ice cream over the cooled cake. Freeze until firm.
Step 3: Top with Whipped Cream
Add a layer of whipped cream or Cool Whip over the frozen ice cream layer.
Step 4: Create Chocolate Carrots
Melt white chocolate and divide it for orange carrots and green stems. Use molds to shape the carrots and place them on top of the cake.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Soften the ice cream slightly before spreading for an even layer.
- Chill the cake between layers to ensure each one sets properly.
- Use a warm knife for clean slices when serving.
- Make the chocolate carrots in advance to save time on assembly day.
How to Serve
This Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cake is best served slightly thawed. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful contrast in temperatures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the cake covered in the freezer for up to a week. The flavors actually meld and improve over time!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Just let it thaw slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without the ice cream layer?
Absolutely! It’ll be a delicious carrot cake on its own. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How long does it take for the ice cream layer to freeze?
Usually about 2 hours, but for best results, freeze overnight.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Sure! Spice cake or even vanilla cake would work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free alternatives for the cake mix, ice cream, and whipped topping. The taste might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
This Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s bound to become a new favorite. It’s the perfect dessert for those times when you can’t decide between cake or ice cream โ why not have both? Give it a try and watch it disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of carrot cake and ice cream with this delightful Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cake. This dessert combines the warmth of spiced carrot cake with the cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream, topped with fluffy whipped cream and adorable chocolate carrots. It’s an ideal treat for any occasion, offering a unique twist on traditional carrot cake.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the salad:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrot Cake
Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF. In a mixing bowl, combine the carrot cake mix with 1 1/2 cups of cream soda. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. Pour the mixture into a 9×7 dish or cake pan, ensuring an even distribution. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step. - Add the Ice Cream Layer
Once the carrot cake has cooled, take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften slightly. Spread the softened ice cream over the cake as evenly as possible, creating a smooth layer. Place the cake back in the freezer and allow it to firm up for about 2 hours. - Apply the Whipped Cream
Prepare homemade whipped cream or thaw out a tub of Cool Whip. Once the ice cream layer is firm, spread the whipped cream over the top of the frozen cake, creating an even layer. - Create Chocolate Carrots
Melt the white chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Separate 1/2 cup of the melted chocolate for the green carrot stems. Add orange food coloring to the remaining melted chocolate and mix well. Fill the carrot portion of a candy mold with the orange chocolate. Color the reserved 1/2 cup of white chocolate with green food coloring and use it to fill the stem portion of the mold. Allow the chocolate to set for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the chocolate carrots from the mold and place them on top of the whipped cream layer.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef.
- To make it even more authentic, add a middle layer of shredded lettuce between two layers of meat.
- For added crunch, you can toast some sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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