There’s something magical about the combination of cool, creamy peppermint ice cream and rich, chocolatey layers. This Peppermint Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or honestly, any time you’re craving a refreshing, sweet treat. It’s festive, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! With every bite, you’ll get a delicious blend of smooth ice cream, crunchy cookies, and a luscious chocolate drizzle. If you love desserts that look impressive but require minimal effort, this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Whether it’s for a holiday party, birthday celebration, or just a cozy night in, this dessert fits every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients needed just a few simple items that come together beautifully.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and no baking required. It’s basically foolproof!
Customizable: Want to mix up the flavors? Swap out the ice cream for vanilla, chocolate, or even cookies and cream.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will go crazy for this dreamy, minty masterpiece.

Ingredients in Peppermint Ice Cream Cake
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: These create the perfect crunchy base. Crush them up to form the delicious foundation of your cake.
Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cookie crust together, ensuring a firm and flavorful base.
Peppermint Ice Cream: The star of the show! Its creamy texture and refreshing flavor make this cake irresistible.
Whipped Topping: Adds a light, fluffy layer that balances out the rich flavors.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzled over the top for that extra indulgence. Go for a high-quality sauce for the best taste.
Crushed Candy Canes: For a festive touch and a bit of crunchy texture, these are sprinkled over the top.
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Crust: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Mix them with melted butter until well combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
Add the Ice Cream Layer: Let the peppermint ice cream soften slightly, then spread it evenly over the cookie crust. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even layer. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Spread the Whipped Topping: Gently spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the ice cream. This adds a creamy, airy texture to balance out the cake.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a visually stunning effect.
Sprinkle with Candy Canes: Crush some candy canes and sprinkle them generously over the cake for extra crunch and a festive touch.
Freeze Until Set: Place the cake back in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until completely firm.
Slice and Serve: Remove from the freezer a few minutes before serving. Slice with a sharp knife and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes Freeze Time: 4 hours Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Peppermint Ice Cream Cake
With Hot Fudge: Drizzle extra hot fudge on top for an extra chocolaty experience.
With Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries balances the sweetness beautifully.
With a Warm Drink: Pair it with hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect dessert experience.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make this cake a day in advance for easy serving on the day of your event.
Spice It Up: Add crushed chocolate mints for an extra chocolatey-minty flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: Use dairy-free ice cream and whipped topping for a vegan version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
Double the Batch: If you’re serving a large crowd, make two cakes and keep one in the freezer for later.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different type of ice cream? Yes! Vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream all work great.
2. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! It can be stored in the freezer for up to a week.
3. How do I store leftovers? Keep it in an airtight container in the freezer.
4. Can I freeze this cake for longer than a week? Yes, but for the best texture, try to eat it within 2 weeks.
5. What’s the best way to cut the cake? Run a knife under warm water, dry it off, and then slice.
6. Can I make this without a springform pan? Yes, but a springform pan makes removal much easier.
7. Can I add nuts? Definitely! Chopped pecans or almonds add a great crunch.
8. Can I make a smaller version? Yes, just halve the ingredients and use a smaller pan.
9. Can I add food coloring for a more vibrant look? Absolutely! A drop of red food coloring in the whipped topping can add a festive touch.
10. Can I serve this immediately after assembling? It’s best to freeze it for at least 4 hours to set properly.
Conclusion
Peppermint Ice Cream Cake is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this easy, no-bake dessert is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out trust me, you’re going to love it!
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Peppermint Ice Cream Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool, creamy, and packed with the festive flavor of peppermint, this Peppermint Ice Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for holidays or any occasion! With layers of chocolate cookie crust, peppermint ice cream, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
2 cups (200g) chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreos, without the filling)
6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Ice Cream Layer:
1 1/2 quarts (1.4 liters) peppermint ice cream, slightly softened
1/2 cup (50g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
For the Whipped Topping:
2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the Ice Cream Layer
- Spread the softened peppermint ice cream evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the ice cream for added crunch.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Remove the cake from the freezer and spread the whipped topping evenly over the ice cream layer.
- Decorate with crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or mini chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Return the cake to the freezer for at least 1 hour to set the topping.
- Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for easier slicing.
Notes
Storage: Cover the cake tightly and keep it in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Custom Variations: Swap peppermint ice cream for vanilla or chocolate mint for a different twist.
Holiday Flair: Use festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a seasonal touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg