It is possibleand quite funto make an ice cream cake at home.

The whipped cream layer is light and fluffy, and each bite is a sensory delight.

The toppings, textures, and the divine smell of an ice cream parlorall packed into a single cake.

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake decorated cake is ready to serve on a platter with a slice out on a plate

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Allow more than six hours to make this ice cream cake (including the freezing time).

It’s well worth it in the end.

Add Oreos on top to hint at whats inside, or try vanilla wafers to nod to the crust.

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake pressing vanilla cookie crust into the pan

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Top with maraschino cherries and sprinkles for a look and taste that leans into the classic old-school celebration vibe.

Or decorate in any combination of colors and flavors the guest of honor loves most of all.

Don’t forget to serve with candles and confetti!

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake adding chocolate ice cream layer to pan

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Ingredients

1 1/2cupsfinely crushed vanilla wafers(about 32 cookies) (from 1 [11-oz.]

box)

1/2cup(4 oz.

)salted butter, melted, divided

6cups(3 pt.

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake adding crushed chocolate sandwich cookie layer to cake

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Press evenly into bottom of prepared pan.

Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.

Gently tap pan on counter to release any air bubbles.

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake adding the vanilla ice cream layer to pan

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Cover and freeze until just firm, about 2 hours.

Sprinkle with reserved sandwich cookie mixture, and press lightly into an even layer.

Cover and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake spreading the top with the whipped topping

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Gently tap pan on counter to release any air bubbles.

Cover and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

With mixer running on medium, gradually add powdered sugar and pudding mix.

Increase speed to medium-high, and beat until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.

Gently slide ice cream cake onto a cake stand or serving platter.

Quickly but gently spread whipped topping over top and sides of cake.

Drizzle with additional warm fudge topping; sprinkle edges with additional crushed sandwich cookies.

Freeze at least 1 hour or up to 2 days before serving.