Description
Craving a cool, creamy dessert that captures the joy of ice cream and chocolate without turning on the oven? What if you could layer it together in just 15 minutes for a crowd-pleasing treat? Say hello to No Bake Ice Cream Sandwich Cake! This easy, indulgent dessert stacks vanilla ice cream sandwiches with hot fudge, Cool Whip, and crushed Oreos for a frosty, chocolatey delight.
Ingredients
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Ice Cream Sandwiches (21, vanilla): Form the creamy, structured layers, providing a soft, ice cream-filled base and top.
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Oreos (18, or similar, crushed): Add a crunchy, chocolatey topping that mimics a cookie crust.
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Hot Fudge (11.75 oz jar): Brings rich, gooey chocolate flavor to each layer.
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Cool Whip (16 oz tub, thawed, divided): Provides a light, creamy layer that binds the cake and adds sweetness.
Substitutions and Variations
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Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use chocolate, Neapolitan, or mint ice cream sandwiches for different flavors, or gluten-free sandwiches for dietary needs.
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Oreos: Swap with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or gluten-free Oreos.
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Hot Fudge: Replace with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or peanut butter sauce for a different flavor profile.
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Cool Whip: Substitute with homemade whipped cream (2 cups heavy cream + ½ cup powdered sugar, whipped) or vegan whipped topping for a dairy-free version.
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Add-Ins: Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles between layers for extra texture and fun.
Instructions
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Prepare the Pan:
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Use a 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or metal) without greasing, as the ice cream sandwiches will release easily after freezing.
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Tip: Line the pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap, leaving overhang, for easier removal and slicing, if desired.
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Layer the First Ice Cream Sandwiches:
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Arrange 10–11 ice cream sandwiches flat, flush, and side by side on the bottom of the 9×13-inch pan to cover it evenly. You may need to cut 1–2 sandwiches in half to fit along the edges.
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Press gently to ensure they’re level and tightly packed.
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Tip: Work quickly to prevent melting, and use a sharp knife to cut sandwiches cleanly.
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Add the First Hot Fudge and Cool Whip Layer:
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Warm the 11.75 oz jar of hot fudge slightly (microwave for 10–15 seconds if needed) to make it spreadable, but ensure it’s not hot.
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Spread â…“ of the hot fudge evenly over the ice cream sandwiches using a spatula.
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Spoon half of the thawed 16 oz tub of Cool Whip over the hot fudge and spread evenly, covering the fudge completely.
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Tip: Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed (soft but not melted) for easy spreading.
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Repeat the Layers:
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Place another 10–11 ice cream sandwiches over the Cool Whip layer, aligning them as before to cover the filling completely. Cut sandwiches as needed to fit.
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Spread another â…“ of the hot fudge over the second layer of ice cream sandwiches.
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Spoon the remaining half of the Cool Whip over the fudge and spread evenly.
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Tip: Smooth each layer carefully to maintain distinct layers and a polished look.
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Add the Topping:
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Sprinkle 18 crushed Oreos evenly over the top Cool Whip layer, creating a crunchy, chocolatey topping.
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Drizzle the remaining â…“ of the hot fudge over the Oreo crumbs in a zigzag or swirl pattern for a decorative finish.
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Tip: Crush Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor for a mix of fine and chunky crumbs.
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Freeze the Cake:
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Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to ensure the cake is fully set and easy to slice.
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Tip: Place the dish on a flat surface in the freezer to maintain an even shape.
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Slice and Serve:
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Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.
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Use a sharp knife to cut into 12–15 squares or rectangles, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
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Serve immediately on plates or in bowls, optionally with extra crushed Oreos, a drizzle of hot fudge, or a scoop of ice cream.
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Tip: Serve with forks or spoons, as the cake can be rich and slightly melty.
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