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Chocolate Caramel Homemade Ice Cream Cake
Laura

Chocolate Caramel Homemade Ice Cream Cake

Decadent layers of chocolate cookie crust, creamy vanilla ice cream, homemade caramel, and rich chocolate ganache come together in this show-stopping no-bake dessert perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
freezing time 6 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 24 cookies chocolate sandwich cookies for crust
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for crust
  • 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream premium quality, slightly softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
  • 1/4 cup water for caramel
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream warm, for caramel
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for caramel
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for caramel
  • 8 ounces dark chocolate chopped, 60-70% cacao
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream for ganache

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Food processor
  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Offset spatula
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Crush chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with 6 tablespoons melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Freeze for 15 minutes.
  2. Spread vanilla ice cream evenly over the frozen crust using an offset spatula. Smooth the top and return to freezer for 30 minutes.
  3. Make the caramel: Combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and cook until mixture turns deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Carefully pour in warm heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add 4 tablespoons butter and sea salt. Stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature.
  5. Drizzle cooled caramel over the frozen ice cream layer. Return to freezer for 30 minutes.
  6. Make the ganache: Heat 3/4 cup heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  7. Pour ganache over the caramel-topped cake, encouraging drips down the sides. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
  8. To serve, run a hot knife around the edge and release the springform pan. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional caramel or chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

  • Use premium ice cream with higher butterfat content for best texture
  • Work quickly when spreading ice cream to prevent melting
  • Chill your knife in hot water before slicing for clean cuts
  • Cake can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored tightly wrapped in freezer
  • For easier slicing, let cake sit at room temperature 5 minutes before serving