Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Fudge Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocoholics and ice cream lovers alike. It combines layers of moist chocolate cake with creamy vanilla ice cream, all topped with rich hot fudge and whipped cream. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want a show-stopping treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Freezing/Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup hot fudge sauce
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake

1. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, water, and salt. Mix until smooth.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally to create four layers total.

Assemble the Ice Cream Layers

1. Soften the vanilla ice cream at room temperature for 10 minutes to make spreading easier.
2. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of softened ice cream evenly over it.
3. Continue layering cake and ice cream until all layers are stacked, ending with a cake layer on top.

Add Toppings

1. Drizzle the hot fudge sauce evenly over the top layer.
2. Spread whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.

Freeze and Serve

1. Freeze the cake for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
2. Slice and serve directly from the freezer.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the vanilla ice cream for mint chocolate chip for a refreshing twist.
• Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for color and a tangy contrast.
• Make it dairy-free by using plant-based ice cream and checking labels on the cake mix and hot fudge.
• For extra decadence, drizzle caramel sauce alongside the fudge before freezing.

This Hot Fudge Ice Cream Cake is rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey—a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ideal for celebrations or any time you want a decadent treat.