Ice Cream Sandwich Treat

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

This frozen treat is delightfully simple and absolutely delicious. Made with layered ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and candy toppings, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering. Just assemble the layers, pop it in the freezer, and you’ll have a no-bake dessert ready in minutes! Cut into generous portions and enjoy the rich, creamy texture combined with crunchy chocolate and candy bits. Ideal for birthdays, parties, or a quick, fun dessert option!

Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:57:56 GMT
A cake with chocolate and candy toppings. Pin it
A cake with chocolate and candy toppings. | zestplate.com

This Ice Cream Sandwich Cake has become my emergency dessert solution for last-minute gatherings and summer celebrations. Perfect for when you need something impressive without turning on the oven, this layered treat combines store-bought favorites into a showstopping dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I first made this cake for my daughter's birthday when our oven unexpectedly died the day before her party. What started as a desperate solution has now become the most requested dessert at our summer gatherings, with guests always asking for the "complicated" recipe.

Ingredients

  • Ice cream sandwiches: These form the foundation of our cake providing a perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla in every bite. Choose a quality brand as they'll hold their shape better when sliced.
  • Cool Whip: The light whipped texture creates the perfect creamy layer between sandwiches. Make sure it's fully defrosted for easy spreading.
  • Caramel sauce: Adds a rich sweet dimension that elevates this from simple to spectacular. Room temperature sauce drizzles best.
  • Symphony chocolate bars: The toffee bits and almonds in these bars add wonderful texture contrast. Chop them small for even distribution.
  • Mini M&Ms: These colorful candies make the cake visually exciting while adding chocolate crunch. The mini size works better than regular for easier slicing.
  • Sprinkles: Choose colorful varieties to match your occasion for a festive touch that makes everyone smile.

How To Make Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Base Layer:
Arrange ice cream sandwiches in a single layer at the bottom of your 9×13 casserole dish. You'll need to cut some sandwiches to fill the edges completely. Pack them tightly together to create a solid foundation without gaps.
First Cream Layer:
Spread half of your defrosted Cool Whip over the ice cream sandwich base using an offset spatula for even coverage. Work gently to avoid lifting the sandwiches. Drizzle half the jar of caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern across the entire surface.
Second Sandwich Layer:
Add another complete layer of ice cream sandwiches over the Cool Whip and caramel, again cutting pieces to fit the edges perfectly. Press down slightly to compact the layers.
Topping Layer:
Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the second sandwich layer. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce, then immediately sprinkle with chopped Symphony bars, mini M&Ms, and colorful sprinkles before the caramel sets.
Freezing:
Cover the entire dish carefully with plastic wrap without touching the toppings. Freeze for at least two hours or until completely firm, preferably overnight for clean slices.
A cake with chocolate and candy toppings. Pin it
A cake with chocolate and candy toppings. | zestplate.com

My favorite moment with this dessert was watching my son's eyes light up when I first cut into it at his baseball team celebration. The colorful layers drew audible gasps from his teammates, and not a single crumb was left. The combination of caramel with the crunchy Symphony bar pieces creates a magical flavor profile that reminds me of the sundaes my grandmother used to make.

Make It Your Own

This cake welcomes customization based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try using mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches for a refreshing twist, or substitute cookie dough ice cream sandwiches for an extra indulgent version. The toppings can be adjusted to match holidays or special occasions use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, or orange and black sprinkles for Halloween gatherings.

Storage Tips

The fully assembled cake can be stored in the freezer for up to one week. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. For longer storage, I recommend adding the candy toppings just before serving as they can lose their vibrant colors over time in the freezer. The basic cake without toppings will keep well for up to one month.

A slice of cake with chocolate and candy toppings. Pin it
A slice of cake with chocolate and candy toppings. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dessert works beautifully for both casual and formal occasions. For everyday serving, simply cut into squares and place on dessert plates. For more elegant presentations, try cutting thin slices and placing them on their sides to showcase the beautiful layers. Drizzle with additional warm caramel or hot fudge sauce just before serving for an extra special touch. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes this an even more decadent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different candy toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace M&Ms and sprinkles with your favorite candies, nuts, or even fresh fruit for a twist.

→ How long should I freeze it before serving?

You should freeze the cake for at least 2 hours, but for best results and a firmer texture, leave it in the freezer for 4–6 hours or overnight.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be prepared a day or two in advance and kept in the freezer until ready to serve. Just ensure it’s covered to avoid freezer burn.

→ What size dish should I use?

A 9x13 casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe as it provides ample space for the layers to fit evenly.

→ Can I substitute cool whip with whipped cream?

Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream instead of cool whip, but keep in mind that cool whip holds up better in the freezer.

Ice Cream Sandwich Delight

A frozen dessert with layers of ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, caramel, and candy toppings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 large cake, approximately 12 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 18–20 ice cream sandwiches
02 16 ounces Cool Whip, defrosted
03 12 ounces caramel sauce
04 2 Symphony Bars, chopped small, or 1 cup Heath Bar bits
05 1/2 cup mini M&Ms
06 1/2 cup sprinkles

Instructions

Step 01

In a large 9×13 casserole dish, layer ice cream sandwiches on the bottom, cutting in half and into pieces to fit evenly in the bottom.

Step 02

Add 8 ounces of defrosted Cool Whip and spread over ice cream sandwiches. Drizzle half the jar of caramel sauce on top of Cool Whip.

Step 03

Layer another round of ice cream sandwiches, again cutting some to make sure they fit evenly in a layer.

Step 04

Add the remaining Cool Whip, spread it around evenly, and then drizzle the remainder of the caramel sauce. Top with Symphony Bar pieces, mini M&Ms, and sprinkles.

Step 05

Freeze for at least 2 hours. Cut and serve.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13 casserole dish
  • Knife for cutting ice cream sandwiches

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Nuts (may be present in candy toppings)
  • Gluten (in ice cream sandwiches)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 4 g