Peanut butter ice cream cake recipe is the ultimate treat for those who love the rich, creamy, and nutty taste of peanut butter.
This dessert perfectly blends the decadence of a cake with the refreshing coolness of ice cream, making it ideal for any celebration, from birthdays to summer barbecues or simply a sweet craving.
Featuring layers of creamy peanut butter ice cream, a crunchy peanut butter cookie crust, and a decadent chocolate drizzle, it’s sure to be the highlight of your dessert spread.
The cake’s delightful contrast of textures and its versatility allow for various creative twists, making it a beloved addition to any dessert collection, whether you’re a peanut butter fan or just enjoy a delicious treat.
What You’ll Need For Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for the crust)
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus freezing time)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories Per Serving: 450
Yield: Serves 8
Equipment Needed
- A 9-inch springform pan
- A mixing bowl
- A food processor
- A rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A freezer-safe container
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups of chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart of vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of chocolate fudge sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
● Start by making the crust. Combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
● Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
2. Create the Peanut Butter Layer
● While the crust cools, prepare the peanut butter layer. In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar.
● In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth.
● Spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the cooled crust. Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
3. Add the Ice Cream Layer
● Once the peanut butter layer is firm, spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the top. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the ice cream.
● Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm.
4. Finishing Touches
● Before serving, remove the cake from the springform pan and drizzle the chocolate fudge sauce over the top.
● Sprinkle the chopped peanuts for an extra crunch. Slice and serve immediately.
Special Notes
1. Customization: Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors. Chocolate or peanut butter ice cream can be a great twist on this classic recipe.
2. Storage: This cake can be stored in the freezer for up to one week. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
3. Serving Tip: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting each piece. This helps the knife glide through the cake smoothly.
Decoration Ideas Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Decorating a peanut butter ice cream cake recipe can turn a simple dessert into a showstopper. Here are five creative ideas to elevate your cake:
1. Peanut Butter Drizzle and Crushed Peanuts
How-To: Warm up some creamy peanut butter until it’s pourable. Drizzle it over the top of the cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top to add texture and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Why It Works: This adds a visual and textural contrast, enhancing both the taste and appearance of the cake.
2. Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
How-To: Spread a glossy layer of chocolate ganache over the cake. Once set, pipe or dollop whipped cream around the edges or in decorative patterns on top. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or curls for extra elegance.
Why It Works: The rich chocolate ganache complements the peanut butter ice cream, while the whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch that contrasts nicely with the cake’s richness.
3. Reese’s Pieces or Mini Peanut Butter Cups
How-To: Scatter Reese’s Pieces or chopped mini peanut butter cups over the top of the cake. For an added touch, you can also arrange them in a pattern or design.
Why It Works: These candy additions enhance the peanut butter flavor and add extra layers of texture and sweetness.
4. Caramel Sauce and Sea Salt
How-To: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to flow naturally over the sides. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the caramel’s flavor.
Why It Works: The sweet and salty combination of caramel and sea salt complements the peanut butter ice cream and adds a gourmet touch to the cake.
5. Fresh Fruit and Mint Leaves
How-To: For a fresher look, top the cake with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or banana slices. Add a few sprigs of mint for a touch of color and a hint of freshness.
Why It Works: The fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peanut butter ice cream, while mint adds a burst of color and a refreshing aroma.
These decoration ideas not only enhance the cake’s appearance but also add exciting flavor and texture contrasts, making your peanut butter ice cream cake a truly memorable dessert.
Conclusion
This peanut butter ice cream cake recipe is a flavor-packed dessert that’s easy to make and versatile, promising to impress everyone who tries it.
The peanut butter cookie crust adds a delightful crunch, while the creamy peanut butter ice cream offers a smooth, indulgent experience.
Topped with rich chocolate ganache, each bite is a decadent treat. Not only is this cake a visual feast, but it also perfectly balances sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in every mouthful.
Its rich flavors and contrasting textures will leave everyone wanting more, making it a cherished addition to any dessert repertoire.
More Delicious Butter Cakes
Butter Pecan Poke Cake – Easy & Delicious
Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe
Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Equipment
- A 9-inch springform pan
- A mixing bowl
- A food processor
- A rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A freezer-safe container
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups of chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart of vanilla ice cream softened
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of chocolate fudge sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- ● Start by making the crust. Combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- ● Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Create the Peanut Butter Layer
- ● While the crust cools, prepare the peanut butter layer. In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- ● In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth.
- ● Spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the cooled crust. Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
Add the Ice Cream Layer
- ● Once the peanut butter layer is firm, spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the top. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the ice cream.
- ● Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm.
Finishing Touches
- ● Before serving, remove the cake from the springform pan and drizzle the chocolate fudge sauce over the top.
- ● Sprinkle the chopped peanuts for an extra crunch. Slice and serve immediately.