Chocolate M&M's & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake 🍦🍪

This Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a fun and festive dessert that combines all your favorite flavors in one indulgent treat! With layers of creamy vanilla and chocolate ice cream, gooey cookie dough, and colorful M&M’s, this cake is the ultimate showstopper for birthdays, parties, or any time you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. It’s a fun, customizable dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends, and it’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

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Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (adds sweetness and moisture to the dough)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (gives richness and moisture to the dough)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the dough for a perfect balance)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (forms the dough's structure)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, rich flavor)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate, to add a chocolatey crunch to the dough)

For the Ice Cream Layers:

• 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream (or your favorite flavor, softened for easier spreading)
• 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor, softened to make it easy to spread)
• 1 cup heavy cream (used for an extra smooth and creamy texture when spreading the ice cream layers)

For the Decoration:

• 1 cup M&M’s (or more to taste, for extra sweetness and color)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for added crunch and a chocolatey finish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Mix the wet ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer. This is the foundation of your cookie dough, providing the right texture and sweetness.

2. Add dry ingredients:
   Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until fully combined. The dough will be slightly thick, which is perfect for this recipe. The thick texture will ensure that the cookie dough remains solid even when layered in the ice cream cake.

3. Add chocolate chips:
   Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate). These will give your cookie dough a delightful crunch and a deep chocolate flavor. You can also add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts, caramel bits, or white chocolate chips to customize the dough to your liking.

4. Chill the dough:
   Once your dough is ready, place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to break into pieces and layer in the ice cream cake.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Layers:

1. Soften the ice cream:
   Take the chocolate ice cream and vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and let them soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to spread the ice cream evenly in the cake layers.

2. Layer the chocolate ice cream:
   Using a springform pan or a similar-sized cake pan (9-inch works well), start by spreading the chocolate ice cream evenly on the bottom of the pan. Smooth it out with a spatula so that the layer is uniform. The chocolate ice cream will form the first rich layer of the cake.

3. Add cookie dough chunks:
   After spreading the chocolate ice cream, take the chilled cookie dough and break it into small chunks or spoonfuls. Scatter the cookie dough pieces evenly over the chocolate ice cream layer. You want to cover the entire layer with the dough, making sure each bite of cake has some cookie dough.

4. Layer the vanilla ice cream:
   After the cookie dough layer, add the softened vanilla ice cream on top. Smooth the vanilla ice cream evenly with a spatula to form the second layer. If the ice cream is too soft to spread, you can place the pan back in the freezer for a few minutes to firm it up slightly before continuing.

3. Freeze the Cake:

1. Freeze the layers:
   Place the cake in the freezer and allow it to freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until the ice cream layers are fully set. This ensures that the layers stay intact and firm when you slice the cake.

4. Add Toppings and Final Touches:

1. Prepare the topping:
   Once the ice cream cake is fully frozen, remove it from the freezer. For decoration, top the cake with M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. You can either sprinkle them over the top or press them gently into the sides of the cake to add color and texture. You can also add other fun decorations, such as rainbow sprinkles or chopped candies, to make the cake even more festive.

2. Whipped cream topping (optional):
   If you’d like to add a finishing touch of whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and pipe it around the edges of the cake for a decorative border. This adds an elegant, creamy touch to the cake.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Slice the cake:
   When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the cake into generous portions. If the knife is difficult to cut through, dip it in hot water and wipe it off between slices for clean, smooth cuts.

2. Enjoy!
   Serve the cake immediately, and watch everyone enjoy the layers of creamy ice cream, chewy cookie dough, and colorful M&M’s. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to be a hit!

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Tips for the Best Ice Cream Cake:

• Make it your own:
  Feel free to swap out the chocolate and vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavors. For example, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, or cookies ‘n cream would all make great alternatives. You can also add additional mix-ins like crushed Oreos, mini marshmallows, or caramel sauce to create your own signature version.

• Cookie dough alternatives:
  You can use store-bought edible cookie dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s safe to eat raw. If you’re vegan or have dietary preferences, look for egg-free, dairy-free, or gluten-free options for the cookie dough.

• Make-ahead dessert:
  This ice cream cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings since it holds up well in the freezer and only requires decorating right before serving.

• Customize the decorations:
  Have fun with the toppings and decorations! You can customize the M&M’s color to match a party theme, or add chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or even edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

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This Chocolate M&M’s & Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake is a fantastic dessert to make for any occasion. The combination of layers of ice cream, chewy cookie dough, and colorful M&M’s is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone going back for seconds. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a simple family treat, this cake will always be the star of the show! Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍦🍪🎉