4-Ingredient Ice Cream Cake

Name: 4-Ingredient Ice Cream Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 10 - 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 pt. mint chip ice cream, softened; 10 mint chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed; 24 (3.5-ounce) ice cream sandwiches, divided; 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Store-bought ice cream sandwiches save the day in this easy make-ahead dessert.

By Leah PerezPublished: May 21, 2026

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the pioneer woman's 4-ingredient ice cream cake recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

10 - 12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 15 mins

Meet the easiest ice cream cake in the world. With just four store-bought ingredients—mint chocolate chip ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, mint chocolate sandwich cookies, and whipped topping—this frosty treat comes together quickly and can be stashed in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, just slice it up, and you’ve got the perfect dessert for hot summer days.

Looking for more ways to stay cool? Try these frozen desserts and no-bake desserts next.

How do you make a 4-ingredient ice cream cake?

It's as easy as layering the ingredients together. First, layer mint ice cream and crushed mint chocolate sandwich cookies in a lined baking pan, then freeze until firm. Sandwich the frozen ice cream layer between ice cream sandwiches. Freeze again, then finish by frosting the cake with whipped topping and sprinkling it with extra crushed cookies. This easy no-bake dessert is creamy, crunchy, and perfect for parties or summer celebrations.

Can you use different flavors in this ice cream cake?

Absolutely. This recipe calls for mint chip ice cream, vanilla ice cream sandwiches, and mint chocolate sandwich cookies, but any number of flavors work well. Try cookies-and-cream, chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter cup, rocky road, vanilla, or coffee ice cream. You can also swap in any kind of sandwich cookies you like. For even more variety, add chopped candy bars, nuts, or pretzels between the layers.

Can you make 4-ingredient ice cream cake ahead of time?

This ice cream cake will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two weeks. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to help protect it from freezer burn.

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Ingredients

2 pt. mint chip ice cream, softened
10 mint chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
24 (3.5-ounce) ice cream sandwiches, divided
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

1. Step 1Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with plastic wrap.
2. Step 2In the prepared baking pan, spread 1 pint of the softened mint chip ice cream in a single layer. Sprinkle the surface with 6 of the crushed mint chocolate sandwich cookies. Spread the second pint of mint chip ice cream over the sandwich cookies and smooth into an even layer. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, 2 to 3 hours.
3. Step 3Transfer the ice cream wrapped in plastic from the baking pan to a sheet pan. Keep frozen until ready to use.
4. Step 4Line the 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
5. Step 5Place half of the ice cream sandwiches in a single layer in the prepared baking pan, cutting sandwiches as needed to fit snugly. Top the sandwiches with the mint ice cream square. Top the ice cream with the remaining ice cream sandwiches. Freeze until firm, 1 to 2 hours.
6. Step 6Using the parchment paper as a sling, remove the cake from the baking pan and transfer to a serving plate. Use a spatula to smooth the sides of the cake. Spread and swoop the whipped topping on top of the ice cream sandwiches. Decorate with the remaining 4 crushed sandwich cookies as desired.
7. Step 7Slice and serve immediately or freeze for up to 2 weeks.