A taste sensational and heavenly, Cold Stone creamery's signature ice cream is the main inspiration for this Caramel Crunch Ice cream Cake. Ice cream, cake, chocolate and candy (caramel)... all in one box is this Ice cream cake for my better half's birthday. Isn't this perfect for a Birthday or any special occasion?
Ice cream is not a word but an emotion that brings instant happiness. Delicious french bean vanilla ice cream layered with super spongy chocolate cake is topped with crunchy granola and dripping sweet caramel sauce... and what more do you crave for?? This is the best lip-smacking ice cream cake I ever made that melts like your heart.
Admitting this is an easy ice cream cake yet challenging when I chose the caramel decoration. Caramel is totally against moisture and ice cream cake cannot withstand in room temperature for long. Hence had to babysit both the decoration and the cake simultaneously. I would suggest a different decoration (check notes) for the ice cream cake although it's worth the effort. These caramel decorations would work very well for a butter cream frosting.
Despite the fact that I like fresh banana's in my crunchy ice cream, I had to skip it as this caramel crunchy ice cream cake has to be frozen and frozen banana's are not my kind. Replaced the roasted almonds with granola for the crunch (with no regrets), as my kids go nuts when their ice cream contains nuts. Feel free to add nuts if you desire.
For an effortless dessert making for a party, begin baking the cake one day ahead and freeze it layered with ice cream. Decorate before serving if its caramel.
1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line a 9" Springform pan with parchment paper. I like to grease my pan lightly for the parchment paper to stay in place.
2. Sieve all the dry ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl blend all the wet ingredients using a hand blender or a whisk for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the dry ingredients in small portions to the above mixture and mix using a spatula to avoid a messy kitchen. Beat until creamy pourable consistency with no lumps. Do not over mix for a light and spongy cake.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary according to your oven. Let cool completely in a cooling rack.
5. Meanwhile, allow the Vanilla ice cream to soften at room temperature (15-20 mins) until it turns to a spreadable consistency. If it has melted completely refreeze it for few mins only.
6. When the cake cools, run a knife around the springform pan for easy removal. Trim the top of the cake to level it and also cut the cake into 2 equal layers.
7. Return one layer into the same pan and spread a generously a layer of french vanilla ice cream firmly packing into the cake. For some crunch I sprinkled a some granola and drizzled caramel sauce. Freeze it for 30 minutes.
8. Add the remaining cake layer and spread a layer of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle granular and drizzle caramel sauce again. Return the pan to the freezer for an hour or 2.
Now is the time to prepare with caramel decoration which is truly optional. Melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a pan in medium heat. Do not add water. The heat will take care of its job. Once the sugar on the sides starts to caramelize (turn brown), gently stir using a wooden spatula. Once the temperature reaches 250 degree you may turn off the stove. Allow the caramel to cool for 2-3 minutes to thicken before you make any shape you desire.
I made couple of spirals, baskets and a heart. Also inserted a tooth prick onto corn cereals and dipped it into the caramel and turned it upside down to set for a fancy decoration. Always make the caramel decorations only after your cake is all set for decoration. These delicate darlings can melt if refrigerated. You may set it in room temperature for few hours on acetate(plastic) sheet without moisture in contact.
1. For cake cutting, dip the knife in hot water and wipe with a cloth to cut the cake easily.
2. Decorate with granola, roasted slivered almonds, chopped nuts or chocolate shavings will look elegant than the regular colorful sprinklers on ice cream cakes. You may drizzle caramel sauce on the sides as well.
3. You may replace this basic chocolate cake with any of your favorite flavored cake or even a box cake mix if you prefer.
4. Substituting the eggs with fresh banana's for the banana flavor to be incorporate in this Caramel Crunch Ice cream Cake will make this dessert divine.
Thanks for sharing the cake Amudha!
Pleasure is mine Kiru :) Thanks for stopping by with your feedbacks!