Stop EVERYTHING right now and get ready to dive into the most indulgent, delicious, incredible, rich, salty-sweet, fudgy ice cream cake of your life.

Overhead view of sliced ice cream cake with one slice turned on side.

I can’t believe I made this recipe back in June (!!!) for my brother’s birthday and am just posting it. Blogger fail, huh? Big time because it’s incredible and deserved to be shared with you RIGHT then and there.

But it’s here now so we’re moving forward and focusing on the positives: peanut butter ice cream cake.

First being, the way the salty-sweet combo comes together. Second being the epic level of fudginess in this cake. THREE layers. Third being, the textures: crunchy pretzel crust, thick, smooth fudge, and creamy ice cream.

Slice of triple fudge peanut butter ice cream cake on white plate with fork.

This peanut butter cup ice cream cake is really the genius creation of my brother (the then-birthday boy, remember). His request: an ice cream cake that’s sweet and salty, with peanut butter cups. The result: the ice cream cake before you.

You see, we used to do DQ ice cream cakes for our birthdays for a long time. But now, now we’ve gone homemade and much, much, much more epic. When you make homemade ice cream cake, the beauty is you can add as much chocolate, fudge, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and ice cream as you want. You can go over the top and satisfy that sweet tooth to no end. Which is exactly what we did.

The Ice Cream Cake Layers

Peanut butter cup ice cream cake from the side with the layers of fudge on white tray.

Let’s dive into the layers because the layers are what make this cake indulgently delicious. They each deserve the spotlight, as each individual layer shines on its own, and together they form the most epic ice cream cake you’ll have all summer (year, eternity?!).

1. Pretzel Crust

We’ve all had an ice cream cake with Oreo crust. It’s great. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a good ol’ ice cream crust.

But this pretzel crust?

It makes this ice cream cake.

It adds crunch, texture, and the salt balances out all the rich sweetness so perfectly. Even better? It’s…you guessed it… it’s easy to make!

Side by side photos of pretzels in food processor before and after blending.

Use a food processor to blend up the pretzels into a fine crumb. You will likely end up with some pieces that are a little larger, and that’s ok to some extent. The finer you can pulse the crumb, the better the crust will stick together in the end.

Side by side photos of pretzel crumbs in food processor pouring melted butter and combining.

Then, mix the pretzel crumbs together with melted butter and then press them into a springform pan. The springform pan is key because you can easily remove the sides which make cutting out slices of the cake super easy. Use a measuring spoon or flat bottomed cup to firmly press the crumbs into shape.

Voila, once you’ve pressed the crust down firm, go ahead and stick this in the freezer for a few minutes, so it firms up and is ready for…

Side by side photos pouring pretzel crust into springform pan and then pressed into pan.

The Fudge Layer

Did I mention that this cake is fudge-tastic? That was an absolute requirement.

FUDGE FUDGE FUDGE. And it’s oh, oh, oh so good.

I don’t know what it is about hot fudge and ice cream together, but the combination of thick, chocolatey fudge and cold, creamy ice cream is one of the best out there. So we layered it on in this peanut butter ice cream cake.

Side by side photos of pretzel crust with fudge on top, and then spread across crust.

There iss a layer of fudge at the base of the cake, right on top of the crust. This first layer helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy from the ice cream layers. And you know, naturally, we need to get fudge in at every layer of the cake, so we do. You will add hot fudge after each layer of ice cream, including the top of the cake for the perfect finish.

Chocolate Ice Cream Layer

Why not add more chocolate to this fudge ice cream cake? Go big or go home. After the first layer of fudge goes chocolate ice cream. You will want the ice cream slightly softened so that it’s easy to spread. I like to use a frosting spatula to make this process easier, but the back of a spoon will work too.

Side by side photos of chocolate ice cream on top of fudge, next to ice cream spread with fudge on top.

I recommend using high quality ice cream to keep it top notch. It’s creamy, chocolatey, deliciousness. Simple as that. Of course, you can absolutely mix up the chocolate ice cream layer. Maybe you’re feeling chocolate brownie ice cream, or peanut butter cup chocolate ice cream for an ultimate peanut butter cup experience. Really, it’s up to you.

Oh, then once the ice cream has spread out, go ahead and put that other layer of fudge on before the…

Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

GAH, have more beautiful words ever been read/seen/uttered? What’s better than peanut butter cup ice cream? I’ll wait.

Stack of reese's peanut butter cups with one sliced open.

For this cake, we are mixing up our own peanut butter ice cream. The beauty of mixing up our own is that you get to make it as peanut-butter-cuppy as you want. YES YES YES. Dreams do come true.

Side by side photos: vanilla ice cream with chopped reeses pieces, then mixed on top of fudge layer of peanut butter cup ice cream cake.

I use about 12 peanut butter cups, which I don’t know, might seem like a lot, but my friends, this is an ice cream cake and we are NOT cutting corners. We are including ALL the peanut butter cups we can.

Chop up the cups, then mix them in the slightly softened vanilla ice cream. As with the chocolate ice cream, having it slightly softened will allow you to easily mix and spread the ice cream.

Don’t want to mix your own peanut butter cup ice cream? You can certainly buy a version of peanut butter cup ice cream that you love instead of doing so.

Peanut butter cup ice cream spreading on top of the fudge layer.

Once the peanut butter layer is down, I’m sure you guessed it… spread on that thick layer of fudge on top because OBVIOUSLY we’re adding more fudge. You have been paying attention, haven’t you?

Now, the thing to note is that this final layer of fudge goes on after the final freeze of the cake.

The final fudge layer goes on just before serving so that it remains super fudgy and shiny, which makes the presentation key and helps the toppings stick to the final layer. You can pop it back in the freezer for about 30 minutes before serving if you’d like the fudge topping a little more firmed up, too.

Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake Toppings

Now, you can top the cake in whatever way your heart – er, stomach – desires. I like to add some chopped peanut butter cups and pretzels, to keep the sweet-and-salty theme going. You could also drizzle melted peanut butter, more chocolate, or caramel on top. There’s no wrong way to do it.

Side view of fudge ice cream cake with layers. server next to it with white plates.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add some whole Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for decoration; regular size, or mini (they’re so cute!) and whomever you’re sharing with will be in for an extra treat.

And if you’re really really really feeling indulgent, drizzle on some sea salt caramel.

Yes, we did this on the bro’s birthday. Yes, it was incredible and amazing.

I did leave the caramel part off of the recipe, and photos, but do not let that stop you. I am in full support of drizzling/pouring/spooning on all the sea salt caramel.

BECAUSE THE SALTY SWEET COMBO REALLY IS A TASTE-BUDS DREAM COME TRUE.

Ok, enough shouting. Let’s discuss some tips and then get to “baking”.

Overhead view of sliced ice cream cake with server next to it.

Tips for Making Ice Cream Cake

Since this ‘cake’ is literally just all ice cream, and no ‘cake’, it’s important to have your freezer ready. A cold freezer with space for your springform pan is essential.

You’ll freeze each layer of the cake in between additions. Doing this makes it easier to spread it each, and ensures less melting.

Using a springform pan makes serving the cake a breeze and I hiiiighly recommend using one (plus, you can make cheesecake in it, so it’s a win-win pan to have). Pop off the outside and either remove the cake from the bottom or be a rebel like I can be and gently cut it on the pan.

You can see the layers beautifully then, and it removes the stress of getting each piece out of a pan.

three slices of ice cream cake on side next to each other with a fork

Soften the ice cream a little before spreading in on each layer. I recommend taking the ice cream out of the freezer for about 10 minutes before adding it to the cake.

The slightly softened ice cream will spread easier, resulting in a more uniform layer and saving you some muscle work. It also helps when you mix the peanut butter cups and vanilla ice cream.

Add the final layer of fudge before serving. I’ve found that letting the cake completely freeze through (for several hours or overnight) solidifies the cake more and when the final layer of fudge is put on, it easily does so. If not, it tends to slip and slide around, leaving a strange-looking top to the cake.

You can then freeze the fudge for another 30 minutes or go ahead and serve. Of course, after you’ve added your toppings.

Remove the ice cream cake from the springform pan by releasing the sides and gently pulling it away from the cake. You generally don’t want to cut on the bottom of the springform pan, but I do (gasp!) and am just exceptionally careful to not cut the bottom itself. Otherwise, gently transfer to a plate or cutting board before serving.

Your friends and family are going to fall in love with this indulgent, fudgy, creamy ice cream cake instantly – and so will you (you may not even want to share…and that is a-ok!).

Server pulling out a slice of ice cream cake.

Need more ice cream desserts?

5 (11 ratings)

Get the Recipe Triple Fudge Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake with Pretzels

This peanut butter ice cream cake takes the cake of all ice cream cakes (get it?). With three layers of thick fudge, chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cup ice cream, and a crunchy pretzel crust, you won't be able to resist this sweet and salty combination.

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 cups pretzels
  • 10 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups hot fudge topping, divided (room temperature or chilled in the fridge)
  • 3 cups chocolate ice cream
  • 3 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 12-14 peanut butter cups, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, blend the pretzels until a fine crumb forms. Pulse in the melted butter until combined. Press the pretzel crumbs into the bottom of a springform pan, pressing slightly up the sides. Place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set up.
  • Spread 1 cup of fudge on top of the pretzel crust. Freeze for an additional 15 minutes (this freezing helps the ice cream spread easier).
  • Remove chocolate ice cream from the freezer about 10 minutes before adding it to the cake. Spread the chocolate ice cream on top of the first fudge layer. Freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Spread 1 cup of fudge on top of the chocolate ice cream. If the ice cream didn’t freeze through enough, it may start melting as you add the fudge and come through during the spreading. That’s ok, just work around it or continue spreading (but this is why the additional freeze is recommended after each layer). Place in the freezer for 15 minutes while preparing the next layer.
  • Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Stir in the chopped peanut butter cups until thoroughly combined. Spread on top of the fudge layer and return to the freezer for “the big freeze”. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight (preferred).
  • Before serving, spread the final 1 cup of fudge on top of the cake. Top with additional peanut butter cups and/or pretzels as desired. Freeze again for 30 minutes if you want the fudge to be more firm, or serve immediately. Drizzle with salted caramel if desired.

Notes

If the pretzel pieces are too big, the crust will have trouble sticking together. You don’t want them processed into dust, but a fine crumb. The good news: even if the crust does fall apart a little, it still tastes so dang delicious.
Calories: 691kcal, Carbohydrates: 98g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 53mg, Sodium: 756mg, Potassium: 466mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 51g, Vitamin A: 579IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 137mg, Iron: 3mg
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