How to Make a Show-Stopping Melting Ice Cream Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make a Show-Stopping Melting Ice Cream Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a dessert that will wow your guests and make a statement, a melting ice cream cake is the perfect choice. This cake looks like a scoop of ice cream that's melting down the sides of a cone, and it's surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone talking. Just follow our step-by-step guide, and you'll be on your way to making a delicious and impressive melting ice cream cake that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate Cake layers:
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (3 sticks, softened)
  • 6 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 2 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (one package; softened)
  • 1 cup butter (two sticks, softened)
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate ganache drip:
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Waffle cone
• Cake pop

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour four 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

• Add the softened butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

• Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

• While the cakes are cooling, make the cream cheese buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix until well combined.

• Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

• Reserve ¼ cup of the frosting for the cake pop 'ice cream scoop,' and stir rainbow sprinkles into the remaining frosting.

• Once the cakes are cool, level them (if needed) using a cake leveler or a large serrated knife and a ruler.

• Place a smear of frosting on your cake circle (to keep the cake from sliding while you decorate it) and center your first cake layer in the center of the circle.

• Spread the layer with frosting, and add your next cake layer on top. Repeat this process until you have stacked all four cake layers.

• Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake in the fridge or freezer for 10-15 minutes.

• Apply a thicker layer of frosting all over the cake, making sure to create a smooth and even surface.

• Chill the cake again for 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to set.

• To make the chocolate ganache drip, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.

• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.

• Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy.

• Allow the ganache to cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a squeeze bottle or piping bag.

• Pipe the ganache around the edge of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

• Use the reserved frosting to create a small ball on top of the cake to look like a scoop of melting ice cream.

• Place a waffle cone on top of the cake pop to create a cone.

• Place the cake pop on top of the cake, leaning it slightly to create the effect of a melting ice cream cone.

• Decorate the cake with rainbow sprinkles.

Chill the cake until you're ready to serve it.

This should result in a delicious and impressive melting ice cream cake that will impress your friends and family!