Name: Ice Cream Cake Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 large Eggs; ¾ cup Granulated Sugar; 2 teaspoons Brewed Coffee or Water; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour; Powdered Sugar Powdered Sugar (to aid in rolling); About 4 cups Strawberry Ice Cream (or your favorite flavor); Whipped Cream or Cool Whip Whipped Cream or Cool Whip (for topping); Sprinkles Sprinkles (if desired)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly magical about an Ice Cream Cake Roll. It reminds me of summer parties in the backyard, laughter echoing under the warm sun. As a child, I would eagerly wait for dessert, my heart racing at the thought of that perfect blend of cake and ice cream. The first slice was a revelation: the soft, spongy cake rolled around creamy ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of joy. Today, I find the same excitement when I make this dessert for my family. This Ice Cream Cake Roll isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of sweet memories and a delightful way to bring everyone together.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
280 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
13 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Blender, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk

Why This Ice Cream Cake Roll Hits Different

1. A Crowd-Pleaser

Whenever I bring out an Ice Cream Cake Roll, it’s like I’m wielding a magic wand that lights up the room. Friends and family gather with wide smiles, and it’s almost impossible to resist a second slice. This dessert doesn’t just satisfy cravings; it creates an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

2. Endless Flavor Possibilities

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize the flavor to your heart’s content. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or something adventurous like mint chocolate chip, the choice is yours. I love experimenting with seasonal fruits, swapping in raspberry or mango ice cream for a twist.

3. A Memorable Presentation

The visual appeal of an Ice Cream Cake Roll is hard to beat. When you slice into the roll, the vibrant colors of the ice cream reveal themselves, creating a beautiful spiral pattern. It’s a dessert that not only tastes amazing but looks stunning on the table.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

This dessert is versatile enough for birthdays, summer barbecues, or just a cozy night in. No matter the occasion, an Ice Cream Cake Roll elevates the celebration. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of lemonade, making it perfect for summer evenings.

5. Simple Yet Impressive

While it may look complicated, making an Ice Cream Cake Roll is surprisingly easy. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create something that seems like a professional pastry chef’s creation. It’s a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients to Make Ice Cream Cake Roll

When crafting an Ice Cream Cake Roll, the ingredients are what make it truly special. Each component plays a vital role, working harmoniously together to create a dessert that’s both delightful and satisfying. The blend of eggs, sugar, and flour forms a light and airy cake, while the ice cream delivers that creamy sweetness. Let’s dive into the key players!

3 large eggs: Essential for binding and providing structure to the cake.
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s rise.
2 teaspoons brewed coffee or water: Enhances the flavors, especially the chocolate.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that rich chocolate flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to the perfect fluffiness.
¾ cup (93g) all-purpose flour: The base for our cake, giving it structure and texture.
Powdered sugar: Used for dusting, preventing the cake from sticking during the rolling process.
About 4 cups Strawberry Ice Cream: The star ingredient; feel free to use your favorite flavor!
Whipped Cream or Cool Whip: For a luscious topping that elevates the dessert.
Sprinkles: For that final touch of fun!

Preparation Steps for Ice Cream Cake Roll

Making an Ice Cream Cake Roll is an adventure in the kitchen that will leave you with delightful memories and a delicious dessert. Start by preheating your oven and gathering your ingredients. As you follow these steps, take pride in your creation and enjoy the process!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake will bake evenly and rise well.
Prepare a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) by lining it with foil and spraying it with cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to roll.
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs at high speed for about 3 minutes. You want them to become frothy and dark yellow.
Add in the granulated sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and flour until they are well blended.
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining just until blended. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter fluffy.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to make sure it covers all corners of the pan, as this will help it bake evenly.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Your cake should spring back when lightly touched and have a slight sheen on the surface.
While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel on a large work surface. Sprinkle it liberally with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Once the cake is done, quickly turn it out onto the kitchen towel. Carefully remove the foil. The powdered sugar will prevent sticking.
Starting at one end, fold the edge of the towel over the cake and roll it tightly, keeping the towel with it. This helps shape the cake while it cools.
Let the cake cool completely while rolled up, which should take at least one hour or overnight if you have the time.
After cooling, unroll the cake carefully. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften.
Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the cake, then roll it back up tightly, cover with plastic wrap, and re-freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
When ready to serve, take the cake out of the freezer, remove the plastic wrap, and place it on a serving plate.
Frost with whipped cream or Cool Whip and top with sprinkles to add some color and crunch!

Leftover cake can be stored in a resealable container and re-frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for a little while in the freezer.

Things Worth Knowing

Cooling Tip: Ensure the cake cools completely before adding ice cream. This prevents melting.
Rolling Technique: Rolling the cake while warm helps it keep its shape.
Layering: Feel free to add layers of fruit or chocolate sauce between the cake and ice cream.
Presentation: Use a sharp knife to slice for clean edges, showcasing the beautiful roll.

Customization Ideas

If you’re looking to put your personal touch on an Ice Cream Cake Roll, there are so many ways to customize it! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or peppermint.
Fruit Additions: Layer fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas within the roll for added flavor and texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts or toffee bits inside or on top for a delightful crunch.
Whipped Cream Swirls: Instead of frosting, pipe decorative whipped cream swirls on top for an elegant finish.
Colorful Sprinkles: Use seasonal or themed sprinkles for holidays to make it festive.
Additional Toppings: Serve with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for drizzling.

Perfect Matches for Ice Cream Cake Roll

When serving your Ice Cream Cake Roll, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes and drinks to elevate the experience:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cake.
Chocolate Sauce: Serve with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
Ice Cream Scoops: Offer a scoop of extra ice cream on the side to satisfy any dessert cravings.
Cold Beverages: Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a cooling drink on hot days.
Whipped Topping: Additional dollops of whipped cream enhance the creamy texture.
Festive Decor: Use seasonal decorations or plates to add to the celebratory feel.
Chocolates: Dark chocolate or truffles as a side treat work beautifully with the dessert.

FAQ

Absolutely! One of the best things about an Ice Cream Cake Roll is its versatility. You can use any ice cream flavor you love. For instance, try mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or peppermint during the holidays. Additionally, combining flavors can create a delightful surprise in every slice!

To store your leftover Ice Cream Cake Roll, ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply slice and serve straight from the freezer, or let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature for easier cutting.

Definitely! The Ice Cream Cake Roll is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the cake and roll it up, then freeze it without the ice cream. Once you’re ready to serve, add the ice cream, re-roll, and freeze again until firm. This makes it a convenient dessert option for parties and gatherings.

You might consider pairing your Ice Cream Cake Roll with a refreshing fruit salad, or a scoop of additional ice cream on the side. Chocolate or caramel sauces can also enhance the experience, along with a dollop of whipped cream. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade are wonderful options to cool down on a hot day while enjoying your dessert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ice Cream Cake Roll is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with flavor and nostalgia. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delightful way to bring friends and family together. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the smiles it brings!