Easy Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches with Cake Mix: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser Dessert

Get ready to create the most delightful frozen treats with this incredibly simple recipe for ice cream sandwiches using a convenient cake mix. These homemade delights are not only quick and easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, but they also promise endless fun, especially for kids’ birthday parties or any gathering that calls for a sweet, customizable dessert. Forget store-bought – your family and friends will rave about these!

*This post is sponsored by Kellogg’s. All opinions are 100% mine*

There’s perhaps no dessert more universally loved by children (and adults!) than a classic ice cream sandwich. It’s the perfect combination of a chewy cookie and creamy, refreshing ice cream. What makes this particular recipe stand out is its clever use of a boxed cake mix to create the cookie base. This ingenious shortcut ensures perfectly soft, flavorful cookies every time, making the process incredibly simple and accessible for even beginner bakers. You can enjoy them as a delightful dessert after dinner, a refreshing afternoon snack, or even get super creative with various add-ins and coatings to truly make them your own. It’s an activity simple enough for kids to enthusiastically help out, just like my popular Snow Ice Cream and this impressive but easy Ice Cream Cake.

Prepare to impress with minimal effort! This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and fun with minimal fuss. From mixing the cookie dough to assembling the final frozen treats, every step is straightforward, guaranteeing a successful batch of delicious homemade ice cream sandwiches that will disappear in no time.

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Key Ingredients for Delicious Cake Mix Ice Cream Sandwiches

Crafting these delectable cake mix ice cream sandwiches requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste preferences. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Eggs: For the best results, always use large eggs that are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly and evenly into the batter, contributing to a better cookie texture. They help create a cohesive dough that results in tender, perfectly baked cookies.
• Oil: A neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable, canola, or light olive oil, is crucial here. Unlike butter, which can make the cookies denser, oil helps keep them incredibly soft and slightly chewy, which is ideal for an ice cream sandwich cookie. Ensure your chosen oil doesn’t have a strong flavor that might overpower the cake mix or ice cream.
• Cake Mix: This is the star ingredient! I used a classic chocolate box mix, which creates a rich, fudgy cookie that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream. However, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla, red velvet, strawberry, or even lemon cake mix to create unique flavor combinations. Any standard 15.25 oz (or similar size) box will work perfectly.
• Baking Powder: While many cake mixes contain leavening agents, adding a small amount of baking powder provides an extra lift, ensuring your cookies are soft and slightly puffy, rather than too flat and crispy. This is key for that ideal ice cream sandwich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness. Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking is an optional but highly recommended step. It creates a beautiful sparkle and a wonderfully crispy, crackly exterior, contrasting beautifully with the soft, chewy interior. It’s a texture enhancer that takes these cookies from good to extraordinary.
• Cereal: This is where the fun really begins! Cereal can be used both as a topping for your cookies before baking and as a delightful coating for the sides of your finished ice cream sandwiches. Think colorful Froot Loops for a vibrant, fruity crunch, or crushed Frosted Mini-Wheats for a subtle sweetness and texture. It adds a playful element and an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Ice Cream: The essential filling! While classic vanilla ice cream is a timeless choice, don’t hesitate to explore other flavors. Mint chocolate chip, strawberry, cookie dough, or even a swirl of caramel would be fantastic. Choose a good quality ice cream that scoops well and complements your cookie flavor. Make sure it’s slightly softened for easier spreading when assembling the sandwiches.

How to Make Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches with Cake Mix: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful ice cream sandwiches is a straightforward process, perfect for a fun baking session with family. Follow these simple steps for perfectly assembled, delicious frozen treats:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature eggs and neutral oil. Whisk them together until well blended and smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be thick.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step makes the dough much easier to handle, preventing it from being too sticky and ensuring the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
4. Form and Roll Cookies: Once chilled, scoop out small, uniform portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls. For that irresistible crispy exterior and chewy interior, roll each dough ball generously in granulated sugar.
5. Add Cereal Topping (Optional but Recommended!): Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press your chosen cereal (like Froot Loops or Frosted Mini-Wheats) onto the top of each cookie dough ball. This adds a fantastic texture and flavor boost.
6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven (see recipe card for specific temperature and time) until the edges are firm and the centers are still slightly soft. Once baked, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s vital for them to be entirely cool before assembly to prevent the ice cream from melting.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are fully cooled, take one cookie and flip it over. Place a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream onto the flat side. Gently top it with another cookie, pressing down slightly to spread the ice cream to the edges.
8. Decorate the Sides: For an extra special touch, roll the sides of each assembled ice cream sandwich in sprinkles, crushed cereal, or shredded coconut. This adds visual appeal and another layer of texture and flavor.
9. Freeze and Enjoy: Place the finished ice cream sandwiches on a tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Then, they’re ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Ice Cream Sandwiches

To ensure your cake mix ice cream sandwiches turn out perfectly every time, and to spark your creativity, here are some essential tips and exciting variations:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This is a golden rule for many baking recipes, and it’s especially true here. Ensuring your eggs and any other dairy (if you were using butter, though we recommend oil) are at room temperature allows them to blend together smoothly and evenly with the cake mix, resulting in a consistent, well-textured dough.
• Oil vs. Butter – The Texture Difference: Resist the urge to replace the oil with butter. While butter is fantastic in many cookie recipes, for ice cream sandwich cookies, oil is preferred. Oil helps create a softer, more pliable cookie that won’t crack or become too hard when frozen, offering that delightful “give” when you bite into it. Butter would result in a much denser, firmer cookie that might be difficult to eat when cold.
• The Importance of Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) is vital. It firms up the dough, making it significantly easier to handle and roll into balls. More importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain a nice, uniform shape, which is crucial for perfect sandwiches.
• Sugar Roll for Texture: Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking is entirely optional, but it truly elevates the cookies. This simple step creates a unique texture: soft and wonderfully chewy on the inside, with a delicate crispness and crackly finish on the outside. It adds a lovely contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Cake Mix Versatility: The beauty of using cake mix is the endless flavor possibilities. While chocolate is a classic, feel free to use any brand or flavor of cake mix you love. Imagine red velvet cookies with cream cheese ice cream, or lemon cookies with raspberry sorbet! You can even adapt your favorite homemade cookie recipe and simply press cereal into them before baking for a similar effect.
• Ice Cream Flavor Adventures: Vanilla ice cream is a beloved default, but your creativity shouldn’t stop there! Explore other ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip, coffee, strawberry swirl, or even a nutty praline. Consider pairing flavors that complement your cookie choice – for example, a vanilla cake mix cookie with a rich chocolate fudge ice cream.
• Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue when making ice cream sandwiches. Your cookies must cool down completely to room temperature before you attempt to fill them with ice cream. If they’re even slightly warm, the ice cream will melt instantly and start dripping everywhere, leading to a messy, disappointing outcome.
• Beyond Ice Cream: Frosting Fillings: If you’re looking for a non-frozen or less-messy option, or simply want to try something different, consider filling your cake mix cookies with a delicious frosting! This turns them into more of a “cookie sandwich” or whoopie pie style treat. Try this Easy Almond Buttercream Frosting for a nutty flavor, this silky Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting (SMBC) for an elegant touch, or even this unique Easy Honey Frosting (No Powdered Sugar) for natural sweetness.
• Creative Side Coatings: The fun doesn’t end with the filling! The sides of your ice cream sandwiches are a blank canvas for decoration. Roll them in a variety of ingredients such as colorful sprinkles, finely chopped nuts (like peanuts, pecans, or almonds), crushed candies (M&M’s, Butterfingers, Oreos), mini chocolate chips, or even a different type of crushed cereal.
• Build a Cake Version: For a show-stopping party centerpiece, stack your finished ice cream sandwiches in a tower formation to create an impressive “cake.” Decorate the entire tower with chopped candies, sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate fudge, or whipped cream. It would look absolutely stunning, similar to my festive Easy Cake Tower or this delightful Cookies and Cream Cake (Oreo Cake). This makes for an unforgettable birthday treat!

I absolutely love getting creative in the kitchen, and using Kellogg’s cereals in these cookies was an inspired choice! For this batch, I incorporated vibrant Kellogg’s Froot Loops and wholesome Frosted Mini-Wheats, both conveniently sourced from Sam’s Club, into the cookie dough. The result? A fantastic pop of color, an exciting crunch, and a burst of flavor that my son absolutely adored! He’s already put in a request for me to make them again for his friends at his next playdate. This truly proves that cereal isn’t just for breakfast, right?! With so many different shapes, colors, and flavors available in the cereal aisle, the possibilities for incorporating them into unique and delicious desserts are truly endless. They add a wonderful playful texture and an unexpected element that makes these homemade ice cream sandwiches even more special.

Recipe FAQs for Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Here are some commonly asked questions about making and enjoying these delightful homemade ice cream sandwiches:

Storage for Your Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade ice cream sandwiches fresh and delicious for future enjoyment:

• Freeze: This is the only way to store these delightful frozen desserts. Once assembled, it’s crucial to wrap each ice cream sandwich individually and tightly in plastic cling wrap (saran wrap). This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain their texture and flavor. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a sealed freezer-safe container or a large freezer bag. If stacking them, separate each sandwich with a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Make Ahead: These ice cream sandwiches are perfect for making ahead of time, especially when preparing for parties or busy weeks. You can easily make them 1-2 days in advance, following the freezing instructions above. When you’re ready to serve, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying that perfect, chewy-creamy bite.

More Irresistible Ice Cream Desserts to Try

If you’re a fan of frozen treats, you’ll love these other simple and delicious ice cream-based recipes from my kitchen:

• Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: A guilt-free and naturally sweet treat made with just two ingredients! This creamy “nice cream” is perfect for a quick and healthy indulgence.
• Watermelon Ice Cream (2 Ingredients): Refreshing and vibrant, this easy watermelon ice cream recipe is a summer essential. It’s incredibly simple and bursting with fruity flavor.
• Ice Cream Float: A classic fizzy and creamy delight! This recipe puts a sophisticated twist on the traditional float, perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
• Root Beer Float (2 Ingredients): Revisit a childhood favorite with this incredibly easy, two-ingredient root beer float. It’s simple, nostalgic, and always satisfying.
• Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes (Cake Mix): Combine the fun of cupcakes with the charm of ice cream cones in this creative dessert. It uses cake mix for an easy base and is perfect for themed parties.

Recipe Card

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to crafting delightful homemade ice cream sandwiches using the simplicity of a cake mix. This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to create a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly fun to eat. Whether you’re making them for a vibrant birthday party, a relaxing summer afternoon, or just as a special treat, these customizable ice cream sandwiches are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth. So go ahead, unleash your inner pastry chef, get creative with your favorite flavors and toppings, and enjoy the delicious results!