Celebrating a birthday without cake? That’s social sabotage. This vanilla birthday ice cream cake delivers classic, creamy perfection with minimal effort. Soft vanilla layers meet fluffy frosting, making it deceptively fancy. It’s the dessert that says, “I care, but not enough to bake from scratch.” Perfect for impressing kids and adults who appreciate simplicity—and sugar. The best part? No one needs to know it’s half-store-bought. Whether you’re marking a milestone or just dodging the guilt of skipping dessert, this cake has your back. Enjoy every rich, cold bite, because life’s too short for boring celebrations.

Vanilla Birthday Ice Cream Cake

moka coffee pot

A layered vanilla ice cream cake, topped with whipped cream. It's the ultimate fuss-free birthday treat, perfect for any celebration.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings 10 servings

Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Sugar: ¾ cup
Eggs: 2
Unsalted butter: ½ cup softened
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Whole milk: ½ cup

For the Ice Cream Layers:

Vanilla ice cream: 6 cups softened

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

Heavy cream: 1 cup
Powdered sugar: 3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pan.
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
Beat butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk into the mixture until smooth.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before assembling.

Assemble the Ice Cream Layers:

Slice the cake into two even layers.
Place one layer in a freezer-safe dish. Spread half the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the layer.
Add the second cake layer and cover with the remaining ice cream. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

Add the Whipped Cream Topping:

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread whipped cream over the frozen cake and smooth with an offset spatula.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 360
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin A: 8%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 4%
Vitamin D: 5%
Vitamin B12: 6%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor for the Recipe

Garnish with fresh berries or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Add a layer of crushed cookies for extra texture.
Let the cake sit for 10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Vanilla Birthday Ice Cream Cake