Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cake is an elegant delicacy that blends layers of delicious cake, delicious toppings, and the rich, creamy texture of Van Leeuwen ice cream. This recipe will show you how to make an amazing ice cream cake from hand using Van Leeuwen’s renownedly delectable flavours, whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, an anniversary surprise, or you’re just seeking a sweet treat.
Why Make a Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cake at Home?
Van Leeuwen is well known for producing French-style ice cream that is incredibly velvety and created with only the best, most basic ingredients. Making your own ice cream cake at home allows you to completely alter the flavours, textures, and appearance, and it’s also far less expensive than store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Cake Base:
all-purpose flour;1 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder (if making a chocolate base);Β½ cupΒ
baking powder;1 tspΒ
baking soda;Β½ tsp
salt;ΒΌ tsp
granulated sugar;ΒΎ cup
buttermilk;Β½ cup
vegetable oil;β cupΒ
vanilla extract;1 tspΒ
hot water;Β½ cup
Tip: You can substitute the cocoa powder for more flour if you want a vanilla base.
For the Ice Cream Layers:
2 pints Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (choose two complementary flavors such as Honeycomb & Chocolate Fudge Brownie, or Strawberry & Vanilla Bean)
Allow the pints to soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using
For the Frosting & Toppings:
heavy whipping cream;1Β½ cupsΒ
powdered sugar;ΒΌ cupΒ
vanilla extract;1 tspΒ
Optional toppings: chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, crushed cookies, sprinkles, chopped nuts, fresh berries
Tools Required
9-inch springform pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Offset spatula
Parchment paper
Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bake the Cake Layer
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s move on to preparing the cake base.Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, Β½ cup cocoa powder (if making a chocolate foundation), 1 teaspoon baking powder, Β½ teaspoon baking soda, and ΒΌ teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix ΒΎ cup sugar, Β½ cup buttermilk, β cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a separate dish until smooth.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gradually until they are thoroughly blended. Lastly, mix the batter until it is smooth and lump-free after adding Β½ cup of hot water. A toothpick inserted in the centre should come out clean after 25 to 30 minutes of baking the mixture in the preheated pan. Allow the cake to cool fully in the pan after baking.
Prepare the Ice Cream Base
With the cake layer baked and cooled, itβs time to bring in the star of the showβVan Leeuwen ice creamCarefully remove the cake layer from the springform pan and place it aside after it has cooled. To make removal easier afterward, line the pan’s sides with acetate or parchment paper after carefully cleaning it. As your base, place the cooled cake layer in the pan’s bottom. Let one pint of Van Leeuwen ice cream soften at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, until it’s spreadable but not melted. Pick a flavour that goes well with your cake.
Add the First Ice Cream Layer
Spoon the first pint of ice cream over the cake layer in the springform pan once it’s soft. Spread it evenly over the surface with a rubber or skewed spatula, gently pressing to remove any air pockets. Make sure the ice cream layer is smooth and level before moving on. Once done, place the pan in the freezer and let it set for 30-45 minutes, or until the ice cream is firm to the touch.
Add the Second Ice Cream Layer
Once your first ice cream layer is in place, the next step is to add even more creamy indulgence. Once the first layer is completely frozen, soften your second pint of Van Leeuwen ice cream (ideally a flavour that complements it) a little at room temperature. Using your spatula, evenly distribute this second layer over the first layer that has frozen. Smooth the surface as neatly as possible for a professional-looking finish. Freeze the entire cake again for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure both ice cream layers are completely set and stable.
Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
Before we frost and decorate, we need to ensure the layers are fully set. While the cake is freezing, make your whipped cream frosting. In a cold mixing bowl, combine 1Β½ cups heavy whipping cream, ΒΌ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer set on high speed for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Make sure your bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping.Β
Frost and Decorate the Cake
The final touches make all the difference, so letβs look at how to decorate your cake like a pro. Once your ice cream cake is solidly frozen, take it out of the springform pan and place it on a serving plate or cake board. Spread the whipped cream on the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula, working quickly to prevent melting.Once frosted, you can decorate the cake with your choice of toppings drizzle with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, sprinkles, crushed cookies, fresh berries or chopped nuts. This is your chance to get creative and customize the cake to your liking.
Freeze and Serve
After decorating, place the finished cake back in the freezer for another 30-60 minutesΒ to set the frosting and toppings. When youβre ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, which makes slicing easier. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean, neat slices. Serve immediately and enjoy the luxurious, creamy layers of your homemade Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cake.
FAQs
Yes, Van Leeuwen offers a wide variety of both dairy and vegan flavors, and any of them can be used in your ice cream cake. Popular choices include Honeycomb, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Strawberry, and Earl Grey Tea. You can mix and match flavors to create custom layers.
To prevent melting, remove the cake from the freezer just 5β10 minutes before serving. Use a hot knife (run under hot water and wiped dry) to slice cleanly. Return any leftovers to the freezer immediately.
A standard 9-inch ice cream cake serves 10β12 people, depending on portion size.
Let the ice cream soften for 15β20 minutes at room temperature, then spread with an offset spatula in a smooth, even layer. Freeze between layers to prevent them from blending together.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Cake
Now that your cake is complete, letβs talk about storage and serving tips.
For optimal results, chill all equipment (bowls, beaters, and pans) before usage.
To give your layers crisp, clean edges, use parchment or acetate sheets.
To prevent uneven layers, always level the cake base before adding the ice cream.
Place brownies or smashed cookies in between the layers of ice cream for added deliciousness.
Conclusion
You may add luxury to your home kitchen by creating your own Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cake, which is a satisfying experience. Beginners as well can make a gorgeous and delicious dessert that beats anything you’d buy in a store with this step-by-step tutorial. This ice cream cake will quickly become a favourite whether you’re creating it for a large group of people or just for yourself.