Do you want to learn how to make an ice cream cake? An ice cream cake is a frozen treat, combining two all-time favorites into one tasty dessert. In addition to tasting great, the calcium found in ice cream gives ice cream cake more nutritional value than standard cake.http://www.wisdairy.com/OtherDairyProductInfo/IceCream/Default.aspxMany bakeries and creameries offer ready-made ice cream cakes, but preparing an ice cream cake at home can be simple and suited to a number of tastes and recipes. There are a nearly limitless possibility of flavor combinations when preparing ice cream cake. Read on to learn how to make an ice cream cake.

• Any type of cake and ice cream can be used to make ice cream cake, so the flavor possibilities are virtually endless. The recipe below will make a basic yellow cake, but feel free to experiment with you own flavor pairings or try one of these suggested combinations.

• • Mint chip ice cream with chocolate cake
  • Strawberry ice cream with angel food cake
  • Mocha Ice Cream Cake with chocolate cakehttp://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/MOCHA-ICE-CREAM-CAKE-103791
  • Mango sorbet with white chocolate cake
  • Vanilla bean ice cream with strawberry cake
  • Caramel ice cream with white cake
  • Cookies and cream ice cream with brownie cake
  • Peanut butter ice cream with chocolate cakehttp://www.recipes4cakes.com/icecream/peanut_recipe.htm
  • Vanilla ice cream with red velvet cake
  • Banana ice cream with carrot cake
  • Raspberry ice cream with plain cheesecake

• The ingredients listed make a 9-inch diameter yellow cake. You can, however, use any kind of cake you wish when making your ice cream cake. This will serve 12 to 14 people. For a smaller or larger cake, simply half or double the recipe.

• Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 quarts ice cream
  • 2 cups icing

• Equipment
  • 3 9-inch cake pans
  • Mixing bowl
  • Mixer
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon
  • Plate
  • Plastic wrap
  • Wax paper
  • Tin foil
  • Serving plate

• While this recipe will make a basic yellow cake, but you can substitute any flavor cake you like. If you wish to save time, you can skip this step and prepare a packaged cake mix in any flavor you choose. Most packaged mixes require you simply add some vegetable oil and eggs to the mixture.

• Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease two 9-inch pans with butter. To further prevent the cakes from sticking to the pans, sprinkle a small amount of flour over the butter.Baking911.com: How to Prepare Pans
3. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder together in a small bowl.

• Combine Ingredients

1. Blend the sugar, vanilla and butter together thoroughly.
2. Beat in the eggs.
3. Add the dry ingredients of flour, salt and baking powder.
4. Pour the milk into the mixture.
5. Continue mixing until all ingredients are completely combined.

• Bake the Cake

1. Divide the mixture between the two 9-inch pans, pouring roughly half into each pan.RecipeLadies.com: Brownie Ice Cream Cake
2. Place both pans in the oven, at least two inches away from each other.TipNut.com: Cake Baking Tips
3. Bake the pans for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans before removing them.

• Any flavor of ice cream can be used for ice cream cake. You can even combine two or more flavors of ice cream to include everyone's favorite in the cake.

1. Place the third cake pan in the freezer and allow it to chill for about 20 minutes.
2. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes. It should be soft but not fluid.RecipeTips.com: Ice Cream Cake
3. Remove the cake pan from the freezer.
4. Line the cake pan with plastic wrap or wax paper.
5. Fill the pan with the ice cream, making sure all the corners of the pan are filled. Work quickly to prevent ice cream from melting too much.
6. Cover the pan with tin foil.
7. Put the pan back in the freezer for about an hour, allowing the ice cream to refreeze in this new form.Epicurious.com: Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

• Once the cake and ice cream are prepared, you are ready to assemble the ice cream cake.

1. Remove the ice cream-filled cake pan from the freezer.
2. Place one of the 9-inch cakes on a serving plate.
3. Invert the ice cream-filled cake pan onto a different plate, removing the ice cream from the pan.
4. Put the hardened ice cream on top of the first cake layer, lining up the edges.
5. Place the second cake on top of the ice cream. The top and bottom layers are cake and the middle layer is ice cream.
6. Frost the entire ice cream cake, covering the top and sides with your favorite flavor of icing.
7. Cover the finished product with tin foil or plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for at least two hours.GlobalGourmet.com: Cake

• Once the ice cream cake has hardened, it is ready to serve!

• There are a bevy of variations on ice cream cake. Try a different take on the old favorite or create a new variation of your own!

1. Create a multi-layered ice cream cake with additional layers of ice cream and cake. Alternate ice cream flavors for extra goodness!
2. For a richer, chewier version, substitute brownies for cake.Recipes4Cakes.com: Brownie Ice Cream Cake
3. For fewer calories, use whipped topping instead of frosting.The Daily Plate: Whipped Topping Nutrition FactsThe Daily Plate: Frosting Nutrition Facts
4. Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.JoyOfBaking.com: Flour The texture of the cake will change somewhat, but you'll have the health benefits of fiber and minerals.
5. Add a layer of fruit between the ice cream and the top layer of cake. Whether the fruit is fresh, canned or frozen, it'll add some nutritional value to your cake.HealthCastle.com: Fresh Vs. Frozen
6. Decorate the ice cream cake with sprinkles, candied chocolates or chocolate chips for sweet aesthetic appeal.
7. For the lactose-intolerant, use lactose-free or soy ice cream or substitute sorbet for the ice cream.RecipeZaar.com: Layered Sorbet and Ice Cream Cake

• Whether you're making an ice cream cake for a special occasion or just for fun, you'll love the finished product. Serve just as you would a standard cake. Enjoy!