Copycat Reese’s Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that combines two of my ultimate indulgences: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and ice cream cake. This Reese’s Ice Cream Cake recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s a journey into a world where chocolate and peanut butter reign supreme.

From the creamy peanut butter ice cream to the rich chocolate cake layer, topped with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, each bite of this ice cream cake is designed to be a symphony of flavors.

How to make Reese’s Ice Cream Cake

Reese’s Ice Cream Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, inspired by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Typically, it features layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter ice cream, and sometimes chocolate ice cream.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional Layers and Toppings:
• 1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 1/2 cup chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)

Instructions

Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add the wet ingredients – egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the boiling water starting with a small amount to temper the mixture, and mix until well combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream:

1. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture gently until well blended.
4. Chop the Reese’s cups into small pieces and fold half into the ice cream mixture, reserving the rest for topping.

Assembling the Ice Cream Cake:

1. Slice the cooled cake horizontally to create two thin layers.
2. Place one layer back into the 9-inch pan.
3. Spread the peanut butter ice cream evenly over the cake layer.
4. Add the second cake layer on top of the ice cream.
5. Freeze the cake for at least 6 hours or overnight to set the ice cream.

Serving:

1. Remove the cake from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
2. Top with remaining chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, drizzle with chocolate syrup and add whipped cream if desired.
3. Slice and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Reese’s Ice Cream Cake:

• Ensure all ingredients are of good quality, especially the peanut butter and chocolate, as they are the flavor stars of this cake.
• Chill the mixing bowel and beaters before whipping the cream to help achieve the perfect texture.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, layer some mini Reese’s Cups between the ice cream and the top cake layer.

What to serve with

Reese’s Ice Cream Cake is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights.

Coffee and Hot Beverages

• Espresso or Americano: The rich and robust flavors of espresso or Americano cut through the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance.
• Cappuccino or Latte: For those who prefer their coffee with milk, a cappuccino or latte can offer a creamy texture that complements the creaminess of the ice cream cake.
• Hot Chocolate: A luxurious hot chocolate, perhaps with a swirl of whipped cream or a dash of cinnamon, makes for a cozy and indulgent pairing, especially on colder days.

Cold Beverages

• Milk or Chocolate Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk or chocolate milk offers a nostalgic taste that beautifully complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Iced Coffee or Iced Latte: Perfect for warmer evenings, an iced coffee or iced latte provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
• Milkshakes or Malted Milk Drinks: For the ultimate indulgence, a vanilla or chocolate milkshake alongside your Reese Ice Cream Cake turns any meal into a special occasion.

Fruit Accompaniments

• Berry Compote: A slightly tart berry compote made from raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries can add a refreshing and slightly acidic touch that cuts through the sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A simpler option, a fresh fruit salad containing citrus fruits and berries, lightly tossed with mint, provides a refreshing palate cleanser.

Wines and Spirits

• Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine such as a Moscato d’Asti, or a lightly fortified wine like a Ruby Port, can accompany the rich flavors of the cake without overwhelming them.
• Bourbon or Whiskey: For a more adult affair, a smooth bourbon or whiskey, served neat or on the rocks, creates a sophisticated flavor contrast.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Reese’s Ice Cream Cake involves a delightful combination of flavors and textures, typically including chocolate cake, peanut butter ice cream, and, of course, chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. However, when certain ingredients are unavailable or if dietary restrictions are a concern, knowing how to substitute without compromising on taste is key.

For Chocolate Cake

• All-purpose flour: If you don’t have or can’t use all-purpose flour, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Note that textures may vary slightly.
• Sugar: Consider maple syrup or honey as natural sweeteners if you aim to avoid refined sugar. Start with ¾ cup for every 1 cup of sugar, adjusting the liquid in your recipe as these are liquid sweeteners.
• Butter: For dairy-free or vegan alternatives, use the same quantity of coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These will keep the moisture but might slightly alter the taste.

For Peanut Butter Ice Cream

• Heavy cream and Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk as a substitute for both of these to achieve the creamy texture needed for ice cream, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• Eggs (if used in custard-based ice cream): To avoid eggs, you can rely on the high-fat content from coconut milk for creaminess or use ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to help thicken and emulsify the ice cream mixture.
• Peanut Butter: For a nut-free option, consider sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both offer a similar creamy texture with a distinctive taste. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.

For Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• Store-bought Reese’s: Make a homemade version using dark chocolate and the peanut butter or its substitute of your choice for the filling. For peanut allergies, use almond butter, cashew butter, or for a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter. Use silicone molds to achieve the cup shape.
• Chocolate Layers: Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips or high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) to avoid dairy and reduce sugar content.

For Whipped Cream Topping

• Heavy Cream: A chilled can of coconut cream can be whipped just like heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative. Add vanilla extract and a sweetener of your choice to match the flavor profile of traditional whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

Making a Reese’s Ice Cream Cake is not just about following the recipe—it’s about creating an experience. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every decadent slice!

More Ice Cream Cake Recipes:

• Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe
• Copycat Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake Recipe