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Craving a knockout dessert? This Reese’s Overload Ice Cream Sundae Cake piles on everything you love for parties. Chocolatey cake, chilled ice cream, and loads of peanut butter cups. You don’t have to bake from scratch either. Some simple pantry tricks will help you whip up a jaw-dropping, layered treat that’s just too good to skip.
Whenever I make this for friends, there’s never anything left. Folks usually want seconds and ask how I made it.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix (boxed): You really can’t go wrong with boxed mix. Double-check there’s real cocoa in it for that deep chocolate taste.
- Eggs (large): Use fresh for a fluffier cake. Bright yolks are a bonus.
- Water: If you can, use filtered for a cleaner taste.
- Vegetable oil: Helps keep things nice and moist—fresh oil is best.
- Chocolate and vanilla ice cream (pints): Let them soften up a bit so you can spread easily. Five minutes on the counter does the trick.
- Peanut butter: Go for creamy to make spreading easy. Unsweetened is great for balance.
- Whipped cream: Fluffy topper that finishes things off. Whip your own or use a can to save time.
- Reese’s peanut butter cups (chopped): The real highlight. Fresher cups mean a crispier bite.
- Chocolate syrup: Drizzle for a sweet finish. Try to get one with a strong cocoa kick.
Simple How-To
- Bake Your Cake:
- Mix up the batter as the box tells you, adding eggs, oil, and water. Make sure everything’s lump-free and shiny. Grease up two round pans, pour in the mix, and put them in a 350°F oven. Check with a toothpick to see if done. Cool completely or the ice cream will melt everywhere.
- First Layer Goes Down:
- Stick one cake layer on a platter. If needed, trim the top flat with a bread knife. Cover it right to the edges with soft vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle half your chopped Reese’s across and press them in gently.
- Add Second Layer:
- Carefully pile the next cake on. Gently press for an even base. Spread soft chocolate ice cream all the way out to the sides.
- Top It Off:
- Use a spoon or piping bag to load whipped cream over the top. Scatter what’s left of the Reese’s pieces. Zigzag on the chocolate syrup for a dramatic finish.
- Freeze and Slice:
- Wrap the finished cake up tight and stash in the freezer for at least two hours. For neat slices, use a knife warmed in hot water and wipe between cuts. Serve right out of the freezer for the best bite.
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The peanut butter swirl is what I go wild for. I’ve been nuts for peanut butter since I was a kid. My whole family tried this at a summer birthday and we all agreed it was the wildest cake we’d ever tasted.
How to stash leftovers
This one loves the freezer. Wrap up tight, either with plastic wrap or in a closed container, and it’s good for about five days. If there’s extra, wrap up slices one by one so a treat is always waiting.
Ingredient swaps
Don’t like peanut butter cups? Toss in some chopped choco bars or caramel candies. Allergic to nuts? Go for sunflower seed butter and nut-safe chocolate bars. If you don’t have both ice creams, it’s fine to double up with all chocolate or all vanilla.
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Fun serving ideas
It stands alone, but you could scoop on coffee ice cream or drop some salty pretzels up top to really make it a sundae. I like to bring it out after grilling or when people pop by last minute.
Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Heat up a sharp knife with hot water, dry it off, and then cut. This trick helps you get those neat slices right through the frozen layers.
- → Do I need to make the chocolate cake from scratch?
No need to go all out—a boxed cake mix is just fine and quick. But if you’re after a homemade vibe, bake your own chocolate cake from scratch for something extra nice.
- → How far ahead can I assemble the sundae cake?
Put the dessert together and keep it in the freezer—it’ll be good for about two days. Wait to throw on the last bits and toppings until you’re ready to show it off.
- → How do I keep the cake layers from sliding?
Let your cake layers cool all the way first. Slightly softened ice cream helps layers hold tight. If you freeze after each step, the whole thing stays put.
- → Can I make it nut-free?
Sure! Swap out the peanut butter and Reese’s for nut-free stuff and nobody misses out.
- → Can I use different ice cream flavors?
Definitely! Go wild with favorites like coffee, caramel, or cookies & cream. Change it up for a new twist every time.