If there’s one dessert that makes my husband’s eyes light up it’s ice cream cake. He loves that first cold, creamy bite, especially in the summertime. But finding a gluten free ice cream cake recipe that feels just as joyful as the ones from his childhood?
That was a mission of love. I knew I had to recreate it not just healthier, but with all the texture, flavor, and indulgence he remembers.
When my husband takes a bite and closes his eyes, I know I’ve said “I love you” without saying a word. And that’s the kind of recipe worth keeping forever.
In this guide, you’ll find my homemade version, the secret to layering it beautifully, and dairy-free swaps. It’s the kind of cake that says “I remembered what you love most.
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
Gluten Free Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Summer Birthdays & Memories
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (freezing time included)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This gluten free ice cream cake is layered with crushed cookie crust, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, a fudgy center, and whipped topping—perfect for birthdays and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
2 cups gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter
3 cups gluten free chocolate ice cream (softened)
1/2 cup dairy free chocolate fudge (optional)
3 cups gluten free vanilla ice cream (softened)
2 cups dairy free whipped topping
1/4 cup gluten free rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
1. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix crushed cookies with coconut oil and press into the bottom of the pan.
3. Freeze crust for 10 minutes until firm.
4. Spread softened chocolate ice cream over the crust. Freeze 30 minutes.
5. Drizzle with fudge and sprinkle with more cookie crumbs (optional). Freeze 15 minutes.
6. Add softened vanilla ice cream on top and smooth the surface. Freeze until firm (2 hours or overnight).
7. Top with whipped topping and sprinkles.
8. Freeze again for 30 minutes before serving.
9. Release from pan, slice, and serve cold.
Notes
Use a gluten free cake mix to make a brownie or cake base for variation.
You can replace fudge layer with a swirl of dairy-free chocolate spread.
Let ice cream soften slightly before spreading for smooth layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
A Gluten Free Ice Cream Cake Recipe That Brings Joy Back
Why I started making it from scratch
For years, birthdays meant a store bought ice cream cake layers of cookies, whipped topping, and that signature crunch in the center. But after my husband went gluten free, those cakes became a “no” on every label. He never complained, but I saw the way he walked past the freezer section a little slower. That was enough for me.
So I made it my project. I started with naturally gluten free ice cream, of course. But the crust? That was trickier. After trying everything from almond flour cookies to blended oats, I finally found the right base: crushed gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies mixed with a little coconut oil. Pressed into a springform pan, it holds its shape beautifully and brings back that nostalgic crunch.
Layering love into every bite
Next comes the layering. I soften two types of gluten free ice cream vanilla and chocolate for easy spreading. I like to freeze each layer separately to get those clean, beautiful lines. In the center, I add a fudge ripple and more crushed cookies. It’s not fancy. It’s thoughtful. It’s everything he loved before, made with more care and fewer ingredients.
This recipe lives in the same spirit as our gluten-free red velvet cake a treat that’s not just for the moment, but for the memories. Serve it with love, and it will be remembered long after the candles go out.
Gluten Free Ice Cream Cake Recipe Inspired by Dairy Queen & Carvel
Recreating the classics without the gluten
My husband still talks about the cookie crunch in a Dairy Queen ice cream cake and that unmistakable fudgy center in a Carvel. So when I started working on this gluten free ice cream cake recipe, I knew I couldn’t just wing it I had to honor the memory while using clean, safe ingredients. And yes, Dairy Queen ice cream cakes are not gluten free, but now that doesn’t matter because this version is.
I started by making my own gluten free cookie crunch layer. It’s easy: pulse gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor with a tablespoon of melted dairy-free butter or coconut oil. Spread it in a thin layer, bake for just 8 minutes to make it crisp, and you’ve nailed that signature crunch. It adds that nostalgic contrast we loved growing up.
Building that Carvel feel at home
Carvel cakes are known for their soft serve like texture. At home, the trick is to let your gluten free ice cream sit on the counter for 20 minutes before layering. I spread a thick layer of softened chocolate ice cream over the cookie base, then freeze it until firm.
Want to explore other nostalgic treats? Try the gluten-free angel food cake for a light, elegant classic or the gluten-free carrot cake for cozy flavor in every bite.
Gluten Free Cake Batter Ice Cream Recipe You’ll Want to Freeze Forever
The flavor of birthdays, spooned straight from the freezer
So when we started cutting out gluten, I knew I had to bring that feeling back. This gluten free cake batter ice cream recipe does exactly that. It’s dreamy, creamy, and easy to make at home no special machine required.
The secret? Start with a gluten free vanilla cake mix (I like King Arthur or Simple Mills). You’ll only need ¼ cup, but it’s enough to infuse the ice cream with that unmistakable birthday cake flavor. Just make sure the mix is gluten free some brands sneak in wheat starch or malt flavoring.
I blend the cake mix with coconut milk, maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla extract. Then I fold it into whipped coconut cream (or dairy-free heavy cream alternative). Once it’s light and fluffy, I stir in a handful of gluten free rainbow sprinkles and freeze it overnight. No churn, no fuss. Just love in every spoonful.
Serving ideas and pairings
Scoop this over a slice of gluten-free red velvet cake or serve it between two gluten free cookies for ice cream sandwiches. For an extra treat, swirl in crushed angel food cake pieces before freezing.
He took one bite and smiled like he was 10 again. “It tastes like birthday cake,” he said. That’s all I needed.
This recipe is a little celebration you can keep on hand because any night can be a party when there’s cake batter ice cream waiting in the freezer.
gluten free ice cream cake recipe Conclusion
This gluten free ice cream cake recipe isn’t just a dessert it’s a memory restored. Whether you’re layering cookies, swirling cake batter into frozen cream, or recreating a childhood favorite, this recipe brings joy back to the table in the sweetest way.
When my husband takes a bite and closes his eyes, I know I’ve said “I love you” without saying a word. And that’s the kind of recipe worth keeping forever.
Gluten Free Ice Cream Cake FAQs & Final Tips
Are Dairy Queen ice cream cakes gluten-free?
No, Dairy Queen ice cream cakes are not gluten-free. Most contain gluten in the cookie crunch layer, fudge center, and cake components. Even if the ice cream itself is gluten free, cross contamination is a major risk. That’s why I prefer making my own from scratch or inspired by DQ, like the one in Part 2 above.
Does Carvel make a gluten-free ice cream cake?
Carvel’s ice cream cakes are not gluten-free, as their signature chocolate crunch and cake layers typically include wheat. Some locations may offer modified options, but for peace of mind, making your own gluten free ice cream cake ensures every ingredient is safe and made with intention.
Does Ben and Jerry’s have gluten-free ice cream cake?
Ben & Jerry’s doesn’t currently offer a gluten free ice cream cake. However, several of their ice cream flavors are certified gluten free, so you can use them in your homemade version. Just double check labels and pair them with a gluten free crust or cake layer like we did in Part 1 and Part 3.
Will gluten free flour work in a cake?
Yes, gluten free flour absolutely works in cake recipes especially when you use a blend designed for baking. Look for mixes that contain xanthan gum or binders like psyllium husk. For cold desserts like ice cream cakes, you can even bake a thin gluten free cake layer to freeze beneath your ice cream (like a brownie base). Just don’t overbake it should stay soft even when frozen.
