7 Ingredient Birthday Cake Ice Cream Recipe

If you are a fan of cake batter flavor, this birthday cake ice cream recipe is for you! All you need to make this amazing birthday cake ice cream recipe are 7 simple ingredients.

This birthday cake ice cream recipe is a kid-approved take on classic vanilla. 

As a mom of three, I definitely appreciate the ability to customize ice cream flavors. Choosing your favorite ice cream flavor on your special day is such a fun tradition and an even better treat! This birthday cake flavor is a universal crowd pleaser.

This post will show you exactly how and what you need to make the most delicious birthday cake ice cream with leftover cookie crumbles or vanilla cake/cupcakes. 

Can I make this ice cream recipe without cake mix?

Yes! Pictured above are crumbled birthday-flavored cookies that I had leftover. If you don’t have anything similar laying around, the easiest substitute would be 1-2 store-bought vanilla cupcakes crumbled up (why does that sound so good)?

Ice Cream Maker

Before we get started, let’s go over some ice cream making equpitment essentials. For this recipe, I used my KitchenAid stand mixer. Isn’t she pretty? It’s the best when one kitchen tool can serve multiple purposes and this workhorse can do it all!

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

This is the perfect recipe to entice you to dust off your stand mixer in the corner of your kitchen counter- it handles ice cream churning beautifully.

Alternatively, you can use any free standing ice cream maker that you already have in your kitchen. If you’re in the market for one, consider that the free standing option, while less expensive, only has one use. Check out this post for the top picks for ice cream makers in 2023.

The bottom line: investing in a stand mixer that has an ice cream maker attachment option may cost more up front, but will save you space and money in the long run as a multipurpose kitchen appliance.

Ice Cream Maker Attachment

If using a KitchenAid, you will need the ice cream bowl attachment. I have found it is super easy to use and works exactly as described. Keep in mind you will need to make sure the bowl is completely frozen before churning, so pop it into the freezer the night before you plan on trying this birthday cake ice cream recipe!

Ice Cream Ingredient Notes

Dairy. You will need equal parts heavy whipping cream and half and half. It’s best to keep the fat content high with ice cream (fat is not the enemy!), as it will result in a super creamy texture. Since ice cream is mainly dairy, be sure you are getting the best quality. Organic, grass-fed is best since these cows are never fed GMO grains.

Sugar. I like to use organic cane sugar. It’s not quite as fine as granulated sugar, but it is far less processed. It also dissolves beautifully and the finished ice cream is extremely smooth.

Vanilla. You’re going to want to splurge here. The best vanilla is homemade, using just Madagascar vanilla beans and vodka. Super easy, but it will need to sit for at least 8 weeks before it’s ready to use. I also love this organic pure Madagascar vanilla. Pro tip: never use imitation vanilla. If you’re on a tight budget sacrifice the organic and go for pure vanilla extract.

Homemade health spotlight: dessert?

Dessert doesn’t exactly bring health to mind. The key here is homemade. 

It’s unrealistic to believe that kids (or adults) will never eat desserts or treats. Unfortunately, almost all store-bought desserts (including mixes that you “make” at home) are laden with chemicals you can’t pronounce. These include known carcinogens that are harmful to your health, highly processed sugars that spike your blood glucose, artificial fillers/gums, high fructose corn syrup, and let’s not even mention seed oils.

As a good rule of thumb, if you can’t pronounce the ingredients or the list is a mile long, put it back on the shelf!

The major benefit to this homemade ice cream is that you are in control of the ingredient list. You know exactly what you put in it. Keep reading for my top tips on how to make ice cream a bit healthier.

Now that you know how to make the perfect birthday cake ice cream, you need a delicious dinner to have first! Check out my recipe for Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta with fresh mozzarella that everyone will love!

Birthday Cake Ice Cream

Birthday cake cookie crumbles take this vanilla ice cream to a whole new level. Top with birthday sprinkles for the perfect celebratory treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 4

Equipment

• Stand Mixer (I love the KitchenAid Artisan series)
• Ice Cream Bowl Attachment

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 cup heavy cream organic, grass-fed
• 1 1/4 cup half and half organic, grass-fed
• 1/2 cup sugar I use organic cane sugar (less processed than granulated)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract organic, pure Madagascar is the best
• 1 pinch salt Himalayan pink or kosher
• 1/2 cup crumbled birthday cake cookies you can substitute 1-2 vanilla cupcakes crumbled if desired
• 2 tbsp sprinkles jimmies (to avoid color bleeding)

Instructions

 

• Combine heavy cream, half and half, sugar, salt and vanilla extract with a whisk. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Remove ice cream mixture from refrigerator, stir again to ensure all sugar is evenly incorporated.
• Turn ice cream maker or stand mixer on lowest speed setting.
• With the speed on low, slowly begin pouring the chilled ice cream mixture into the ice cream bowl.
• Allow to churn for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture has increased in volume and is the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Add in the crumbled birthday cake cookies (or cupcakes), and allow to churn for 1-2 more minutes until combined.
• Turn off, transfer ice cream to a container, cover and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving. Top with sprinkles and enjoy!

Keyword Birthday Cake Ice Cream