If you have a soft spot for nostalgic candy bars and creamy desserts, this TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s that perfect harmony of crunchy shortbread, smooth vanilla ice cream, and the irresistible layers of TWIX candy bars, caramel, and chocolate. Every bite brings a delightful contrast in texture and a richness that makes it downright addictive. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this cake hits all the right notes and is surprisingly easy to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from the buttery cookie crust to the luxurious drizzle of chocolate and caramel that makes this dessert truly shine.
- 16 shortbread cookies: I recommend Keebler for that perfect buttery crunch.
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted): Helps bind the cookie crust with a rich, slightly salty note.
- 5 cups vanilla ice cream (softened): This creamy base balances sweetness and adds smoothness.
- 3 standard size TWIX candy bars (chopped and divided): The star ingredient—caramel, chocolate, and cookie in every bite.
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips: For melting and drizzling a luscious chocolate topping.
- 1/2 cup caramel topping: Adds a sticky, sweet finish that complements the TWIX bars perfectly.
How to Make TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Start by greasing your 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking. Next, crush the shortbread cookies by sealing them in a large Ziplock bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin until you get fine crumbs. Mix these crumbs with the melted butter, then press the mixture evenly into your pan. This crust will freeze to a delightful crunch underneath the creamy layers.
Step 2: Assemble the Ice Cream Layer
While the crust chills in the freezer for about 20 minutes, soften your vanilla ice cream so it’s easier to work with. Combine the ice cream with half of the chopped TWIX bars, folding them in gently. Spread this delicious mixture over the frozen crust, making sure it’s even and smooth. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped bars on top to ensure every piece of cake has that signature TWIX crunch.
Step 3: Freeze Until Firm
Cover your pan tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent freezer odors from sneaking in, then freeze the cake for at least 6 hours—overnight is ideal. This step lets the layers set perfectly so you get clean, satisfying slices that hold their shape and combine all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Caramel Drizzle
When it’s time to serve, melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave using short bursts (20 seconds at a time) to avoid burning. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the ice cream cake, followed by an even drizzle of caramel topping. These finishing touches elevate the cake and bring out the best in the TWIX candy bars.
How to Serve TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, consider sprinkling crushed TWIX bars or a few mini chocolate chips on top after the caramel and chocolate drizzle sets. A light dusting of sea salt can also enhance the flavors by cutting through the sweetness just enough to keep things exciting.
Side Dishes
This ice cream cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries to add a touch of natural tartness or a simple cup of hot coffee or espresso to balance the richness. If you want a little crunch contrast, some toasted nuts on the side work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve individual portions in clear cups layered with extra caramel or chopped TWIX bars, making it perfect for parties. Alternatively, plate slices with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent dessert plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe covered tightly in the freezer to maintain freshness. Make sure to keep it well sealed so the cake doesn’t absorb any unwanted freezer smells or dry out.
Freezing
This cake actually benefits from freezing, as it keeps the layers firm and flavors intact. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, simply assemble and freeze according to the recipe directions, keeping it covered until ready to serve.
Reheating
Since this is an ice cream-based dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier and to enhance the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While shortbread cookies add a buttery crunch, you can substitute with graham crackers or digestive biscuits if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change, but it can still be delicious.
Is it necessary to soften the ice cream before mixing?
Yes, softening the ice cream makes it much easier to mix with the chopped TWIX bars evenly. Just leave it out for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for a few seconds on low power if it’s too hard.
Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?
While traditional ingredients include dairy, you can substitute with dairy-free ice cream and vegan butter for the crust. Just make sure your chocolate chips and caramel topping are also vegan-friendly to keep it consistent.
How far in advance can I prepare the TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe?
This cake can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept frozen, making it a great make-ahead dessert for celebrations or casual get-togethers.
What’s the best way to slice this cake?
For neat slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This helps the knife glide through the frozen layers cleanly without cracking the cake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with something both nostalgic and delightfully indulgent, this TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to assemble, and every bite is a little celebration of sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
TWIX Ice Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours (including freezing time)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious TWIX Ice Cream Cake layered with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy vanilla ice cream blended with TWIX candy bars, and topped with melted milk chocolate and caramel drizzle. Perfect for a sweet treat that combines crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 16 shortbread cookies (Keebler recommended)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
Ice Cream Layer
- 5 cups vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 3 standard size TWIX candy bars (chopped and divided)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside to make sure the cake doesn’t stick when frozen.
- Make the Crust: Place the shortbread cookies in a large Ziplock bag, seal it, and crush them into small crumbs using a rolling pin. Pour these crumbs into the prepared pan, then drizzle the melted butter over them. Mix well and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a firm crust. Freeze this crust for 20 minutes to set.
- Prepare Ice Cream Layer: While the crust is freezing, mix the softened vanilla ice cream with half of the chopped TWIX bars until evenly combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the frozen shortbread crust. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped TWIX bars evenly on top of this ice cream layer.
- Freeze the Cake: Cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze the entire cake for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure it is fully set and firm.
- Prepare the Toppings: When ready to serve, place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish and melt them in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Decorate and Serve: Drizzle the melted milk chocolate evenly over the surface of the frozen ice cream cake. Follow with a generous drizzle of caramel topping all over the cake. Slice the cake into squares and serve immediately for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- To soften the ice cream faster, leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes but ensure it doesn’t melt completely.
- If you don’t have shortbread cookies, graham crackers can be a good substitute but will change the flavor slightly.
- You can use a slightly larger pan if needed but thinner layers will result in faster freezing times.
- Make sure to microwave the chocolate chips carefully to avoid burning them; stirring frequently helps.
- For a firmer crust, press the cookie crumbs down tightly and evenly.
