Banana Split Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

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Make an impressive ice cream cake with little effort by combining vanilla ice cream sandwiches, banana split ice cream, cool whip, and bananas and strawberries on top.

It’s that time of year again, when the sun is blazing and you are fighting the battle between your sweet tooth and the idea of turning on your oven. Most of the time my cravings trump the ability of my central air to compete with the extra internal heat but when there is ice cream involved I can be swayed. I love ice cream year round, but for obvious reasons it’s even more of a driving force during the summer.

As a result during a recent trip to Walmart, I was found perusing the novelty frozen ice cream section and scooped up (corny pun intended) some Blue Bunny banana split ice cream and vanilla ice cream sandwiches. I had seen recipes using ice cream sandwiches to assemble ice cream cakes in the past and decided now was the time to dive in and create one of my own to enjoy after having some fun in the sun.

As far as ice cream cakes go, this one is pretty darn easy. While you could assemble this inside a loaf pan lined with overhanging foil, I decided to use a large platter because not everyone has a loaf pan and it’s just as easy to assemble. First you take half of the ice cream sandwiches and place them in a row close together (my pictures only show three but I ended up using 4 on each level).

Next you spread a thick layer of softened vanilla ice cream that has been swirled with strawberry, banana, fudge, pineapple, cherries, and nuts – aka banana split ice cream. It’s all making sense now isn’t it?

Follow this layer with the rest of the ice cream sandwiches and then place in the freezer to harden and simultaneously allow the frozen whipped topping to thaw. After about 2 hours, the whipped “frosting” will spread easier over the solidified ice cream cake.

Place sliced bananas and strawberries on top to complete the banana split appearance, cover with foil, and freeze until set. When you are ready to serve it, remove from freezer, uncover, drizzle with chocolate topping and dig in! The layers turn out so pretty when you cut into it and will look like it took much more effort to create.

Want more creative ice cream ideas? Be sure to stop by your local Walmart and check out the upcoming Blue Bunny demos on June 18-21 2015. This demo will be featuring Blue Bunny Vanilla Ice Cream and Biscoff – excuse me while I swoon. In the meantime, be sure to share in the comments below your favorite way to cool down during the summer and/or your favorite recipe utilizing ice cream!

One year ago: USA Soccer Cake

Two years ago: Cinnamon-Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Four years ago: Homemade Whole Wheat Pita Bread

BANANA SPLIT ICE CREAM SANDWICH CAKE

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 box (8 sandwiches) Blue Bunny simply vanilla ice cream sandwiches

2 cups Blue Bunny banana split ice cream, softened

1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping

1/2 banana, sliced

1/2 cup fresh sliced strawberries

Chocolate topping

Directions:

1. Arrange 4 ice cream sandwiches together in a row on a large serving platter. Spread the strawberry ice cream on top in an even layer. Lightly press the remaining 4 ice cream sandwiches on top, then place in the freezer for 2 hours. Meanwhile, thaw the whipped topping.
2. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake, covering the top and sides. Top with banana and strawberries, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until set, about 2-4 hours.
3. Remove from the freezer and drizzle with chocolate topping. Serve immediately or cover and freeze for up to 2 days.

Source: The Spiffy Cookie original