Classic Ice Cream Cake Pops

Here’s my go-to recipe for ice cream cake pops, combining smooth, creamy ice cream with soft cake pieces, all coated in a crispy chocolate shell and fun sprinkles.

These cake pops have become my kids’ favorite summer treat, and I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly from the freezer. Nothing beats having these little frozen treats ready to grab on a hot afternoon, right?

What Kind of Ice Cream Sandwiches Should I Use?

Regular rectangular vanilla ice cream sandwiches are the classic choice for this recipe, but don’t feel limited to just those. Any store-bought ice cream sandwich variety will work well – whether it’s chocolate cookie with vanilla ice cream, vanilla cookie with chocolate ice cream, or even specialty flavors like mint or strawberry. The key is making sure they’re slightly softened before working with them, but not so soft that they’re melting. If your local store carries different sizes, stick with the standard rectangular ones (about 2.5 ounces each) since they’re easier to work with and will give you the best portion size for pops. Just keep them in the freezer until right before you’re ready to use them, as they’ll soften up quickly at room temperature.

Options for Substitutions

This fun dessert recipe is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up:

• Ice cream sandwiches: Any brand or flavor of ice cream sandwiches will work here. You can even try ones made with chocolate cookies instead of vanilla, or use ice cream bars if you prefer. Just make sure they’re rectangle-shaped for easy cutting.
• Chocolate shell topping: If you can’t find chocolate shell topping, you can make your own by mixing 2 cups chocolate chips with 4 tablespoons coconut oil and melting them together. You could also try different flavors like butterscotch or white chocolate shells.
• Wooden sticks: Paper lollipop sticks or cake pop sticks work just as well. In a pinch, you could even cut wooden skewers to size – just be sure to soak them first to prevent splinters.
• Toppings: The sky’s the limit here! Try coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or even colorful cereal. Just make sure to add them right after dipping while the shell is still wet.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making ice cream cake pops is timing – working too slowly will result in melty, misshapen pops that won’t hold their form, so make sure to keep your ice cream sandwiches in the freezer until the very last moment and work with just one or two at a time.

Temperature control is crucial throughout the process – after inserting the sticks and before dipping, freeze the pops for at least 30 minutes until they’re completely solid, and keep your chocolate shell topping at room temperature (not heated) for the perfect consistency that will harden quickly.

When it comes to dipping, avoid letting your cake pops sit in the chocolate coating for too long, as this will cause the ice cream to melt – instead, dip quickly and immediately add your toppings before the shell hardens, then return each pop to the freezer right away.

For the best texture and presentation, give your finished pops at least 2 hours in the freezer to set completely before serving, and if you’re making them ahead, store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

What to Serve With Ice Cream Cake Pops?

These fun ice cream cake pops are perfect for parties and make a great dessert station centerpiece! I like to serve them alongside some warm drinks like hot chocolate or coffee since the contrast of hot and cold is always a crowd-pleaser. For a kids’ party, set up a toppings bar with extra sprinkles, crushed cookies, and candies so everyone can add their own finishing touches to their pops. You can also include some fresh berries or sliced fruit on the side to add a fresh element to the dessert spread.

Storage Instructions

Keep Frozen: These ice cream cake pops need to stay in the freezer to maintain their shape and prevent melting. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Make Ahead: These treats are perfect for making ahead of time! You can prepare them a few days before your party or event. Just keep them frozen until about 2-3 minutes before serving. The chocolate shell helps insulate the ice cream and slows down melting.

Serve: When it’s time to enjoy your cake pops, take out only what you plan to eat right away. They’ll start softening after about 3-4 minutes at room temperature, so it’s best to serve them straight from the freezer. If you notice any frost on the surface, just let them sit for 30 seconds and it’ll disappear.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-10 minutes
Total Time	70-75 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 24-30 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 220-250 g

Ingredients

• Various toppings (such as sprinkles or crushed candy bars for decoration)
• 6 ice cream sandwiches (2.5 oz each)
• 2 bottles chocolate shell topping (7.25 oz each)
• 12 wooden sticks (for pops)

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Sandwich Pops

Take each ice cream sandwich and carefully cut it in half crosswise.

Insert a popsicle stick through the center of each cut end to create a stable ice cream pop.

Step 2: Prepare the Shell Topping

Remove the caps and seals from the shell topping bottles.

Place each bottle in the microwave and heat for about 8 seconds to slightly loosen the topping.

Pour the contents of each bottle into a glass measuring cup for easier dipping.

Step 3: Dip the Ice Cream Pops

Carefully dip each ice cream sandwich pop into the shell topping until it is completely covered.

Allow any excess topping to drip off.

Optionally, dip the top ends of the pops in your desired toppings to add extra flavor and texture.

Step 4: Freeze and Serve

Place the dipped ice cream sandwich pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure they don’t stick.

Freeze the pops for at least 1 hour to ensure they are thoroughly set before serving.

Enjoy these delightful frozen treats with friends and family!