I’ve always believed that ice cream cake is the ultimate party dessert. It’s nostalgic, whimsical, and manages to combine two of life’s greatest pleasures—cake and ice cream—in a single slice.
So naturally, I decided to go on a frosty little mission to taste-test the frozen creations from three of America’s biggest names in the ice cream game: Dairy Queen, Cold Stone Creamery, and Baskin-Robbins.
The goal? To find out which ice cream cakes are actually worth the calories—and which ones just look good on the shelf but fall apart (literally and figuratively) when it’s time to dig in.
Now, I wasn’t just looking for the prettiest swirl or the most outrageous topping. I wanted balance. Texture. Flavors that actually complement each other.
Something more than just frozen sugar and food coloring. I sampled a mix of classics, customer favorites, and a few wildcard flavors to get the full picture—and trust me, the results were… mixed.
Some of these cakes were genuinely dreamy, delivering that perfect bite of creamy, crunchy, gooey goodness that made me want to hoard the leftovers. Others tasted like they were designed by a sugar-happy toddler with a blender and a dare.
So if you’re planning a birthday bash, summer BBQ, or just want an excuse to eat dessert straight from the freezer, this list will help you avoid the frostbitten flops and head straight for the showstoppers.
Here are the five best and five worst ice cream cakes from DQ, Cold Stone, and Baskin-Robbins—ranked with my spoon, my taste buds, and zero regrets.
1. DQ Blizzard Cake (Oreo)
This cake is a symphony of textures, bringing together smooth soft serve with the satisfying crunch of crushed Oreos. It’s not just the layers of cookies and cream that make it irresistible, but the way each bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind a trail of sweet, chocolatey bliss.
The Oreo Blizzard cake doesn’t just serve as a dessert; it offers an experience that fans of cookies and cream will cherish. Perfect for parties, it leaves guests asking for seconds. Surprisingly, this cake isn’t just for Oreo lovers; even those on the fence find themselves swayed by its charming blend.
A testament to its appeal is how often it becomes the centerpiece of celebrations, winning over hearts and taste buds alike. Whether it’s a birthday or a casual get-together, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that delivers joy in every slice.
2. Cold Stone Strawberry Passion™ Cake
Imagine a dessert that sings the praises of summer with every mouthful. The Strawberry Passion™ Cake is that dessert, boasting a lively, fruity flavor that dances on the tongue.
Its refreshing tartness is a welcome change from the usual heavy flavors of ice cream cakes, making it both unique and memorable. Fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness, complementing the creamy layers beneath.
It’s a visual treat as well, with its vibrant pink hue and elegant presentation. The cake manages to evoke nostalgia, reminding one of sunlit picnics and joyful summer days. Despite its name, it’s not just for strawberry enthusiasts; its balanced profile makes it a hit with a wider audience.
So, if you’re looking to impress at a summer gathering, this cake is a surefire way to do so.
3. Baskin-Robbins Oreo Cookie Cake
Dive into decadence with the Oreo Cookie Cake from Baskin-Robbins, a tantalizing blend of cookies ‘n cream ice cream paired impeccably with rich chocolate cake.
It’s an indulgence that promises a cookie overload in the best way possible, each layer more enticing than the last. Every bite is an adventure of flavors, from the soft, creamy texture of the ice cream to the dense, chocolatey cake layers.
Oreo pieces crown the cake, adding an extra crunch that cookie lovers crave. It’s a cake that doesn’t just satisfy, but exceeds expectations, making it a top choice for Oreo fans everywhere.
Whether relishing it on a cozy night in or sharing it with friends, this cake delivers a satisfying and indulgent experience.
4. DQ Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard Cake
For those who gravitate towards rich, bold flavors, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard Cake is a dream come true.
This cake is a delightful fusion of chocolate fudge, peanut butter flavor, and crunchy candy bits, creating an unapologetically bold dessert. Each slice offers a rich tapestry of tastes, from the gooey chocolate to the nutty undertones, guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense cravings.
It’s a cake that celebrates the beloved combination of chocolate and peanut butter, with Reese’s cups adding a touch of nostalgia. Perfect for dedicated fans of these iconic candies, it stands out as a memorable dessert.
Whether for a birthday or a special treat, this cake will impress and indulge, leaving a lasting impression on all who try it.
5. Cold Stone Midnight Delight®
Are you a chocoholic in search of your next fix? The Midnight Delight® from Cold Stone is crafted just for you, a decadent feast of chocolate on chocolate.
This cake is a symphony of dark, rich flavors, featuring layers of creamy ice cream, luscious fudge, and chewy brownies, all topped with a glossy ganache. It’s an indulgent treat that leaves no room for moderation, appealing to those who crave intensity in their desserts.
The blend of textures—smooth ice cream, dense brownies, and a fudgy topping—creates a luxurious experience in every slice. This cake is more than just dessert; it’s an event, a celebration of all things chocolate.
Whether you’re enjoying it with fellow chocolate lovers or savoring it solo, the Midnight Delight® promises complete satisfaction.
6. Baskin-Robbins Celebration Party Cake
Bright and colorful, the Celebration Party Cake aims to bring joy, yet might overdo it with sweetness. It features an array of artificial colors that make it more visually appealing than palate-pleasing.
The frosting is excessively sweet, perhaps too much for those who prefer balance in their desserts. Despite its cheerful appearance, the cake’s lack of depth in flavor leaves something to be desired. It attempts to capture the essence of a party but ends up feeling more like a sugar overload.
Those with a sweet tooth might enjoy it, but others could find it overwhelming. Ideal for children’s birthday parties, it provides a burst of color but may fall short in flavor complexity. If you’re looking for a cake with more substance, this might not be the one.
7. Cold Stone Cake Batter Confetti™
This cake tries to capture the nostalgia of licking cake batter from the bowl but misses the mark with its cloying sweetness. The dense frosting overpowers the senses, leaving little room to appreciate any other flavors.
Despite its playful appearance, the cake struggles to deliver on its promise of fun, coming across as trying too hard. The cake batter ice cream, though creamy, gets lost beneath the thick, sugary layers. It’s a dessert that aims to please the young at heart but might leave adults disappointed.
An occasional treat for those who enjoy excessively sweet desserts, it lacks the finesse expected from a well-balanced cake. If you’re planning a party for kids, it might still be a hit, but manage expectations for those seeking refined flavors.
8. DQ Standard Ice Cream Cake (Vanilla & Chocolate)
The Standard Ice Cream Cake from DQ is akin to a plain canvas waiting for a splash of creativity that sadly never comes.
It combines vanilla and chocolate ice cream but doesn’t venture beyond ordinary. While the presentation is classic, the taste doesn’t leave a lasting impression, feeling a bit uninspired. It serves its purpose as a straightforward dessert but lacks the wow factor that makes an occasion special.
Texture-wise, it’s smooth, yet the simplicity borders on forgettable. Ideal for those who enjoy classic flavors without any frills, it’s a safe choice but not necessarily an exciting one. If you’re looking for a cake that stands out, this might not be your go-to.
However, for those who appreciate the basics, it’s a reliable, no-surprises option.
9. Baskin-Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge Cake
A cake that divides opinions, the Jamoca Almond Fudge Cake is for the adventurous palate. Its bold coffee flavor stands in stark contrast to the sweet cake layers, creating a love-it-or-hate-it experience.
Those who adore coffee will appreciate its robust flavor, while others might find it a bit overpowering. The almonds add a nutty crunch, but don’t quite harmonize with the overall flavor profile, leaving it somewhat disjointed.
It’s a cake that promises complexity but might alienate those who prefer more harmonious desserts. Ideal for coffee aficionados, it’s a daring choice for a special occasion.
However, if you’re serving a crowd with varied tastes, consider this cake’s polarizing nature. It’s a risk that might pay off for some, but not all.
10. Cold Stone Cookies and Creamery™ Cake
Despite its promising name, the Cookies and Creamery™ Cake falls short of expectations with its lackluster execution.
The cake layers are dry and the frosting is plain, devoid of the rich creaminess one anticipates. Cookie enthusiasts might be left wanting more as the cake doesn’t deliver the crunch or flavor intensity that its name suggests. It’s a dessert that might disappoint those looking for a punch of cookies and cream.
While it’s not without merit, offering a light, mild flavor, it doesn’t capture the excitement associated with its namesake treat. Perfect for those who prefer subtle flavors, it might not be the first choice for a memorable celebration.
If seeking something extraordinary, this cake may not fulfill that craving.
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