Copycat Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake Recipe

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about that perfect bite of cake and icing? Baskin Robbins masterfully captures this blissful experience in the Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake® ice cream.

How to make Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake

Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake is one of their popular ice cream flavors. It’s basically a birthday cake party in a scoop!

Ingredients:

For the Cake-flavored Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or cake batter extract for an even more authentic cake flavor)
• 1 pinch of salt

For the Yellow Cake Pieces:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt

For the Rainbow Frosting Flecks and Confetti Frosting Swirl:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Natural food coloring of choice
• Sprinkles for added color and texture

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake Pieces:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool.
6. Once cooled, crumble the cake into small, bite-sized pieces. Freeze the cake pieces on a baking sheet while you make the ice cream base.

Making the Ice Cream Base:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla (or cake batter) extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
3. A few minutes before the churning is complete, add in the frozen yellow cake pieces to mix evenly throughout the ice cream.
4. Preparing the Rainbow Frosting Flecks and Confetti Frosting Swirl:
5. Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Divide the frosting into small batches and color each with different food colorings as desired.
6. Take a portion of the frosting and mix with sprinkles to create your “confetti frosting.”
7. For the frosting flecks, scatter small droplets of the colored frosting onto a parchment paper and freeze until hard. Once frozen, break or cut into smaller flecks.

Final Assembly:

1. Layer the soft churned ice cream with spoonfuls of the confetti frosting and sprinkle with the rainbow frosting flecks into a freezer-safe container. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the frosting through the ice cream, ensuring not to overmix and muddy the colors.
2. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Tips for Success:

• For an even creamier texture, ensure all your ingredients, especially the heavy cream and milk, are well chilled before use.
• If you prefer a non-dairy version, substitute the dairy ingredients with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut milk and vegan butter.
• When adding the cake pieces and frosting to the ice cream base, do so gently to maintain their texture and integrity.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the perfect consistency.

What to serve with

A scoop (or two) of the homemade Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake ice cream is a delight all on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights.

1. Warm Dessert Bases:

• Freshly Baked Brownies: Imagine a warm, chewy brownie topped with a cold, creamy scoop of Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake ice cream. The contrast in temperatures and the combination of rich chocolate with the sweet, cakey ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.
• Fruit Cobblers or Crisps: Pairing your ice cream with a warm fruit cobbler or crisp, such as apple, peach, or berry, provides a delightful contrast. The tartness and warmth of the fruit, combined with the cool, sweet ice cream, make for a comforting and satisfying dessert.

2. Coffee and Tea:

• Espresso or Coffee: The richness of coffee or espresso balances beautifully with the sweetness of the ice cream. Serve a scoop alongside a hot cup of your favorite brew, or create an affogato by pouring a shot of hot espresso directly over the ice cream for an irresistibly creamy coffee treat.
• Chai or Green Tea: A spiced chai or a cup of subtly flavored green tea can be a refreshing companion to the sweetness of the ice cream. The spices in chai, in particular, complement the vanilla and cake flavors wonderfully.

3. Dessert Sauces:

• Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm hot fudge sauce over your scoop of “Icing on the Cake” for a gooey and luscious dessert. The hot sauce not only adds a chocolatey depth but also creates a delightful temperature contrast with the cold ice cream.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: The combination of sweet and salty from the caramel enhances the flavors of the ice cream. Drizzling salted caramel sauce over your scoop adds a sophisticated twist to your dessert.

4. Baked Goods and Pastries:

• Donuts: Pairing a warm, glazed donut with a scoop of “Icing on the Cake” ice cream is essentially combining two favorite desserts in one. The soft, sweet bread of the donut complements the rich, creamy texture of the ice cream, making for a truly indulgent treat.
• Shortbread Cookies or Biscotti: These baked goods add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor that pairs nicely with the creamy ice cream. They’re perfect for dipping into the ice cream or simply enjoying on the side.

5. Toppings and Extras:

• Whipped Cream and More Sprinkles: If you’re serving the ice cream in a bowl or as part of a sundae, adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles can enhance the festive look and taste.
• Fresh Fruits: While the ice cream already has a fantastic array of flavors, adding fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches can introduce a fresh, tart element that cuts through the sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake ice cream can be an exciting culinary project. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, the essence of this flavor lies in its cake-like, celebratory taste, complete with frosting and cake pieces swirled into a creamy base.

Base Ingredients

• Heavy Cream can be substituted with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The coconut milk will offer a rich, creamy consistency similar to that of heavy cream.
• Whole Milk can be replaced with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. These alternatives will help you achieve a creamy texture while keeping the recipe dairy-free. Note that the final product might be slightly less creamy than if made with cow’s milk.
• Granulated Sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia if you’re looking for a lower glycemic index. Adjust the quantity according to taste, as sweetness levels can vary.

Flavorings and Color

• Cake Pieces: For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free vanilla cake or cupcakes. If you do not have cake ready, crushed gluten-free vanilla cookies mixed with a bit of butter can simulate the cake pieces.
• Frosting Swirls: Use store-bought or homemade frosting that meets your dietary requirements. For dairy-free or vegan frosting, opt for versions made with vegetable shortening or vegan butter substitutes. If you are reducing your sugar intake, consider frosting made with powdered sugar substitutes.
• Blue and Pink Coloring: Natural food colorings derived from vegetables or fruits are excellent substitutes for traditional artificial food colorings. Beet juice can serve as a pink dye, while blue spirulina or even a touch of purple carrot juice can achieve the ice cream’s signature colors without synthetic dyes.

Final Thoughts

With patience and passion, you’ve now recreated a whimsical treat that captures the essence of Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake. Enjoy this festive delight at your next celebration or whenever you need a spoonful of joy!

More Baskin Robbins Recipes:

• Baskin Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream Recipe
• Baskin Robbins Mom’s Makin’ Cookies Ice Cream Recipe