Creating Ice Cream Themed Cake Designs

Are you someone who loves ice cream? But how do you indulge in ice cream at a cake celebration? While ice cream is a universal favorite, it doesn’t quite bring the celebratory vibe of a traditional cake. That’s where ice cream cakes come in! These trendy cakes, with their scoops and drips, are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.  WarmOven helps you find the best ice cream-themed cake designs and ideas that you can consider this birthday season to make your dessert dreams come true!

Ice cream-themed cake designs stand out when creating memorable desserts because of their visual appeal and creativity. By merging the nostalgic charm of ice cream with the versatility of cake, these designs not only delight the taste buds but also create a feast for the eyes, making every occasion truly special. Without any delay, let’s get started with the basics of creating an ice cream cake design. First things first, the requirements. 

Essential Tools and Ingredients

Creating stunning ice cream-themed cake designs requires a well-stocked kitchen with the right ingredients and tools. Here’s a handy list to get you started. 

Necessary Ingredients:

• Whipped cream (Approximately 250-500gms)
• Various food colourings (a few drops)
• White chocolate (1 bar)
• Heavy whipping cream (250-500gms)

Note: You can adjust the quantity according to your guest list or the amount of cake you need. You can also order on platforms like WarmOven for a pre-prepared moist vanilla cake and then do the DIY Icing!

Tools Needed:

• Various piping tips
• Piping bags
• Spatulas
• Cake turntable

With these essentials at your disposal, you’ll be ready to craft cakes that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Basic Overview of an Ice-cream Cake

Ice cream cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy texture of ice cream and the soft, moist layers of cake. Here’s a detailed look at how to prepare an ice cream cake and whether it includes ice cream as an ingredient. It includes the following ingredients and also a simple process of baking. 

1. Cake Layers: 1 box of cake mix (any flavour), Eggs, oil, and water (as per cake mix instructions)
2. Ice Cream Layers: 1 to 2 quarts of ice cream (flavors of your choice)
3. Frosting: Whipped cream or frosting of your choice
4. Ganache (Optional): 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup heavy cream
5. Decorations: Edible flowers, sprinkles, fresh berries, or other toppings

Preparing the Cake Base and Layers

Any cake, for that matter, needs a solid base. If you are choosing a cake from a store like WarmOven, it becomes easier because of its moist, smooth texture. Once you buy the cake, you can try decorating at home with these tips and tricks and make the perfect ice cream cake. 

Choosing the Right Ice Cream Cake from the Store

When selecting an ice cream cake from WarmOven, consider the following tips to ensure you have a high-quality and suitable base for your design:

• Flavor Harmony: Choose a cake flavor that complements the decorations and additional flavors you plan to use. Classic choices like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry are versatile and blend well with various toppings and decorations. You can choose a regular cake from WarmOven for a 2-hour delivery!
• Size and Shape: Select a cake that fits the size and shape requirements of your final design. A round, square, or rectangular cake is usually easier to work with and decorate if you are doing the Icing! 
• Texture: Look for a cake with a smooth surface, as it will be easier to frost and decorate. For example, Vanilla Cakes, Butterscotch Cakes, Naked Red velvet cakes are a few best options for you to choose from.

Layering the Cake with Whipped Cream and Freezing Between Layers

Layering your cake with whipped cream adds a delicious, airy texture and helps to secure the decorations. Follow these steps for a flawless finish:

1. Preparation: Start by allowing your WarmOven ice cream cake to soften slightly at room temperature for easier handling. Gather your whipped cream, spatula, and a cake turntable.
2. First Layer of Whipped Cream: Place the ice cream cake on the cake turntable. Using a spatula, spread a generous layer of whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. Smooth it out, ensuring an even coat.
3. Freezing: Once the first layer of whipped cream is applied, place the cake in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the whipped cream set, creating a firm base for additional layers.
4. Repeat Layering: Remove the cake from the freezer and apply another layer of whipped cream. For a more intricate design, you can add different colored whipped cream or incorporate flavors between layers. Smooth each layer carefully before freezing again for another 15-20 minutes.
5. Final Coat: After building up the desired number of layers, apply a final, thicker coat of whipped cream to cover the entire cake. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface, ensuring there are no gaps or uneven areas. Freeze the cake for a final 20-30 minutes to set the whipped cream completely.
6. Decoration Ready: With the cake base prepared and layers firmly set, your cake is now ready for the next steps of decorating and adding your creative ice cream-themed designs.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a sturdy and delicious cake base, perfect for showcasing your ice cream-themed decorations and ensuring a beautiful, professional finish. 

Coloring and Applying the Whipped Cream

Transform your store-bought cake from WarmOven into a vibrant masterpiece by expertly coloring and applying whipped cream. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a professional look:

Mixing Different Shades of Whipped Cream

Creating a palette of colours for your cake adds visual interest and allows for more creative designs:

1. Divide the Whipped Cream: Start by dividing your whipped cream into separate bowls, depending on how many colors you want to use.
2. Add Food Coloring: Using gel or liquid food coloring, add a few drops to each bowl. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coloring.
3. Adjust as Needed: If the color is too intense, add more whipped cream to lighten it. For a more vibrant shade, add additional food coloring.

Suggested Read: Which Whipping Cream is the best for a cake? Explore the brands

Applying a Crumb Coat to Seal the Cake

The crumb coat is a thin layer of whipped cream that traps crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final coat:

1. Initial Layer: Using a spatula, apply a thin layer of whipped cream (any color) over the entire cake. This layer doesn’t need to be perfect; its main purpose is to seal in the crumbs.
2. Smooth the Surface: Smooth out the whipped cream as much as possible, covering all the exposed areas of the cake. Don’t worry if crumbs are visible; they will be hidden by the final coat.

Setting the Crumb Coat in the Freezer

Freezing the cake after applying the crumb coat ensures that it sets firmly, making it easier to apply the final coat:

1. Freezing Time: Place the cake in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the crumb coat to firm up and create a stable base for the next layer.
2. Check for Firmness: After freezing, check the cake to ensure the crumb coat is set. It should be firm to the touch and not sticky.

Adding the Final Coat of Colored Whipped Cream

With the crumb coat set, it’s time to apply the final, colorful layer of whipped cream:

1. Start with the Base Color: Choose your main color and apply a generous layer of whipped cream over the entire cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring smooth coverage.
2. Add Additional Colors: If you’re using multiple colors, apply them in sections or patterns. For example, you can create stripes, swirls, or ombre effects. Use a clean spatula for each color to avoid mixing them unintentionally.
3. Smooth and Blend: Use a cake turntable to help rotate the cake while you smooth out the whipped cream with a spatula. For a polished look, use a bench scraper to smooth the sides and top of the cake, blending the colors as needed.
4. Final Freeze: Once the final coat is applied, place the cake in the freezer for another 15-20 minutes to set the whipped cream. This will ensure it holds its shape and remains firm for decorating.

By carefully mixing and applying different shades of whipped cream and following these steps, you’ll create a beautifully decorated ice cream-themed cake that is both visually stunning and delicious.

Making the White Chocolate Ganache

White chocolate ganache is the perfect finishing element with its rich, creamy topping that enhances the flavor and creates a stunning visual effect with elegant drips and a smooth, glossy finish. Here’s how to make and apply white chocolate ganache for a flawless result.

Ingredients: White chocolate (1 bar) and Heavy whipping cream (250-500gms)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Ganache:

1. Measure Ingredients: Use a 2:1 ratio of white chocolate to heavy whipping cream (e.g., 8 ounces of white chocolate to 4 ounces of heavy whipping cream).
2. Heat Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
3. Add Chocolate: Remove the cream from heat and pour it over the chopped white chocolate in a bowl.
4. Stir: Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Cool: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth.

How to Apply Ganache to a Cold Cake:

1. Chill the Cake: Ensure the cake is cold from the freezer to help set the ganache quickly.
   Suggested Read: Best Baking Tips for a Cake
2. Drip Technique: Use a spoon or piping bag to apply the ganache along the edges of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
3. Top Coat: Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
4. Set: Place the cake back in the freezer for a few minutes to set the ganache before adding further decorations.

Decorating with Floral Designs

Enhance your ice cream-themed cake with beautiful floral decorations. With these steps, you can create stunning flower designs that will add a touch of elegance to your cake. 

Creating Flower Decorations Using Piping Tips

To create intricate flower decorations, you’ll need a set of piping tips and bags:

1. Prepare Piping Bags: Fill piping bags with different shades of pink and green whipped cream or buttercream. Use a petal tip for flowers and a leaf tip for leaves.
2. Pipe Flowers: Hold the piping bag at a 45-degree angle and gently squeeze while rotating the bag to form petals. Start from the center and work outward to create roses or other flowers.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Practice on parchment paper before piping directly onto the cake to perfect your technique.

Also Read: Buttercream Flower Cake Piping Ideas

Using Shades of Pink and Green for Flowers and Leaves

Color coordination is key for creating realistic and appealing flowers. Using colours like green for leaves, blue, pink, and red for flowers could be a great choice. Consider these:

1. Mix Colors: Prepare varying shades of pink for the flower petals and different greens for the leaves.
2. Layer Colors: For a more natural look, layer different shades within each flower. Use lighter pinks in the center and darker shades towards the edges.
3. Blend Smoothly: Blend the colors in the piping bag slightly for a gradient effect.

By following these steps, you’ll create a beautifully decorated cake with delicate floral designs that impresses both visually and taste-wise.

Adding Final Touches

The final touches bring your ice cream-themed cake together, adding polish and ensuring everything stays in place. Here’s how to apply those last decorations and set the cake perfectly.

Applying Final Decorations and Finishing Touches

1. Edible Glitter or Dust: Lightly dust the flowers and leaves with edible glitter or luster dust to add a touch of sparkle and make the design pop.
2. Sprinkles and Dragees: Add sprinkles or metallic dragees around the flowers for extra texture and visual interest.
3. Chocolate Curls or Shavings: Create chocolate curls or shavings and scatter them around the base or top of the cake for a sophisticated touch.
4. Fresh Fruits or Berries: Place small, fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries strategically around the cake for a fresh, vibrant look.
5. Piping Borders: Use a star tip to pipe borders around the base or top edge of the cake. This can frame the design and give it a clean, finished look.
6. Adding Leaves and Fillers: Fill any empty spaces with small piped leaves or additional tiny flowers to ensure the design looks full and complete.
7. Writing Messages: If the cake is for a special occasion, use a fine tip to pipe a personalized message on the top or side of the cake.
8. Initial Freeze: Place the fully decorated cake in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the whipped cream or buttercream decorations firm up.
9. Check for Stability: After the initial freeze, check if the decorations are firm. If they still feel soft, return the cake to the freezer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
10. Final Storage: Once the decorations are set, you can transfer the cake to the refrigerator if it will be served soon. For longer storage, keep the cake in the freezer, but transfer it to the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier cutting.

Final Presentation and Serving

Here’s how to store, present, and serve your stunning ice cream-themed cake for maximum impact.

Storing the Cake: Keep the decorated cake in the refrigerator if serving soon, or in the freezer for longer storage. Transfer to the fridge 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Presenting and Cutting: Place the cake on a decorative stand. Use a warm knife to clean slices, wiping them between cuts. Serve each slice with a small garnish of fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate for added flair.

Conclusion

With your ice cream-themed cake beautifully decorated and properly stored, you’re ready to impress your guests. By following these tips and tricks for presenting and cutting, you’ll ensure each slice looks as perfect as the whole cake. Enjoy the delightful combination of visual appeal and delicious flavors at your celebration!

WarmOven is an online cake delivery service that provides freshly baked cakes from the oven directly to your doorstep. Check out the website for the best deals and discounts and a flat 10% off on orders above ₹700/-

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