National Ice Cream Cake Day – June 27

If you love cake and ice cream, there’s one holiday made just for you—National Ice Cream Cake Day, celebrated every year on June 27. This delicious food holiday honors a dessert that has become a favorite at birthdays, graduations, summer parties, and family celebrations.

Ice cream cake combines the rich flavor of traditional cake with the cool, creamy texture of ice cream, creating a dessert that’s perfect for warm summer days. Whether you buy one from your favorite bakery or make one from scratch at home, June 27 is the ideal day to indulge.

What Is an Ice Cream Cake?

An ice cream cake is exactly what its name suggests—a dessert made with layers of ice cream and cake or cookie crumbs. Many versions also include fudge, caramel, whipped topping, chocolate crunchies, candies, fruit, or cookie pieces.

Unlike a traditional cake, an ice cream cake must remain frozen until it’s ready to be served, making it a refreshing dessert during hot weather.

Popular flavor combinations include:

• Chocolate and vanilla
• Cookies and cream
• Mint chocolate chip
• Strawberry cheesecake
• Peanut butter cup
• Cookie dough
• Rocky Road
• Birthday cake

With endless flavor possibilities, there’s an ice cream cake for every taste.

The History of Ice Cream Cake

While the exact origin of National Ice Cream Cake Day is unknown, ice cream cakes have been enjoyed for well over a century.

Early versions of frozen desserts appeared in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, where molded ice cream creations were served at elegant dinners. As refrigeration became more common in the 20th century, ice cream cakes became easier to make and enjoy at home.

The dessert became especially popular in America during the 1970s and 1980s thanks to ice cream shops that specialized in frozen cakes for birthdays and celebrations. Today, grocery stores, bakeries, and specialty ice cream shops offer countless varieties year-round.

Why People Love Ice Cream Cake

Ice cream cake offers the best of both worlds.

Instead of choosing between cake or ice cream, you get both in every bite.

People also love it because:

• It’s perfect for summer birthdays.
• It can be customized with nearly any flavor.
• It looks festive and colorful.
• Kids and adults both enjoy it.
• It keeps well in the freezer.
• It’s ideal for parties and celebrations.

No matter your age, an ice cream cake often brings back memories of birthdays and family gatherings.

Popular Ice Cream Cake Styles

Classic Chocolate Crunch

Perhaps the most recognizable version features chocolate and vanilla ice cream separated by crunchy chocolate cookie crumbs and rich fudge.

Cookie Ice Cream Cake

Instead of traditional cake layers, crushed cookies or cookie crusts provide texture and extra flavor.

Brownie Ice Cream Cake

Dense brownies replace cake layers for an extra-rich dessert.

Cheesecake Ice Cream Cake

A creamy cheesecake layer paired with ice cream creates an indulgent twist.

Homemade Frozen Layer Cake

Many home bakers create unique versions using favorite ice cream flavors, candies, sauces, and homemade cakes.

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Cake Day

Make One at Home

Creating your own ice cream cake allows endless creativity.

Try combining your favorite:

• Ice cream flavors
• Cookies
• Brownies
• Cake layers
• Candy bars
• Chocolate sauces
• Fresh fruit
• Caramel
• Whipped cream

Decorate it with sprinkles and candles even if there’s no birthday.

Visit Your Favorite Ice Cream Shop

Many local ice cream shops sell beautiful frozen cakes in a variety of flavors. It’s a great excuse to support local businesses while enjoying a delicious dessert.

Host an Ice Cream Cake Party

Invite family and friends over for a summer dessert party where everyone brings a different style of ice cream cake.

Vote on:

• Best flavor
• Most creative decoration
• Best homemade cake
• Best chocolate cake
• Most unique combination

Share on Social Media

Celebrate by posting photos of your favorite ice cream cake creations using hashtags like:

• #NationalIceCreamCakeDay
• #IceCreamCake
• #FrozenDessert
• #DessertLover

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream
• 1.5 quarts chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup hot fudge sauce
• Whipped topping
• Chocolate syrup
• Sprinkles

Directions

1. Crush the cookies and mix with melted butter.
2. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. Freeze for 15 minutes.
4. Spread softened chocolate ice cream over the crust.
5. Freeze until firm.
6. Add hot fudge sauce.
7. Freeze again.
8. Spread vanilla ice cream on top.
9. Freeze for several hours or overnight.
10. Decorate with whipped topping, sprinkles, and chocolate syrup before serving.

Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.

Fun Ice Cream Cake Facts

• Ice cream cakes are among the most popular birthday desserts in America.
• Many versions contain layers of cookie crunch for extra texture.
• They can be made without any traditional cake at all.
• Some gourmet versions include cheesecake, brownies, or donuts.
• Ice cream cakes are easier to make than many people realize.
• Nearly every ice cream flavor works in a homemade version.

Why National Ice Cream Cake Day Matters

Food holidays give us a reason to gather with family and friends, celebrate life’s simple pleasures, and create lasting memories.

National Ice Cream Cake Day reminds us that desserts are often connected to birthdays, milestones, vacations, and joyful moments. Sharing a slice of ice cream cake is about more than satisfying a sweet tooth—it’s about celebrating togetherness.

Whether you’re enjoying a classic chocolate crunch cake, experimenting with your own frozen masterpiece, or simply treating yourself to a slice from your favorite ice cream shop, June 27 is the perfect day to enjoy one of America’s favorite frozen desserts.

So grab a fork, keep it frozen until serving, and celebrate National Ice Cream Cake Day with a delicious slice of happiness.

Read More Holidays & National Days