One thing I could never live without would be ice cream. You know when people ask you that generic question “if you could eat any one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?” Mine would be ice cream but I’d probably become ill soon because there is just about no nutritional value. But we aren’t looking for a realistic answer here, are we? Since ice cream is my one true love, it was only a matter of time until I’d create a healthy ice cream cake for the blog.
And the best part about this recipe is that it’s made with simple ingredients and it’s low calorie. Sometimes we just want a sweet treat that fits into our healthy lifestyle without racking up the calories — but there are moments when the 900 calorie slice of cake is totally necessary. Life’s all about balance. But this healthy ice cream cake is something you could make and enjoy every night without any guilt. Only about 200 calories per slice with insane flavor. It’s not the 500 calorie slice of DQ ice cream cake we grew up loving, but it gets the job done and keeps us moving towards reaching out fitness goals!
Ingredients & Alternatives
Graham crackers: You could choose any flavor here but I chose the tried and true honey flavored. But chocolate or cinnamon graham crackers would be just as good!
Vanilla ice cream: Any flavor or brand of ice cream will work, but I went with vanilla so the ice cream didn’t overpower the cookies. I’ve been loving the Kroger Deluxe Vividly Vanilla Churned Light Ice Cream (I buy mine at Mariano’s), but you could use the Breyer’s Carb Smart or No Sugar Added ice creams. But don’t overcomplicate it, any will work for this recipe.
Emmy’s Organics Coconut Cookies, Dark Cacao: The main player in this cake are the cookies! If you don’t have Emmy’s at your local grocery store, you can buy online or swap for your favorite cookie. I like Emmy’s in this recipe because it gives the cake a chocolate and coconut taste in one. Plus the coconut adds a really nice texture to the crumble topping!
How to make the easiest, healthy ice cream cake
Making this recipe could not be easier! All your need is 3 ingredients and 5 minutes for this 3 layered healthy ice cream cake.
Layer 1
Break the graham crackers rectangles into squares and line the bottom of your casserole dish. If you don’t have a casserole dish, you could use a brownie pan or whatever you have on hand. Double up the layers if needed.
Layer 2
Next up, scoop the entire half gallon of ice cream on top of the graham crackers. Try to evenly distribute the ice cream. Using a large metal spoon, begin smoothing the ice cream out so it makes a thin, even layer. To help make this process easier, run your metal spoon under hot water and then smear the ice cream. Repeat as often as needed.
Layer 3
The last layer is the coconut and chocolatey goodness that is Emmy’s Organics cookies. In a bowl, begin crumbling one bag of Emmy’s Organics Dark Cacao Coconut Cookies. Once complete, sprinkle the crumbled cookies over the ice cream evenly.
Then you can put tin foil over top of the casserole dish (or a lid if yours has one) and let freeze for a few hours. Then you can slice it up and serve. Enjoy!
MORE SWEET TREATS TO TRY:
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The Easiest Healthy Ice Cream Cake
Equipment
- Casserole dish or similar
Ingredients
- ½ gallon vanilla ice cream see above for brand recommendations
- 6½ graham cracker sheets honey or cinnamon
- 1 bag Emmy's Organics Dark Cacao Coconut Cookies or similiar alternative
Instructions
- Start by taking out your casserole dish and preparing your ingredients. Take the ice cream out of the freezer so it begins thawing a bit.
- Break your graham cracker rectangles into squares and setting aside.
- In a bowl, crumble the whole bag of Emmy's into small pieces using your hands.
- Line the bottom of your dish with the graham crackers, breaking them to fit if necessary.
- Next, scoop the entire half gallon of ice cream out on top of the graham crackers layer. Run a metal spoon under hot water, then use to spread the ice cream in an even, thin layer. Repeat if needed.
- Lastly, evenly sprinkle the cookie crumbles on top of the ice cream layer.
- Once assembled, put tin foil or lid on the dish and place in the freezer for a few hours to firm up.
Notes
This recipe was made possible by gifted products from Emmy’s Organics. I only work with brands and promote products that I truly love.