Introduction to Reese’s Overload Ice Cream Sundae Cake
Some desserts are meant to be subtle and refined. This is not one of them. The Reese’s Overload Ice Cream Sundae Cake is a glorious celebration of excess—a towering monument to the beloved combination of chocolate and peanut butter that has captured American hearts for generations. If you’ve ever dreamed of diving face-first into a mountain of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this recipe is your permission slip.
I created this showstopping Reese’s ice cream cake for my husband’s birthday, and the reaction was everything I hoped for. His eyes went wide, the camera phones came out, and before we could even sing Happy Birthday, everyone was clamoring for the first slice. There’s something about the combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy ice cream, and those iconic peanut butter cups that transcends ordinary dessert into pure celebration.
Picture this magnificent creation: two layers of rich chocolate cake sandwiching a generous layer of vanilla ice cream studded with chopped Reese’s cups. The whole thing is then blanketed in pillowy whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and absolutely loaded with more peanut butter cups and toffee bits. It’s a dessert that demands attention and delivers on every promise.
Why This Reese’s Ice Cream Sundae Cake is Unforgettable
What makes this Reese’s Overload Ice Cream Sundae Cake special is the careful layering of textures and temperatures. You’ve got the tender chocolate cake, the cold creaminess of the ice cream, the satisfying crunch of the peanut butter cup pieces, and the airy lightness of the whipped cream. Each bite is a complete sensory journey.
The best part? This impressive dessert is far easier to make than it looks. By using a quality boxed chocolate cake mix as the base, you can focus your energy on the assembly and decoration without spending hours in the kitchen. The result looks like it came from a professional bakery but costs a fraction of the price.
Complete Ingredients for Reese’s Overload Ice Cream Sundae Cake
For the Cake Layers:
• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
• 1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
For the Topping:
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate syrup for drizzling
• 2 cups chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
• 1 cup toffee bits
Step-by-Step Reese’s Ice Cream Cake Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions and divide the batter between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Once the cakes are completely cool (this is crucial—warm cake will melt the ice cream), place one layer on a cake plate or stand. Let your vanilla ice cream soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s spreadable but not melted. Fold in 1 cup of chopped Reese’s cups, then spread this mixture evenly over the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top of the ice cream. Press down gently to adhere. Immediately transfer the cake to the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm again. This step ensures clean slices later.
When ready to finish, prepare the whipped cream by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Remove the cake from the freezer and spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top and sides.
Now comes the fun part—the overload! Drizzle generously with chocolate syrup, allowing it to cascade down the sides dramatically. Pile the remaining chopped Reese’s cups on top, creating glorious mounds of peanut butter cup goodness. Sprinkle with toffee bits for extra crunch.
Return to the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the whipped cream firm up. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Reese’s Ice Cream Sundae Cake Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/12 of cake): Approximately 580 calories, 34g fat, 62g carbohydrates, 9g protein, 320mg sodium. This is a celebration dessert meant for special occasions!
Stunning Presentation for Your Ice Cream Sundae Cake
The visual impact of this Reese’s Overload Ice Cream Sundae Cake is breathtaking. When sliced, you can clearly see the distinct layers: dark chocolate cake, creamy vanilla ice cream speckled with peanut butter cup pieces, more chocolate cake, and that glorious crown of whipped cream and toppings. Serve on a pedestal cake stand for maximum drama, and keep extra chocolate sauce warm in a pitcher for guests who want to add even more.
Drink Pairings for Reese’s Ice Cream Cake
The rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors pair wonderfully with cold milk (classic!) or a robust cup of coffee. For adult celebrations, try a creamy peanut butter stout or a chocolatey porter. A glass of cold-brewed coffee with a splash of cream also complements beautifully.
Variations for Your Ice Cream Sundae Cake
Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate or peanut butter ripple for even more intensity. Use chocolate whipped cream by adding 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Substitute Snickers bars for a caramel twist, or use Butterfinger pieces for a different crunch. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat ice cream and whipped topping.
My Best Tips for Ice Cream Sundae Cake Success
The key to a perfect ice cream cake is temperature management. Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before adding ice cream, and don’t skip the freezing steps between layers. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for the cleanest slices. Store any leftovers in the freezer, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to one week.
My personal favorite touch? I add a drizzle of warm peanut butter alongside the chocolate sauce when serving. It adds another layer of gooey peanut butter goodness that takes this Reese’s cake from amazing to absolutely legendary.