If you’ve ever found yourself craving a rich dessert that’s both cooling and wildly indulgent, this Reese’Does Reese’s Use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake is your next obsession.

No baking. No fancy equipment. Just layers of creamy peanut butter ice cream, fudge, and everyone’s favorite candy in one glorious frozen treat. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just spoiling yourself, this dessert is effortless yet spectacular.

The best part? It taps right into that classic love affair between chocolate and peanut butter, all wrapped in an ice cream dream. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any day into a celebration.

Print

How My Childhood Inspired This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake

The Memory That Sparked It

I still remember the summer I first fell in love with peanut butter and chocolate. I must’ve been eight. It was hot sticky hot, and my grandmother handed me a bowl filled with vanilla ice cream, a swirl of chocolate fudge, and a few crumbled Reese’s cups.

I didn’t know desserts could feel so magical. That moment, sitting under the maple tree in our backyard with the sun peeking through the leaves, lives rent-free in my mind. It was the first time I realized how food could transport you.

Years later, when I started experimenting in my own kitchen, I wanted to recreate that magic, but with my own twist. I didn’t want just a bowl of ice cream. I wanted a full-on celebration of flavor and texture.

That’s how this Reese’s peanut butter cup ice cream cake was born. It’s creamy, rich, a little crunchy, and wildly nostalgic all the things I love in one slice. Plus, it skips the oven entirely, making it a perfect no-bake wonder.

If you’ve ever read my post on the history history-of-ice-cream of ice cream, you know ice cream has always been more than just dessert to me, it’s comfort, tradition, and joy. This recipe channels all of that with a bit of a modern (and peanut buttery) twist.

WhyReese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake Are a Dream Pair

Chocolate and peanut butter are already a match made in dessert heaven. But mix that combo into a cold, velvety ice cream base and you’ve got something transcendent.

Reese’s peanut butter cups bring a texture contrast smooth chocolate shell and creamy center, that pairs beautifully with soft, homemade no-churn ice cream.

When frozen together, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake becomes a sliceable masterpiece with layers that feel like they were meant to be.

This isn’t your standard ice cream cake. It’s bold, it’s rich, and it’s made for peanut butter lovers who don’t mind licking the spatula. I’ve even drawn inspiration from my Chip Chocolate Ice Cream to perfect the creamy base here.

And yes, you can absolutely make this with kids, it’s messy, fun, and totally stress-free.

The Layers of Flavor in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake

Peanut Butter Cup Crust and Fudge Swirl Magic

At the base of this Reese’s peanut butter cup ice cream cake is a crust that’s both effortless and addictive. All you need are crushed chocolate cookies gluten-free if you prefer and chopped Reese’s cups.

I pulse everything in a food processor with a spoonful of melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter) until it forms a sticky crumble. Press it firmly into a lined springform pan and let it chill in the freezer while you make the filling.

Now for the fudge swirl: this is where things get indulgent. A quick ganache made with heavy cream and melted semi-sweet chocolate creates a thick, rich drizzle. Before adding the filling, spoon some ganache over the chilled crust for a gooey surprise in every bite.

You can even sprinkle a few more Reese’s chunks into the fudge for texture. If you’ve already fallen in love with our Turtle Ice Cream, you’ll recognize this technique, it’s all about layering the fun.

Velvety Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake Filling

Now comes the hero of the cake: peanut butter ice cream. No machine required, just a simple blend of heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks, folded into sweetened condensed milk, creamy peanut butter, and a splash of vanilla.

The result? A velvety, soft-serve-like texture that freezes beautifully. Once combined, spoon half the mixture over the chilled crust and fudge layer, then drizzle more ganache. Add the rest of the filling on top and smooth it out with a spatula.

This whole cake is naturally gluten-free as long as your cookies and candy are certified. And yes, you can adapt it to nut-free alternatives if allergies are a concern. I explain how to swap ingredients in more detail over on our Ice Cream in a Bag, a great resource for ice cream lovers with dietary needs.

Toppings That Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake It Over the Top

Crushed Cups, Chocolate Shell, and Drizzles

No ice cream cake is complete without toppings, and this one doesn’t hold back. After the top layer of ice cream is smoothed out, I like to scatter even more chopped Reese’s cups across the surface.

Next, I pour a homemade chocolate shell over the cake, just melted chocolate chips mixed with a touch of coconut oil. As soon as it hits the frozen surface, it hardens into that perfect crackable layer.

Want more? Drizzle leftover ganache across the top in zig-zags and pipe some whipped topping swirls around the edge. A few extra mini peanut butter cups tucked into the swirls make it party-ready. This kind of presentation gives bakery vibes without bakery effort.

If you’re wondering about long-term storage, check out our post on Soft Serve Ice Cream Flavors. It covers everything from freezer burn prevention to optimal slicing techniques, especially helpful for layered cakes like this one.

Freezing Tips and Presentation Ideas

The key to a great ice cream cake is patience. Once you’ve assembled all the layers, freeze the cake uncovered for one hour, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 4 more hours, ideally overnight.

When you’re ready to serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake, run a knife under hot water before each slice, this makes cutting through the chocolate shell and creamy center a breeze.

Presentation-wise, a drizzle of peanut butter sauce or a sprinkle of chocolate cookie crumbs on each plate takes it to the next level. For birthday parties or cookouts, you can even prep individual mini cakes using muffin tins and cupcake liners, just as flavorful, but easier to serve.

And of course, don’t forget to tell your guests the story behind this cake. Linking food to memories makes every slice a little more special, just like we shared in the history of ice cream article.

Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in frozen form. Whether you’re honoring a birthday, staying cool on a summer night, or just craving something nostalgic and satisfying, this recipe delivers. It’s easy, versatile, and packed with flavor you won’t forget.

Try it your way, make it ahead, and freeze the joy for later. And when you’re ready for more, explore other family favorites like Grape Ice Cream or Peach Ice Cream. Your freezer is about to become your favorite part of the kitchen.