Peanut Butter Cookie Dough MnM Ice Cream Cake

I made a batch of cookie dough that I envisioned spreading on brownies. That didn't happen.

I also had a bag of peanut MnMs I planned on using in the cookie dough. That didn't happen either.

I did have several quarts of ice cream left over and when I decided to put it all together - it happened.

This is the best ice cream cake I have ever made. I mean, how could you go wrong with MnMs, ice cream, and peanut butter cookie dough?

Me and my family would've eaten the entire thing except someone (ahem - Mom)  made us stop. Really, about 10 minutes afterwards, we were feeling the fullness kick in and were grateful she didn't let us each have a couple slices. There is smooth (eggless) peanut butter cookie dough spread between layers of creamy, rich vanilla ice cream and MnMs are sprinkled all over.  Creamy, cold, crunchy summertime heaven. Ice cream will have never tasted better, trust me.

If you are short on time, this is perfect!  You simply whip up the peanut butter cookie dough, spread some ice cream in a springform pan, spread the cookie dough on top of that, add MnMs and more ice cream and stick it in the freezer.  It's an easy show stopper that will please everyone. You can customize it by piping the peanut butter on in letters or designs.  Elizabeth requested it for her birthday with a big 7 on it in peanut butter.  Her birthday is coming up soon.  Wait ... what?!  That means summer is almost over!  Where did it go! 

Stephen adopted this as his new favorite. He is my ice cream guy. He loves Baskin Robbins and could probably eat there every day.  Seeing as we only go a couple times a year, we joke he was born into the wrong family:)  It's his place to go on his birthdays and special days, but he seems to be constantly asking to go anyways (often in jest, since I can assure you, he knows the answer!)  However, I think this sated him for a while because it's all I've heard about the last couple days. 

Stephen has also become my faithful garden harvester.  He wants to inspect and pick all the time. He really likes picking the cucumbers, which is fine,because  most of us are sick of picking them!  Our tomatoes will hopefully turn red soon (it kind of works better that way!) and I can't wait to pick those!  I think I'll have a bunch of helpers though.  I had a bunch of eating helpers with this cake, too.  Note to self:  Food elicits willingness to work.  :)

What I personally like about ice cream cakes is how they are easy to make up. Measuring is optional and flavor combos endless. This version, however, is especially delicious and I highly recommend making it!

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough MnM Ice Cream Cake

Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life

Yield: 12-16 servings

8 cups vanilla ice cream, divided, softened (check out this post for tips on softening ice cream.  Also, I used this homemade ice cream recipe)

1 batch peanut butter cookie dough (recipe below)

1 cup peanut or regular MnMs, divided (I used peanut in the middle layer and regular on top)

1/4 cup peanut butter 

Spread four cups of ice cream in a springform pan.  Freeze for five minutes. Remove ice cream and spread cookie dough over it. Sprinkle 1/2 cup MnMs over cookie dough. Gently press MnMs into cookie dough. Spread the remaining four cups of ice cream over MnMs. Freeze for 10 minutes. 

While it is freezing, soften peanut butter by microwaving it for 15-30 seconds. I used a piping bag to pipe the peanut butter on top, but a ziploc bag would also work well. After piping peanut butter on, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup MnMs on top.  Cut and serve or freeze until ready to serve. 

Peanut butter cookie dough:

1 stick butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup flour (I used half whole wheat)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

2-3 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons peanut butter

Need more frozen dessert?

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Dough Reeses Cups

Caramel Toffee Pecan Ice Cream Cake