I Ordered 19 Ice Cream Cakes From DQ, Coldstone & Baskin-Robbins—One Totally Stole The Show
Last month, I embarked on a frozen adventure that would test my sweet tooth and my freezer’s capacity.
Armed with a notepad and elastic-waist pants, I ordered every signature ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, Coldstone Creamery, and Baskin-Robbins.
My mission? To determine which frozen confection truly deserves the crown in this battle of creamy, dreamy desserts.
What started as a sugar-fueled experiment quickly turned into an eye-opening journey through texture, flavor, and presentation.
1. DQ Oreo Blizzard Cake: A Cookie Lover’s Dream
Cracking into this cake felt like discovering buried treasure. The iconic Oreo chunks created a satisfying crunch against the smooth vanilla and chocolate ice cream layers. Each bite delivered that perfect cookie-to-cream ratio DQ has mastered over decades.
My nephews practically dove face-first into their slices, leaving evidence of their enjoyment in the form of chocolate smudges on their cheeks. The chocolate cookie crumb coating around the edge sealed the deal for me—it’s essentially an edible fence keeping all that goodness contained.
Temperature-wise, this cake hit the sweet spot after exactly 15 minutes on the counter. Too cold and you miss the creamy texture; too warm and you’re drinking your dessert. For cookie enthusiasts, this classic rarely disappoints.
2. DQ Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard Cake: Nutty Perfection
Heaven exists, and it’s loaded with peanut butter cups. This cake arrived with a generous crown of whipped topping and actual Reese’s cups adorning the surface like delicious jewels. Cutting into it revealed beautiful ribbons of peanut butter woven through chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
My chocolate-loving friend declared it “life-changing” before stealing a second slice when I wasn’t looking. The salty-sweet balance here is masterful—neither element overpowers the other. Instead, they dance together in perfect harmony.
The fudge layer in the middle deserves special mention. Unlike some cakes where the fudge freezes rock-hard, this one maintained a pleasantly chewy texture that complemented the smooth ice cream. For peanut butter fanatics, this cake delivers on every promise.
3. DQ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard Cake: Unbaked Brilliance
Raw cookie dough has always been my guilty pleasure, so this cake spoke directly to my soul. Generous chunks of cookie dough studded the creamy vanilla ice cream like edible gold nuggets. The chocolate ice cream layer provided a rich foundation that balanced the sweetness perfectly.
Serving this at my friend’s birthday gathering caused an actual tussle over the last piece. Everyone wanted that final bite with the perfect dough-to-ice cream ratio. The chocolate drizzle on top wasn’t just for show—it hardened into a thin shell that cracked satisfyingly with each spoonful.
What impressed me most was how the cookie dough maintained its distinct texture despite being frozen. No gritty sugar crystals or rock-hard chunks here—just perfectly chewy bits of unbaked bliss nestled in smooth ice cream.
4. DQ Choco Brownie Extreme Cake: Chocolate Overload
Chocoholics, I’ve found your mothership. This cake doesn’t just contain chocolate—it celebrates it in every possible form. Fudgy brownie pieces, chocolate ice cream, hot fudge ribbons, and chocolate shavings create a symphony of cocoa that somehow avoids being one-dimensional.
My chocolate-adverse sister surprised everyone by going back for seconds. “It’s not too sweet,” she explained, scraping her plate clean. The varying textures deserve credit here—from the dense brownie chunks to the silky ice cream to the slightly chewy fudge ribbons.
The cake maintained its structural integrity even after sitting out for photos, which isn’t always guaranteed with ice cream cakes. The brownie base added a substantial foundation that made slicing clean and serving easy. For chocolate lovers seeking depth beyond simple sweetness, this cake delivers complexity worth savoring.
5. DQ Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard Cake: Berry Delightful Surprise
Strawberry ice cream cakes often disappoint with artificial flavors, but this beauty bucked the trend spectacularly. Real strawberry pieces created bursts of bright, authentic flavor against the tangy cheesecake pieces. The graham cracker crust layer added a buttery contrast that tied everything together.
Serving this at a summer gathering earned me instant hero status. The cake’s pretty pink hue made it as Instagram-worthy as it was delicious. Even my dad, who typically dismisses “fancy desserts,” requested the leftover slice.
What truly elevated this cake was the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The cheesecake elements provided complexity without overwhelming the delicate strawberry flavor. For those who prefer fruity desserts over chocolate bombs, this sophisticated option proves fruit-based ice cream cakes can be just as indulgent as their chocolatey counterparts.
6. Coldstone Strawberry Passion: Berry Beautiful Creation
Walking into my dinner party carrying this vibrant masterpiece instantly turned heads. The cake’s striking red layers showcased real strawberry ice cream packed with fresh berry pieces that popped with authentic flavor. Yellow cake layers provided a perfect neutral canvas that let the fruit shine.
My friend’s toddler practically face-planted into her slice, emerging with a strawberry-stained grin that said everything. The graham cracker crust base added a wonderful textural contrast against the smooth ice cream. Unlike many fruit-flavored desserts, nothing tasted artificial here.
The whipped topping rosettes around the edge maintained their shape beautifully, even after my 20-minute photography session. For spring and summer celebrations, this refreshing option offers a lighter alternative to heavier chocolate varieties without sacrificing satisfaction. The natural strawberry sweetness left a clean finish that had everyone reaching for seconds.
7. Coldstone Cookies & Creamery: Monochrome Magnificence
Black and white never looked so delicious. Slicing into this cake revealed dramatic layers of dark chocolate cake sandwiched between cookies and cream ice cream studded with generous Oreo chunks. The visual contrast alone earned appreciative gasps from my guests.
My chocolate-obsessed roommate declared it “better than actual Oreos” while stealing an extra slice. The cake layers maintained their moisture despite being frozen, avoiding that dreaded cardboard texture that plagues lesser ice cream cakes. The fudge ganache dripping down the sides wasn’t just for show—it added a rich depth that elevated the entire experience.
Temperature matters tremendously with this cake. Fifteen minutes at room temperature transformed it from good to extraordinary, allowing the ice cream to reach that perfect creamy consistency while the cake layers remained just firm enough. For cookie enthusiasts, this sophisticated take on a childhood favorite hits nostalgic notes while feeling decidedly grown-up.
8. Coldstone Cake Batter Confetti: Birthday Party On A Plate
Pure joy comes in the form of this rainbow-speckled celebration. Cutting into this cake was like opening a present—each slice revealed vibrant confetti pieces suspended in Coldstone’s signature cake batter ice cream. The yellow cake layers somehow managed to taste like birthday cake batter themselves, creating a meta cake-within-a-cake experience.
Serving this at my niece’s birthday party nearly caused a riot. Kids and adults alike were mesmerized by the colorful interior. The sweet cream cheese frosting around the exterior provided just enough tanginess to balance the sweetness of the ice cream.
What impressed me most was how the sprinkles maintained their crunch despite being frozen in ice cream. Nothing went soggy or bled colors. For celebrations when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this cake delivers instant happiness with every bite. It’s essentially childhood nostalgia in dessert form—no candles required (though they certainly don’t hurt).
9. Coldstone Midnight Delight: Dark Chocolate Decadence
Serious chocolate lovers, I’ve found your holy grail. This intensely dark creation arrived looking almost too sophisticated to eat, with its glossy ganache coating reflecting light like a mirror. Cutting into it revealed layers of devil’s food cake alternating with chocolate ice cream so dark it was nearly black.
My friend who claims to detect every artificial flavor couldn’t stop raving about the depth of real cocoa flavor. The fudge chips scattered throughout provided textural contrast without disrupting the silky mouthfeel. Unlike some chocolate desserts that become one-note, this one revealed different cocoa nuances with each bite.
The cake-to-ice-cream ratio deserves special praise—neither element dominated the other. Instead, they worked in perfect harmony, with the cake providing structure and the ice cream delivering creamy indulgence. For elegant adult gatherings where you want to impress without seeming like you’re trying too hard, this sophisticated option speaks volumes.
10. Coldstone Cookie Dough Delirium: Unbaked Bliss
Cookie dough fanatics, prepare for sensory overload. This cake doesn’t just contain cookie dough—it celebrates it in multiple forms. Generous chunks of unbaked chocolate chip cookie dough nestled throughout sweet cream ice cream created treasure-hunt excitement with every bite. The yellow cake layers provided structure without competing for attention.
My brother-in-law, normally stoic about desserts, actually giggled while eating his slice. The chocolate ganache drizzle hardened into a thin shell that cracked satisfyingly when the fork broke through. Even the decoration showed attention to detail—tiny cookie dough balls adorned the top like edible jewels.
What prevented this from being overwhelmingly sweet was the subtle salt content in the cookie dough. That hint of saltiness created complexity that kept everyone going back for “just one more bite.” For anyone who’s ever been caught eating raw cookie dough from the bowl, this cake transforms guilty pleasure into socially acceptable indulgence.
11. Coldstone Peanut Butter Playground: Nutty Nirvana
Peanut butter lovers, your dream dessert has arrived. This cake doesn’t just include peanut butter—it celebrates it in multiple textures and forms. Ribbons of creamy peanut butter swirled through chocolate ice cream created beautiful marbling that was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
My usually reserved father-in-law abandoned all dignity and licked his plate clean. The chocolate cake layers provided the perfect backdrop for the star ingredient, while Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter cup chunks created exciting textural surprises throughout. The peanut butter frosting border maintained its shape beautifully, even after sitting out for photos.
What elevated this beyond ordinary peanut butter desserts was the expert balance of sweet and salty notes. Neither element dominated—instead, they complemented each other perfectly. For gatherings where you need to impress peanut butter enthusiasts (and convert skeptics), this sophisticated take on a classic flavor combination delivers in every possible way.
12. Baskin-Robbins Oreo Cookie Cake: Classic Cookie Crunch
Sometimes the classics earn their status for good reason. This cake arrived looking deceptively simple, but that first bite revealed why Baskin-Robbins has stayed in business for decades. The chocolate cookie crumb crust provided a foundation that complemented the vanilla and chocolate ice cream layers perfectly.
My teenage nephew, normally too cool to show enthusiasm about anything, actually said “wow” out loud. Generous Oreo pieces studded throughout maintained their crunch despite being frozen—no soggy cookies here! The whipped topping decorated with chocolate drizzle and mini Oreos added visual appeal without being over-the-top.
What impressed me most was how the cake held up during serving. Each slice maintained its structural integrity without turning into a melty mess, making it practical for parties. For those seeking a reliable crowd-pleaser that delivers on its cookie promise without unnecessary frills, this cake proves that sometimes simplicity executed perfectly is the ultimate sophistication.
13. Baskin-Robbins Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Polar Pizza: Flat-Out Fantastic
Pizza for dessert? Count me in! This unconventional circular creation broke all the ice cream cake rules in the best possible ways. The chocolate chip cookie base remained surprisingly chewy despite being frozen—a technical achievement that deserves recognition.
Watching my friends fight over the last slice provided quality entertainment. The vanilla ice cream layer came loaded with generous chunks of cookie dough and chocolate chips, creating texture contrasts that kept each bite interesting. The drizzled fudge topping hardened into a thin shell that added a satisfying crack with each bite.
What makes this “pizza” special is its shareability factor. The flat format makes it easy to cut into smaller pieces for sampling, and the sturdy cookie base means you can actually eat it with your hands without making a mess. For casual gatherings where you want something fun that breaks the dessert mold, this conversation-starting treat delivers both novelty and genuine deliciousness.
14. Baskin-Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream Cake: Sophisticated Mocha Magic
Coffee lovers, I’ve found your dream dessert. This grown-up creation showcases Baskin-Robbins’ iconic Jamoca ice cream—a sophisticated blend of coffee and chocolate flavors that makes typical mocha desserts seem one-dimensional by comparison. The scattered almond pieces added textural interest and a pleasant nuttiness that balanced the sweetness.
My coffee-snob friend (who normally turns his nose up at coffee-flavored anything) requested a second slice before finishing his first. The chocolate cake layers provided structure without competing with the star flavor. Unlike many coffee desserts that rely on artificial flavors, this one delivered authentic coffee notes that any caffeine enthusiast would appreciate.
The fudge ribbons throughout weren’t just for show—they created pockets of intense chocolate that complemented the coffee ice cream perfectly. For dinner parties where you want something more sophisticated than vanilla or chocolate, this elegant option offers complexity that appeals to adult palates while remaining universally crowd-pleasing.
15. Baskin-Robbins Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cake: Peanutty Perfection
Peanut butter and chocolate might be the world’s most perfect flavor combination. This cake celebrates that pairing with unabashed enthusiasm. Cutting into it revealed beautiful layers of chocolate and peanut butter ice cream separated by a ribbon of fudge that maintained the perfect consistency—not too hard, not too soft.
My normally reserved mother abandoned all pretense of ladylike behavior and practically licked her plate. Real Reese’s cup pieces throughout maintained their distinct texture, creating pockets of intense peanut butter flavor. The chocolate cookie crumb crust provided a foundation that complemented both ice cream flavors perfectly.
What distinguished this from other peanut butter desserts was the balance. Neither flavor overpowered the other—instead, they complemented each other in perfect harmony. The decorative peanut butter cup halves on top weren’t just for show—they added an extra flavor boost to each slice. For serious peanut butter cup enthusiasts, this cake delivers exactly what it promises.
16. Baskin-Robbins Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake: Berry Brilliant
Summer sunshine in cake form! This bright creation instantly lifted the mood at my family gathering. The vibrant pink strawberry ice cream came loaded with real berry pieces that burst with authentic flavor—no artificial strawberry taste here. The yellow cake layers remained impressively moist despite being frozen.
My aunt, who typically passes on dessert, requested the recipe (sorry, Auntie—you’ll have to visit Baskin-Robbins!). The whipped topping added a light, cloud-like element that balanced the richness of the ice cream. Fresh strawberry slices between layers weren’t just for show—they added juicy pockets of intense berry flavor.
What made this cake special was its light, refreshing quality. After a heavy meal, it satisfied sweet cravings without feeling overwhelming. The graham cracker crumb coating added a subtle honey note that complemented the strawberries perfectly. For spring and summer celebrations when you want something festive but not heavy, this berry-forward option hits all the right notes.
17. Baskin-Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake: Cool Perfection
Mint chocolate chip fans, your ultimate dessert has arrived. This refreshing creation showcased Baskin-Robbins’ iconic pale green mint ice cream studded with perfect chocolate flakes that maintained their distinct texture even when frozen. The chocolate cake layers provided the ideal backdrop for the star flavor.
My sister-in-law, who claims to be a mint chocolate chip connoisseur, declared it “the best version of mint chocolate I’ve ever had.” The fudge layer in the middle wasn’t just for show—it created a rich chocolate intensity that balanced the cool mint perfectly. Unlike some mint desserts that taste like toothpaste, this one delivered authentic mint flavor without any artificial aftertaste.
The chocolate cookie crumb coating around the exterior added textural contrast and enhanced the chocolate notes. For summer gatherings when you want something refreshing yet indulgent, this cool, sophisticated option satisfies both the mint-lovers and the chocolate enthusiasts in your life. The flavor lingers pleasantly, cleansing the palate while still feeling like a treat.
18. Baskin-Robbins Fudge Crunch Cake: Textural Triumph
Chocolate lovers with texture obsessions, I’ve found your perfect match. This classic creation has earned its legendary status through a brilliant combination of smooth and crunchy elements. The chocolate ice cream layers provided a rich base, but the real star was the chocolate crunchies between layers that maintained their distinctive texture despite being frozen.
My chocolate-purist friend declared it “the perfect ratio of smooth to crunchy.” The fudge ganache coating wasn’t just decorative—it added another dimension of chocolate intensity that elevated the entire experience. Unlike some chocolate desserts that become one-note, this one offered different chocolate experiences in each component.
What impressed me most was how the cake held its structure during serving. Each slice maintained perfect definition between layers, making for a visually stunning presentation. For chocolate enthusiasts who appreciate textural complexity rather than just sweetness, this sophisticated option proves that sometimes the classics remain unbeatable for good reason.
19. The Winner: Coldstone Midnight Delight – Dark Chocolate Excellence
After sampling 19 ice cream cakes across three major chains, one creation stood triumphantly above all others. Coldstone’s Midnight Delight didn’t just win—it redefined what an ice cream cake could be. The intensity of the chocolate flavor created depth rather than just sweetness, appealing to sophisticated palates while remaining universally crowd-pleasing.
The contrasting textures—from the velvety ganache coating to the moist devil’s food cake layers to the silky-smooth dark chocolate ice cream—created a sensory experience that kept revealing new dimensions with each bite. The fudge chips scattered throughout provided just enough textural contrast without disrupting the luxurious mouthfeel.
What ultimately crowned this cake champion was its perfect execution of a singular vision. Rather than trying to incorporate multiple competing flavors, it focused on exploring the full spectrum of chocolate possibilities. For chocolate enthusiasts seeking the ultimate expression of their favorite flavor, this cake delivers an experience that’s worth every calorie and every penny.