Go Back
a Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake with chocolate ganache and mint garnish

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake

A rich and indulgent frozen dessert featuring a fudgy brownie base, creamy coffee ice cream, and smooth chocolate ganache—perfect for celebrations or cooling off on a warm day.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert, Frozen Cake
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter
  • 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup 35g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup 65g all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder or finely ground instant coffee

For the Ice Cream Layer:

  • 1 quart 950ml coffee or mocha-flavored ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon coffee extract for extra flavor

Optional Toppings:

  • Chocolate chips or shavings
  • Whipped cream
  • Cocoa powder dusting
  • Crushed nuts e.g., walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

Prepare the Brownie Batter:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter, mix with sugar, then add eggs one by one. Stir in vanilla.

Add Dry Ingredients:

  • Sift cocoa, flour, salt, baking powder, and espresso powder. Gently fold into the wet mix—avoid overmixing.

Bake the Brownie Layer:

  • Pour batter into a greased or lined 8-inch pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.

Soften the Ice Cream:

  • Let mocha ice cream sit out for 10 minutes to soften for easy spreading.

Assemble the Cake:

  • Spread softened ice cream over the cooled brownie. Add coffee extract if desired.

Freeze the Cake:

  • Cover and freeze the cake for at least 4 hours until firm.

Serve:

  • Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Use a hot knife for clean cuts.

Notes

  • For a nutty twist, add chopped toasted hazelnuts between the layers.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and espresso for a bolder mocha flavor.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in the brownie base.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Store in the freezer, wrapped, for up to 1 week for best texture and taste.
Keyword brownie ice cream cake, coffee chocolate cake, frozen mocha cake, mocha dessert