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The versatility of ice cream cakes makes them ideal for every occasion. You may either purchase an ice cream cake or create your own. You may make a simple cake or one with a range of tastes. But I’ve always had trouble cutting these ice cream cakes. This prompted me to research the right methods for cutting an ice cream cake.

As a general rule, cut an ice cream cake by putting a long serrated knife into hot water and sliding it down with each slice. After dipping the knife into the hot water, wipe it dry and continue the procedure with each slice.

Although cutting an ice cream cake may seem to be a straightforward process, I discovered the hard way that there are many more factors to consider. In this essay, I’ll go through everything I’ve learned about cutting handmade and store-bought ice cream cakes. There is a distinction!

How Do You Cut an Ice Cream Cake Properly?

Step-by-step instructions for cutting an ice cream cake:

  • Remove the cake from the freezer
  • Allow it to thaw for up to 15 minutes at room temperature
  • Prepare a large glass of hot water
  • Dip a large serrated kitchen knife into the hot water
  • Dry the knife with a towel
  • Cut the ice cream cake straight down
  • Avoid making a saw-like motion with the knife
  • Dip knife into hot water again
  • Repeat the process before each additional slice

*By the way, while cutting an ice cream cake, I prefer to use the appropriate equipment, and after some research, I just discovered an excellent Set of A Cutting Spatula and A Serrated Service Knife that works wonderfully for properly cutting an ice cream cake. This collection is available on Amazon!

When it comes to memorable events, no dessert makes a stronger impact than an ice cream cake. I’ve made ice cream cakes for summer family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, and even special family meals.

I added an ice cream cake to any occasion to make it feel more spectacular without spending a lot of money or taking up a lot of additional time, with the idea that every piece would look great after cutting it.

Yet, I instantly realized that there must be a way to slice a frozen cake.

After following these easy step-by-step directions, my ice cream cake no longer fell apart when I tried to cut it. My new task was to make each slice as tidy as possible!

Tips for Keeping Your Slices Tidy

Always be sure you cleanse your knife between slices. Additionally, always make sure to dry the knife after washing it.

Since the knife is heated from being dipped in hot water, you must push down hard while cutting an ice cream cake. It will easily slide all the way to the bottom. Avoid making a sawing motion with the cake or it may come apart.

If you have a spherical ice cream cake, cut it into triangular pieces for the finest presentation. If you have a square cake, cut it into square pieces.

*By the way, one of the most crucial things to know after baking an incredible-looking cheesecake is How To Properly Cut It To Keep It From Coming Apart. You may discover an article I published on The Correct Way To Cut A Cheesecake here!

What Knife Should Be Used to Cut Ice Cream Cakes?

When cutting an ice cream cake, a large serrated knife is recommended. Furthermore, be certain that the knife has a sharp tip. Using this knife ensures that your cuts go all the way through the cake, resulting in nice and clean slices.

How Long Should You Thaw an Ice Cream Cake Before Cutting It?

If you’re using a store-bought ice cream cake, set it aside for 30 minutes before cutting the cake. If you make your own ice cream cake, let it out for no more than 15 minutes before slicing it. This is due to the fact that store-bought ice cream cakes are kept frozen for a longer amount of time.

Store-bought cakes have different standards since they are frozen at much lower temperatures and for longer periods of time, requiring more time to defrost.

The parameters for store-bought cakes may also differ depending on whether you choose a bigger or smaller cake. Smaller six-inch cakes may only need 20 minutes to defrost, however bigger 16-inch cakes may require up to 45 minutes.

How Long Should an Ice Cream Cake Thaw Before Serving?

In general, let ice cream cake to defrost for 10 to 20 minutes before serving. This will enable the ice cream cake to defrost and soften enough for you to bite into it without difficulty. Be careful to schedule it correctly since it is difficult to predict when you will begin eating it.

Can You Refrigerate Ice Cream Cake?

You may place the ice cream cake in the refrigerator for a short period, but it will begin to melt within 1 to 2 hours. You may thaw the ice cream cake in the fridge rather than on the counter, or you can put the ice cream cake in the fridge after you’ve cut it to keep it cold.

If you leave the cake in the refrigerator for too long, it will start to melt. That is why refrigerating the cake overnight will not work!

The exact length of time you can keep an ice cream cake in the refrigerator varies on the size of the cake and how cold you keep it, but in general, you should be able to keep an ice cream cake in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours.

How Should You Cut a Hard Ice Cream Cake?

Allowing a hard ice cream cake to melt for approximately 20 minutes before cutting it is the best method to cut it. This allows the cake to produce less resistance while cutting it, resulting in smoother slices. When the cake is firm, it will crumble when pushed with a knife.

If you don’t have time to let the cake thaw first, you may cut it while it’s still firm. Just slice the cake with a sharp serrated knife with a pointed edge that has been dipped in hot water.

When I’m in a rush, I normally microwave the Firm frozen ice cream cake for around 5 seconds (no more than 10 seconds). This loosens the outside of the cake enough for my knife to go in and cut through.

The methods for cutting a still-frozen ice cream cake are the same as for a cake that has been allowed to defrost, although a frozen cake will provide more resistance.

I always let my frozen cakes defrost before cutting them. After the cakes have thawed, they are not only simpler to cut, but they may also be served and consumed fast.

Presenting ice cream cake that is still frozen is not something that most visitors like since no one wants to bite into a hard piece of ice cream cake.

How Can You Transport an Ice Cream Cake?

To protect an ice cream cake from melting while traveling, store it in a cooler with dry ice. Keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to go before you hit the road. If you don’t have any dry ice, you may fill containers with ordinary ice to keep the cake cool.

When I travel with ice cream cakes, I put the ice cream into the car at the last minute and double-check that my air conditioner is functioning before I begin my trip.

I’ve gone up to two hours in my vehicle with an ice cream cake in my car utilizing dry ice and a cooler!

If you need to serve the ice cream cake straight away, you may start cutting it without thawing it. If you don’t need it right away, put it in the fridge or freezer, depending on how much time you have.

*By the way, if you want to learn How to Travel With Your Cheesecake Safely so that it doesn’t come apart, check out my post here!

Are Candles Necessary for an Ice Cream Cake?

As a general rule, candles may be used on an ice cream cake. To ensure that the candles work, the cake should be sufficiently warmed to allow the candles to be inserted. If the candles are left burning for too long, they will melt the top of the cake.

Birthday cakes without candles aren’t really regarded as birthday cakes!

Putting candles on both handmade and store-bought cakes has always worked well for our family, as long as we light the candles immediately before we sing Happy Birthday!

I always arrange the candles with enough space between them so that I know how large to cut each piece. Cutting a cake with candles this manner ensures proper proportions and allows you to serve just one piece as the birthday cake!

How to Properly Serve Ice Cream Cake

An ice cream cake may be served on a strong tray that has been cooled in the freezer for at least thirty minutes before serving. A refrigerated platter will keep the cake’s form while it is chilled, however room temperature platters will speed up the melting process.

You may be as creative as you want with the garnishes while serving ice cream cake. Fruit, sauces, sweets, and cereals are just a few of the possible components to the cake.

Before serving, I cut each piece of cake and set it on the serving dish with an equal amount of space between them. This design is quite appealing!

I often provide a substantial bowl of their favorite flavour cereal at children’s birthday celebrations.

For more formal events, like as a July 4th celebration, I will drizzle with caramel or fudge sauce. These modifications are particularly useful when I’ve opted to buy a store-bought cake rather than make one from scratch.

Leftover Ice Cream Cake Storage

As a general rule, you may keep leftover ice cream cake in the freezer by keeping it in an airtight container. This will prevent the remaining ice cream cake from developing freezer burns on the edges. If not properly kept, freezer burn will render the cake inedible.

How Long Can Ice Cream Cake Be Stored?

When kept in the freezer, ice cream cake may last up to seven days. Although ice cream cake may be kept in the refrigerator, it will start to melt after a few hours. Keep ice cream cake at room temperature since it will melt quickly.

The cake is a family favorite, no matter what the weather is like outside, and it goes fast!

I’ve never had a problem eating an ice cream cake within seven days after putting it in the freezer.

Last Thoughts

The only difficult part of presenting an ice cream cake is cutting it. Thankfully, if you follow the advice I’ve learned over the years, you’ll be serving ice cream cake like a master in no time!