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Slice of cherry swirl ice cream pie with flaky crust, creamy vanilla filling, whipped cream topping, and maraschino cherries on a blue plate.

Homemade Ice Cream Pie Recipe (Frozen Treat) - Easy, Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Freeze Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices

Ingredients
  

  • For the crust: 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 24 chocolate wafer cookies or Oreos without the filling)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for extra crispness)
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the filling: 1.5 quarts (about 6 cups) ice cream of your choice, slightly softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, boosts flavor)
  • 1 cup mix-ins, chopped (chocolate chunks, toasted nuts, crushed cookies, or fruit)
  • For the topping: 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or neutral oil (for a snappy shell)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
  • Optional garnish: Whipped cream, caramel sauce, sprinkles, sliced strawberries, or chopped peanuts

Instructions
 

  • Prep your pan: Use a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment for easy release. Set aside.
  • Make the crust: Pulse cookies into fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture looks like damp sand.
  • Press and chill: Firmly press crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use a measuring cup to compact it. Freeze for 15–20 minutes until set.
  • Soften the ice cream: Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes until scoopable but not runny. Stir in vanilla and your mix-ins.
  • Fill the crust: Spoon the softened ice cream into the chilled crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Work quickly so it doesn’t melt.
  • Freeze to firm: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
  • Make the topping: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave (20–30 second bursts) or over a double boiler. Stir until glossy and smooth.
  • Add the chocolate shell: Let the chocolate cool for 3–4 minutes so it doesn’t melt the ice cream. Pour over the frozen pie and tilt the pan to spread. Sprinkle flaky salt if using.
  • Final freeze: Return the pie to the freezer for 20–30 minutes to set the topping.
  • Serve: Let the pie sit at room temperature for 8–10 minutes before slicing. Warm a knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut clean slices.