Why do I need to let the cake sit out for 20 minutes before serving?

An ice cream cake that is frozen completely solid will be very hard and difficult to slice. Letting it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes "tempers" it, softening it just enough so that a sharp knife can glide through it easily for clean, beautiful slices.

My ice cream layers are messy and blended together. What went wrong?

This happens when the ice cream is too soft and soupy during the layering process. You want it to be spreadable but still quite firm. For extra-sharp layers on your Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake , you can freeze the cake for 20-30 minutes between adding each new flavor of ice cream.

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?

A springform pan is highly recommended because its removable sides make it very easy to unmold the finished cake without damaging the beautiful layers.

Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake: The #1 Easiest Party Dessert Recipe

The Perfect Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake for a Crowd

A classic layered ice cream cake featuring a pound cake crust. The cake is assembled in a springform pan with distinct layers of softened chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio ice cream. After freezing, the cake is frosted with a homemade chocolate whipped cream and garnished with chopped toasted pistachios, creating a beautiful and delicious no-bake dessert.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes (includes all freezing and softening times)
Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Layering, Freezing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ice Cream Cake:
Unsalted butter, for the pan
One 10 1/2-ounce pound cake, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 quart chocolate ice cream, softened
1/2 quart strawberry ice cream, softened
1/2 quart pistachio ice cream, softened
Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped toasted pistachios (for garnish)

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Instructions

Assemble the Cake Layers:
Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.
Arrange the pound cake slices to cover the bottom of the pan, using extra pieces to line the sides if desired.
Scoop the softened chocolate ice cream onto the cake layer and spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
Scoop the softened strawberry ice cream over the chocolate layer and smooth the top.
Scoop the softened pistachio ice cream over the strawberry layer for the final layer and smooth the top.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Make the Frosting and Finish the Cake:
To unmold, run a knife around the edge of the cake, then unhinge the springform pan and remove the side. Invert the cake onto plastic wrap, remove the pan bottom and parchment, then place a serving plate on the bottom and invert it again so the cake is right-side up.
In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, chocolate syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla. Whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
Frost the top and sides of the frozen cake with the chocolate whipped cream. If the cake softens too much during frosting, return it to the freezer for a few minutes to firm up.
Sprinkle the top with the chopped toasted pistachios.
Freeze the finished cake for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or overnight, until completely firm.
Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make slicing easier.

Notes

A 9-inch springform pan is required for this recipe.
Soften the ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before layering to make it spreadable.
If the cake becomes too soft while frosting, place it back in the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.
Let the finished cake rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
Calories: 450-550
Sugar: 40-50 g
Sodium: 150-200 mg
Fat: 25-35 g
Saturated Fat: 15-20 g
Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Fiber: 1-2 g
Protein: 6-8 g
Cholesterol: 90-120 mg

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/neapolitan-ice-cream-cake/