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Vienetta ice cream cake on a white plate.

This Viennetta ice cream cake is easy to make at home with layers of creamy vanilla ice cream between crisp chocolate! This timeless dessert is easy to make and perfect for summer.

Vienetta on a plate with a slice on a small white plate.

If you love ice cream and frozen dessert recipes as much as I do, try these other favorites including easy ice cream cake, chocolate ice cream cake and chocolate vanilla ice cream cake!

Each bite of Viennetta ice cream cake is a delightful combination of creamy vanilla ice cream and crisp chocolate! It’s made in a loaf-shaped cake pan so it looks fancy but actually is easy to put together.

Unlike my Nutella Kit Kat Oreo ice cream cake or Italian ice cream zuccotto, there is actually no cake in this ice cream cake! It’s made with just homemade ice cream and chocolate, making it one of the best frozen desserts for summer.

Why I Love This Recipe

A timeless classic: This layered ice cream dessert has a fan following and it’s no wonder! With creamy ice cream and crisp chocolatey layers, it’s irresistible!
Elevated ice cream dessert: This delicious frozen dairy cake looks impressive but is actually so easy to make with a homemade ice cream filling layered between hardened chocolate pieces!

What is Viennetta Ice Cream Cake?

This classic ice cream cake was first introduced in the UK in the 80’s by Wall’s Ice Cream then in the US under the Breyers brand ice cream. It was eventually discontinued in the US but remained a popular holiday dessert in the UK and other parts of Europe including it being extremely popular in Italy.

Due to fan demand, though, in 2021, Good Humor ice cream reintroduced this perfect frozen treat to the US. This ice cream cake is a heartfelt nod to 90’s nostalgia and lucky for us, if you can’t find it at the store, it is so easy to make a Viennetta dessert right at home!

Homemade Viennetta Ice Cream Cake Ingredients

Dark chocolate: This will be melted for the crispy chocolate layers.
Homemade ice cream: Similar to my no churn ice cream, this uses sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream and vanilla.

How to Make Viennetta Ice Cream Cake

To start, melt chocolate in a bain marie or microwave until melted. Using a loaf pan, draw 3 rectangles on a piece of parchment paper using the bottom of the loaf pan as a guide.

Melted chocolate in a glass bowl and forming on parchment paper rectangles.

On each rectangle divide the chocolate and spread evenly. Place in the fridge to harden.

Spreading the chocolate evenly on the rectangles.

Make your ice cream by first whisking together the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Next, in a large bowl using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream and combine.

To assemble, place a chocolate strip on the bottom of a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap. Add a layer of the ice cream filling then freeze. Continue this same process for two more layers ending with an ice cream layer.

The chocolate in the pan and the ice cream on top.

Place in the freeze until firm. Remove from the pan with the help of plastic wrap, turning it upside down so that the chocolate is on top. Decorate with whipped cream and serve!

The loaf turned upside down and decorated with whipped cream.

tips and variations

Work quickly: When assembling your layers, work quickly so the bottom layers don’t start to melt.
Chocolate: I love a good quality dark chocolate but any quality chocolate could be used from semi-sweet to milk chocolate or your favorite.
Fun mix-ins: Either stir in these mix-ins or add them over each chocolate layer. Try crushed Oreos, chopped hazelnuts or candy bars.
Different flavor of ice cream: Some homemade favorites I love include no churn Nutella ice cream or no churn chocolate chip ice cream.
Neapolitan Viennetta ice cream cake: Do one layer of vanilla ice cream, one layer of chocolate ice cream and one layer of strawberry ice cream.
Garnish: For the iconic store brand look, add some stabilized whipped cream and sifted cocoa powder on top before serving.

recipe FAQs

Can I use a different ice cream filling?

Yes, but I would urge you to use a high quality ice cream flavor that you know and like, whether it’s homemade or store bought. The ice cream really stands out in the cake, so you want to ensure it’s one you love!

Can I use Magic Shell for the chocolate layer?

If you are in the US, this is a nice timesaver! Elsewhere in the world, Magic shell is a syrup that quickly hardens into a crispy shell when poured onto a cold ice cream or any other frozen dessert. It may be called Ice Magic by Cottees in Australia or you might find it in the UK called Bird’s Ice Magic.

What is the best way to slice a Viennetta cake?

I like to use a large knife that has been first dipped in hot water to cut a slice of Viennetta cake. Dip the knife in the water, wipe dry and then slice your cake easily.

How to store homemade Viennetta?

Store leftover cake covered in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month if it lasts that long!

More Frozen Dessert Recipes

This homemade Viennetta Ice Cream Cake captures all the elegance and nostalgia of the classic frozen dessert with layers of creamy ice cream and crisp chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a show-stopping treat, it’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress family and friends. One slice and you’ll see why this timeless dessert remains a favourite!