So many cake lovers shy away from ice cream cake because it can be daunting. You don’t know when it’s going to melt, how to store it, and how you should cut it. Well, we’re here to teach you how to cut ice cream. All you need is a knife, hot water, and a clean towel.
Hi! I’m Michelle, and I have always been an ice cream fanatic. It was my number one choice when I was a girl and asked for it every birthday. However, I can see why people might struggle with ice cream cakes because they are cut quite differently from “regular” cakes.
Those considering an ice cream cake for their next shindig need to know how to cut it the right way to avoid mess and hassle. This article will teach you everything you need to know about cutting ice cream cake. It’s easy – I promise.
Ice cream cake lovers, unite!
How to Cut Ice Cream Cake
Although it might seem finicky (okay, it might be a little bit more peculiar than other kinds of cakes), it’s super easy to cut an ice cream cake. We just need a few tools to help us out, including:
- A glass of hot water
- A serrated knife with a pointed tip
- Clean towel
- The ice cream cake!
When you have your tools assembled, we can start cutting into this delicious, beautiful treat. Here’s how.
1. Let the Ice Cream Cake Thaw for 10 Minutes
Plenty of people think they need to wait a fairly long time for their ice cream cake to melt. But this simply isn’t the case. In fact, if you wait too long for thawing, you will end up with a huge mess that’s challenging to cut.
For me, thawing the ice cream cake for 10 minutes is a perfect time. It gives the cake enough time to thaw so that it’s easily cut while still giving me ample time to slice and serve to all of the party guests.
2. Dip the Knife in the Hot Water
It’s no secret: heat is the arch-nemesis of ice cream. With that in mind, dipping your serrated knife into hot water will heat the knife just enough so that it glides through the ice cream cake with ease.
3. Wipe the Knife Before Cutting
After you dip the knife into the hot water, it is imperative to wipe it off before slicing. The hot water can be detrimental to your ice cream cake, wettening the sides and creating a sloppy mess.
Ditch the watery, mucky cake fiasco and simply wipe the knife off before slicing up your ice cream cake.
4. Cut, Serve and Repeat
When it comes to ice cream cake (and any cake, really), you will need to go one slice at a time. In between each slice, repeat the steps:
- Dip the knife in the glass of hot water
- Wipe off the knife
- Cut and serve
If you don’t dip and wipe in between servings, you’re going to have a difficult time cutting it. Not only that, but the slices won’t look very appetizing, as all of the crumbs and ice cream will mesh together and become a jumbled mess.
One more tip about serving: when serving ice cream cake, you’re essentially on a time limit. The cake is going to continue melting whether you’re ready or not. Try to move quickly to avoid serving melted ice cream cake slices.
5. Slice the Rest of the Cake and Freeze in Portions
One big mistake people make is refreezing the entire cake. Then, whether you want a small slice or not, you have to thaw the whole thing for ten minutes on the countertop. The easiest way to avoid this is to simply freeze the cake in portions.
To do this, cut the rest of the cake into slices (using the proper method above). Wrap the individual slices of cake in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to six months. The sooner you eat, the higher quality it will be.
FAQs
Ice cream cake sure is yummy, and as long as you have hot water, a clean towel, and a serrated knife, you will have no problem cutting it for your guests. If you’re still curious about how to cut ice cream cake, check out some of the frequently asked questions below.
How long do you leave ice cream cake out before you can cut it?
Everyone might have their own “golden time frame,” but for me, ten minutes is all you need. If you wait much longer than that, you’re going to end up with melted ice cream cake before you’re done serving it. Don’t over-thaw!
Can you put an ice cream cake in the fridge?
For thawing, sure. For long-term storage, no. The fridge simply is not cold enough to keep the ice cream from melting. So, unless you’re thawing for around 30 minutes, the best storage option for ice cream cake is right in your freezer.
Do I put ice cream cake in the freezer?
Yup. Just as you would store other ice cream products in the freezer, you will need to store your ice cream cake in the freezer, too. Ice cream cake can be stored in the freezer for up to six months as long as it is wrapped properly with plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.
How do you transport ice cream cake without melting it?
The best way to transport ice cream cake without melting it is to place it in a cooler (any kind) and surround it with ice, rock salt, or anything else that will keep it cold for an extended period.
Final Thoughts
While it might seem challenging, cutting an ice cream cake is pretty easy. All you need to do is thaw it for around ten minutes, then dip your serrated knife in hot water and wipe it down before every slice.
Do you like ice cream cake? How do you cut it? How do you transport it? Comment below!
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