Go Back
+ servings
Print

Root Beer Float Ice Cream Cake

Root Beer Float Ice Cream Cake is a creamy vanilla & root beer ice cream cake with a root beer caramel swirl then topped with homemade whipped cream. 
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 875kcal
Author Sandra

Ingredients

Root Beer Caramel Sauce

  • 1 packed cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Root Beer Float Ice Cream Cake

  • 1 gallon vanilla bean ice cream
  • 12 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1/2 teaspoon root beer extract
  • 1/2 cup root beer divided
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 8-12 ounces root beer optional for serving

Instructions

Root Beer Caramel Sauce

  • Add all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan and heat over medium-low heat. 
  • Let it cook, while constantly whisking it, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to become thicker. Remove and turn off heat. Set on the counter to cool.

Root Beer Float Ice Cream Cake

  • Once it is cooled, start the cake. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper, set aside. If you need help getting the parchment paper to stick to the pan, spray the pan lightly with cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 of the gallon of ice cream, 1 tablespoon root beer extract, 1/4 cup root beer, and Cool Whip; stir until combined. Then add in the remaining ice cream, stir until the two ice creams start to marble together, make sure not to completely stir them together, you want to see a slight swirl.
  • Add the ice cream to the prepared pan. Top immediately with 2/3 cup of the cooled Root Beer Caramel.
  • Using a knife, swirl the caramel into the cake.
  • Set in the freezer until set 2-3 hours.
  • When ready to serve prepare whipping cream. Whisk together with an electric mixer or beater heavy cream and sugar. Beat until it starts to form soft peaks. Store in the refrigerator while you cut the cake.
  • Cut the cake into 12-square pieces and serve immediately topped with whipped cream.
  • Option: If you want, once you top with ice cream pour about ¼ cup of root beer into the bowl, then serve, this adds the float element.
  • If you want the round pieces use a biscuit cutter, like pictured. With a biscuit cutter you will get 8-9 pieces. With the left over ice cream just make a root beer float. If using the biscuit cutter you may need to let the cake reset by setting it in the freezer for an 1 hour if it starts to melt.

Notes

Caramel Sauce adapted from Food Network Total time includes time to freeze.

Nutrition

Calories: 875kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 78g | Vitamin A: 1965IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 466mg | Iron: 0.3mg