Irresistible No-Bake Dutch Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake: Your Ultimate Festive Dessert!
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredible Dutch Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake! This is not just any holiday dessert; it’s the easiest, most festive, and utterly delicious treat you can whip up, especially during the busy holiday season. Requiring only five simple ingredients and absolutely no baking, this dessert comes together with minimal effort, leaving the freezer to do all the hard work for you.
Every bite of this exquisite ice cream cake offers a symphony of textures and flavors. It starts with a perfectly crunchy base made from crushed pepernoten (Dutch spiced cookies), providing a delightful contrast to the light and incredibly creamy filling. This luscious filling is generously studded with chocolate-covered pepernoten, adding an extra layer of indulgence and a burst of spiced chocolate goodness. The harmonious blend of cold, velvety ice cream with warm, aromatic spices and crisp, crunchy cookies makes this cake an unforgettable experience.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply as a comforting winter treat, this no-bake masterpiece promises to be a showstopper without the stress. Its make-ahead nature means you can enjoy a relaxed festive day, knowing a spectacular dessert is waiting to be served.
No-Bake Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake Recipe: A Holiday Tradition Transformed
Pepernoten, often referred to as kruidnoten, are a beloved Dutch holiday staple, especially synonymous with the Sinterklaas festivities. These small, spiced gingerbread-like cookies are cherished for their unique blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom, and their wonderfully crunchy texture. While they are traditionally enjoyed by the handful or scattered by Sinterklaas’s helpers (Pieten), they also prove to be an exceptional ingredient for a wide array of festive desserts – and they make an especially brilliant base for ice cream cakes!
This no-churn ice cream cake beautifully transforms the classic pepernoten into a light, creamy, and undeniably decadent dessert. It captures all the beloved holiday flavors in a refreshing, easy-to-manage format. The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it can be made entirely ahead of time. Imagine: no last-minute baking stress, no oven space struggles, just a stunning dessert ready to be pulled from the freezer. Whether you’re deeply entrenched in Sinterklaas celebrations or simply craving a fun, flavorful winter treat, this Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your holiday repertoire.
The Charm of No-Bake Desserts
In the whirlwind of holiday preparations, no-bake desserts are true saviors. This pepernoten ice cream cake exemplifies why they’re so popular: they free up precious oven space, require minimal hands-on time, and often involve fewer dishes. For those who aren’t avid bakers or simply want a foolproof option, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s an elegant solution for a stunning dessert that requires no complex techniques or lengthy cooling times – just assembly and patience while it chills to perfection.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
20 minutes
6 hours
6 hours
20 minutes
Dessert
Dutch
8
slices
572
kcal
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Ingredients
This recipe utilizes just five key ingredients to create its magical flavor and texture profile. Each component plays a crucial role, from the spicy crunch of the pepernoten to the rich creaminess of the filling.
-
2
cups
kruidnoten,
(pepernoten, for the crust – these are the classic Dutch spiced cookies) -
2
tablespoons
butter -
3
cups
chocolate pepernoten -
2¼
cup
heavy cream -
2
tablespoon
sugar
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious no-bake pepernoten ice cream cake. Each step is designed for ease and ensures a perfect result every time.
-
Line a 8-inch loaf tin (20 cm) with baking paper, ensuring it overhangs on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the cake out once frozen. -
In a food processor, blend the pepernoten into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until uniformly fine.2 cups kruidnoten -
Melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl. Be careful not to brown it.2 tablespoons butter -
Combine the melted butter with the pepernoten crumbs in a medium bowl. Stir well until all crumbs are moistened and resemble wet sand. -
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf tin using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. A compact crust is essential. -
Place the tin in the fridge to set the crust while you prepare the filling. This will help prevent it from crumbling when slicing later. -
Roughly chop the chocolate pepernoten into small, bite-sized pieces. These will add wonderful texture and flavor to the creamy ice cream layer.3 cups chocolate pepernoten -
In a large, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar until it becomes thick and holds soft peaks, resembling the consistency of Greek yogurt. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will become grainy.2¼ cup heavy cream,
2 tablespoon sugar -
Gently fold in the chopped chocolate pepernoten into the whipped cream mixture using a spatula. This ensures the cream remains light and airy. -
Retrieve the loaf tin with the set crust from the fridge. Carefully spoon the whipped cream mixture on top of the crust, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula for a neat finish. -
Cover the tin with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream cake to firm up completely.
Serving
-
Take the ice cream cake out of the freezer just before serving. -
Using the overhanging baking paper, carefully lift the cake from the tin. Remove the paper and let the cake soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice smoothly. Slice and enjoy your festive treat!
Notes & Variations
2. Can I add extra flavors or toppings? Absolutely! This cake is incredibly versatile.
- Swirl in a generous amount of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache into the whipped cream mixture before freezing for an extra layer of decadence.
- For a more adult version, add a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or a spiced rum to the cream mixture.
- Enhance the spice profile by adding a tiny pinch of extra ground cinnamon or ginger to the whipped cream.
- For a beautiful presentation, top the frozen cake with a fresh layer of whipped cream, sprinkle with extra crushed pepernoten, a drizzle of chocolate, or even some festive sprinkles.
- A sprinkle of orange zest in the cream can add a bright, fresh note that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
3. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Freezer: This ice cream cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. For the best texture, always let it soften for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature before slicing and serving. This ensures it’s perfectly scoopable and enjoyable.
- Making it ahead reduces holiday stress and ensures you have a spectacular dessert ready to go!
Nutrition
Calories:
572
kcal
Carbohydrates:
58
g
Protein:
6
g
Fat:
36
g
Saturated Fat:
20
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
11
g
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
Cholesterol:
85
mg
Sodium:
447
mg
Fiber:
2
g
Sugar:
27
g
Vitamin A:
1093
IU
Vitamin C:
0.4
mg
Iron:
4
mg
a dessert with Pepernoten, no-bake ice cream cake, Sinterklaas dessert, Dutch holiday dessert
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The Cultural Significance of Pepernoten and Sinterklaas
Beyond being a delicious treat, pepernoten (or kruidnoten) hold a special place in Dutch culture, deeply intertwined with the annual Sinterklaas celebration. Sinterklaas, the Dutch equivalent of Saint Nicholas, arrives in the Netherlands in mid-November, bringing joy and traditional sweets to children. During this festive period, pepernoten are ubiquitous, symbolizing the generosity and warmth of the season. They are often playfully thrown by the ‘Pieten’ (Sinterklaas’s helpers) into children’s shoes or rooms, adding to the magic and anticipation of December 5th, Pakjesavond (Gift Evening).
This Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake offers a modern, delightful way to honor and enjoy these traditional flavors. It’s a testament to how classic holiday staples can be reimagined into exciting new forms, allowing everyone to experience a piece of Dutch heritage in a fresh, cool, and creamy dessert. Sharing this cake is not just sharing a recipe; it’s sharing a piece of a cherished tradition.
Why This No-Bake Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake Will Be Your Holiday Go-To
If you’re still contemplating whether to add this delightful dessert to your holiday menu, consider these compelling reasons:
- Effortless Elegance: With only five ingredients and no oven time, this cake is incredibly easy to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. Perfect for impressing guests without the fuss.
- Make-Ahead Mastery: Free up your valuable holiday time! This cake can be made days in advance and stored in the freezer, allowing you to focus on other preparations or simply relax and enjoy the festivities.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The blend of warm, traditional pepernoten spices with cold, creamy ice cream and chocolate provides a unique taste experience that stands out from typical holiday desserts.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both children and adults adore the combination of crunchy cookies and smooth ice cream. It’s a dessert that caters to various palates and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- Versatile and Adaptable: As highlighted in our notes, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make it truly your own.
This Pepernoten Ice Cream Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of convenience, flavor, and holiday spirit all rolled into one delightful package. Give it a try this festive season, and you might just discover your new favorite holiday tradition!
More Sinterklaas Inspired Delights
If you love the spiced goodness of pepernoten, explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the flavors of Sinterklaas:
- Dutch Sinterklaas Cheesecake
- Chocolate fondant
- Dutch Kruidnoten Carrot Cake