Super easy to make, this unique Waffle Ice Cream Cake is perfect for a dessert or even a special brunch! Featuring the sweet and salty combo of maple syrup and bacon, you'll love the fluffy waffles paired with the cold and creamy ice cream.
Decadent and amazingly delicious, the whole family will love this fun take on ice cream cake. Breakfast lovers especially will be wowed by these dessert waffles!
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🩵 About This Recipe
Next time you're craving something decadent and extra special, these dessert waffles are the perfect choice! They take the fluffy breakfast and turn it into a sweet layered treat with a hint of savory smokey bacon.
This is great for special occasions and can be served as a unique dessert, or you could even serve it as a brunch if you love a sweet morning meal! However you choose to enjoy it, this waffles and ice cream recipe is sure to please.
And if you can't get enough waffles, try my Simple Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches or these amazing Whole Wheat Waffles with Raspberries!
What readers are saying...
I think my tastebuds just fell in love. What a flavor combination! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
- Julie
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- waffle mix - makes it easy to prepare the base structure of the cake.
- milk - helps create a tender, soft waffle texture.
- eggs - adds richness to the waffle batter.
- vegetable oil - adds a subtle richness without heaviness.
- maple syrup - adds sweetness and a distinct maple flavor that ties the whole dessert together.
- crumbled bacon - cook your own or buy pre-cooked bacon crumbles!
- vanilla ice cream - I like to go for a simple vanilla ice cream since this recipe already has so much sweetness and flavor.
- whipped cream - adds a smooth fluffy finish to the dessert.
- chopped pecans - this optional topping adds some crunch and nutty flavor.
🔪 Let's Make a Waffle Ice Cream Cake!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Mix Batter
Prepare the batter according to box instructions, then mix with bacon and maple syrup.
Cook Waffles
Pour the waffle batter into your waffle maker and cook until golden brown.
Freeze Waffles
Once you have 3 waffles, transfer to the freezer for 2 to 3 hours.
Prepare Ice Cream
Allow the ice cream to sit on the counter for about 15 minutes, then mix half of it in a bowl until you have a thick paste-like mixture.
Assemble Cake
Add one waffle to a plate and spread with ice cream, then top with a second waffle. Freeze for another hour.
Finish Cake
Repeat this process, allowing the other half of the ice cream to melt slightly and spreading over the second waffle and topping with the third. Freeze again, then enjoy!
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Top your waffle cake with whipped cream, more maple syrup, and some crushed pecans.
- Pre-cooked bacon bits are a great way to cut down on prep time. I recommend real bacon pieces as opposed to bacon bits.
- Test your waffle iron by dripping a small amount of batter onto the grate. If it sizzles and cooks, it's ready to go.
- Allow the waffles to cool before you freeze them to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Make this homemade vanilla ice cream for the freshest, creamiest ice cream filling!
❔ FAQs
Once the waffles are golden brown and easily separate from the waffle maker, they should be good to go! You should also pay attention to when the waffle iron stops steaming - that's a good indication the waffles are finished.
I like to use a classic vanilla ice cream for some warm sweetness that allows the other flavors to shine as well. A vanilla bean ice cream offers a slightly more complex sweetness that also works great!
Many classic ice cream cakes have a layer of crunchy chocolate, often made with crushed cookies combined with melted butter or another binding agent. You could add those layers to these dessert waffles as well!
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate chip waffles or cinnamon waffles are another great option and offer different flavors!
- Caramel or butterscotch syrup can be used in place of the maple syrup.
- To add even more to the layers, add some cooked apples or your favorite jam or preserves.
- Other ice cream flavors like butter pecan, coffee, or maple walnut are also excellent options for waffles and ice cream.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
Freezing the cake in between steps prevents it from falling apart. Try not to skip this, even if you do just want to eat the cake right away!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover dessert waffles, wrap tightly with plastic and freeze for up to a week. Allow your waffle ice cream cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften so you can slice the cake more easily.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this waffle ice cream cake recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Add some sliced fresh fruit or a fruit salad on the side for a bit of nutritional balance! You could also pair this with a savory breakfast casserole for a truly special morning meal.
😋 More Ice Cream Recipes You'll Love
- Cherry Ice Cream - A no churn ice cream that's perfect for the spring and summer!
- Cookies and Cream Ice Cream - Chocolate lovers will enjoy this homemade ice cream packed with real cookie pieces.
- Cranberry Ice Cream - Combine sweet ice cream with the sweet-and-tart flavor of cranberries for the perfect dessert.
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream - If you want to go fully homemade for this waffle ice cream cake, try this amazing vanilla ice cream from Our Best Bites!
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Dessert Waffles and Ice Cream
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📋 Recipe Card
Maple Bacon Waffle Ice Cream Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick or similar waffle mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¾ cup crumbled bacon (for a shortcut buy the pre-cooked recipe pieces)
- 48 ounces vanilla ice cream (1 container)
- whipped cream
- additional maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a batch of waffle batter. You can use the measurements provided here if you are using Bisquick or a similar mix. Or, if you are using another mix or recipe, follow the directions to make at least 3 seven-inch waffles, except reduce the liquid being added by ¼ cup. Add the maple syrup and bacon pieces to the waffle batter2 cups Bisquick or similar waffle mix, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup, ¾ cup crumbled bacon
- Cook the waffles in your waffle iron according to the directions for your appliance.
- When each one is cooked, remove it from the waffle iron and let it cool. Place 3 waffles in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, until completely frozen.
- When you are ready to assemble the cake, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit out for about 15 minutes to soften. Place about half of the ice cream in a bowl and stir it up to form a thick and paste-like consistency that is spreadable.48 ounces vanilla ice cream
- Remove two of the waffles from the freezer. Spread the ice cream on one of the waffles, then top with the second waffle.
- Stir the remaining ice cream to form a thick spreadable paste-like consistency. Spread the remaining ice cream on the second waffle, then position the third waffle on top. Place the ice cream cake back in the freezer for at least an hour.
- To serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Add whipped cream on top. Drizzle some maple syrup and sprinkle with pecans, if desired.whipped cream, additional maple syrup for drizzling, 2-3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Use pre-cooked bacon pieces to save time on prep (not Bacon Bits, but real bacon recipe pieces).
- To know when your waffle iron is ready, drop a bit of batter in-if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.
- Cool waffles completely before freezing so they don't become soggy.
Variation Suggestions:
- Try using chocolate chip or cinnamon waffles for a twist.
- You can substitute caramel or butterscotch syrup for the maple syrup.
- Level up by adding a layer of chopped cooked apples or a layer of jam between the waffles.
- Use different ice cream flavors like butter pecan, coffee, or maple walnut.
Serving Suggestions:
- Slice into wedges like a cake and top each slice with extra whipped cream and a drizzle of syrup.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced sweet treat.
- Make individual versions using smaller waffles for a fun party dessert.
Storage Info For Leftovers:
- Wrap the assembled dessert tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Keep frozen for up to 1 week for best quality.
- Let leftovers sit out for 10-15 minutes before slicing to soften slightly.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2016, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in July 2025.
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Charlene Asay says
I love this idea. What great flavor I bet this has. Thanks for sharing with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up party this week. So glad you joined. Hope we see you next week.
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
Such a great idea! And the flavor combinations are endless - but why you'd need anything different is beyond me!
Denise Wright says
HI Kristin, I'm still daydreaming about this! I'm on vacation but when I come home I"m going to try it. Looks absolutely yummy!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
I can't wait to try this! Why? Because everything is better with bacon!
The Ninja Baker says
Think you get the prize Kristin for most creative take on waffles...Bet your concoction would win a State Fair or two, also =) Of course, anything with ice cream and waffles always get first place!
Hezzi-D says
Love that you turned these waffles into an ice cream cake....with bacon!
Cindy Kerschner says
Maple. Bacon. Ice Cream. Waffles. There is no room here to say whoa! So, yes, please!
Kristen Chidsey says
Sweet and salty perfection
Laura Dembowski says
I am obsessed with ice cream cake and it is so cool you made one out of waffles. LOVE!
Marion Myers says
So glad you went there! Maple, bacon, & ice cream? with waffles?! Yes, please?! Do you deliver? 🙂