Mud Pie Ice Cream Dessert

Cookie Crust

1. Place the cookies in food processor* (or a handful at a time if you have a smaller food processor) and pulse until the cookies are coarse crumbs. Melt 1/2 of a stick (1/4 cup) of butter; pour into bowl with crumbs and combine. Remove 1-2 tablespoons and set all aside.

Make the Layered Mud Pie

1. First, grab a sturdy glass bowl, like these traditional clear glass Pyrex bowls, so you can see your layering. Size is your preference, use between 1.5 liter - 2.5 liter bowls.
2. Using an ice cream spade (a spatula will work just fine too) scoop about 1-2 inch layers of ice cream and place in the bottom of the bowl. Press using the back of the spade or a large spoon to smooth out completely, or use some parchment or plastic wrap and press down until even. Spoon on a layer of fudge topping over the ice cream. If you need to warm it to pour easier, warm slightly so you don't completely melt your ice cream. For the best layering FREEZE for 30-60 minutes between layers.
3. Remove from freezer for your next round of ice cream and toppings. If desired, chop some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Sandwich Cookies or your favorite candy and place on top of first layer, pressing in slightly. If desired, spoon on some of the cookie crumb crust (be sure to leave plenty for the actual crust) and press into the nooks and crannies filling in any holes and cracks.
4. Continue the layering process with another layer of ice cream and repeat with fudge layer; return to freezer for 1 hour. Or replace a fudge layer with a ganache layer. I like to use 2-3 different ice creams in my ice cream cakes, appeals to most. After cookie crust and/or ganache layers are firm to the touch from freezing, add your final layer of ice cream. Smooth and refreeze for 30 minutes.
5. Finally, pack on your cookie crumb crust and smooth down firmly using parchment paper or plastic wrap. Keep covered and freeze overnight preferably, or at least 6-8 hours.

Ganache

1. In a microwave proof bowl pour in chocolate chips (⅔ cup) and whipping cream (1/2 cup) and heat in 30-40 second bursts, stirring well in between. After melted, add 1 TBL butter and pinch of salt, ¼ tsp vanilla, stir until smooth. Do not overheat, it will burn and ruin your ganache. Cool 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally, then use on cake.

How to unmold Ice Cream Cake

1. Grab a plate or platter that will fit your Mud Pie creation! Using a small knife, slide around the edge of the cookie crust.
2. Fill a sink or much larger bowl with hot tap water. Carefully lower the bowl into the water, dip until just before the rim (careful, you don't want to water log your cookie crust). Hold for about a minute.TIP | If holding the frozen glass bowl is to chilly or the water is to hot, put on some dishwashing gloves!
3. Place platter upside down on top of bowl; flip holding both the bowl and the plate until bowl is sitting on the plate. You may want to angle the bowl slightly and insert a knife on one edge, gently encouraging the cake to come forth! If it's being stubborn hold in the hot water for another 30 seconds and try again.
4. Once plated, return to freezer for 30 minutes or more, then if desired before serving, spoon on more fudge sauce, sprinkle with tablespoon of reserved cookie crumbs and/or drizzle with Magic Shell. Remove ice cream cake from freezer 10 minutes prior to serving. Slice into desired size slices, running a long knife under hot tap water or setting in a glass to heat up helps cut the cake easier and leaves a smoother finish. Serve IMMEDIATELY. Freeze leftovers.

Garnish Ideas

1. Drizzle a little more fudge or topping of choice over top, including magic shell.Add crushed cookies chunks or chopped Reese's Peanut Butter cups, some whipped cream. It sounds harder than it is, but it's one of the easiest desserts you will ever make and comes out gorgeous every time!