If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings a perfect crunch, cool creaminess, and a luscious drizzle of chocolate all in one, look no further than this Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe. This pie is a heavenly combination of buttery, cinnamon-spiced cereal crust, smooth vanilla ice cream mixed with whipped topping, and warm, gooey hot fudge swirling through every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that hits all the right spots—sweet, crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, this pie makes dessert unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity but every ingredient plays an essential role to build those iconic flavors and satisfying textures. From the crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch used both in the crust and filling, to the rich butter that holds it all together, and down to the creamy vanilla ice cream and luscious hot fudge, these ingredients are easy to find yet deliver big impact.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal (4 1/2 cups): The star ingredient, providing both the crust’s crunch and a cinnamon-sugary flavor throughout the pie.
- Butter (1/3 cup): Melted to bind the crushed cereal into a perfect pie crust that’s buttery and crisp.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (1 pint): Softened to blend smoothly into the filling, adding creamy, cool sweetness.
- Whipped Topping (1 container, 8 ounces): Adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling and a luscious layer on top.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Melts into the pie for ooey-gooey chocolate swirls that pull everything together.
- Candy or Sprinkles (optional): For decoration and an extra touch of fun and color.
How to Make Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Ice Cream
Start by taking the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and letting it soften just enough so it’s scoopable and mixes easily without melting completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cereal Crumbs
Place 4 cups of the Cinnamon Toast Crunch in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed; reserve about 1 cup of these crumbs aside to fold into the filling later. Keep the remaining half cup of cereal uncrushed for garnish.
Step 3: Make the Pie Crust
Melt the butter and mix it well with the remaining 3 cups of crushed cereal crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie plate to form a crispy, flavorful crust that’s a perfect base for the ice cream filling.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened ice cream and half of the whipped topping. Add the reserved cereal crumbs into the mixture and stir until well blended for that signature crunch inside the creamy filling. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared crust.
Step 5: Top It Off
Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the surface of the pie, creating a smooth, fluffy final layer.
Step 6: Add the Hot Fudge Swirls
Warm the hot fudge sauce briefly in the microwave until pourable, then drop spoonfuls on top of the whipped topping. Use a knife to swirl these chocolate pools into pretty patterns for a decorative and delicious finish.
Step 7: Decorate and Freeze
Arrange the uncrushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces around the edge of the pie in a decorative ring. Place the pie in the freezer for at least two hours to set completely. When ready, add candy or sprinkles on top for extra color and fun.
How to Serve Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make the dessert pop visually and enhance every bite. Try extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch scattered on top for crunch, or add festive sprinkles for a holiday or birthday twist. A few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon powder can also add a fresh aroma and contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich, creamy pie with light fruit salads or a tangy berry compote to balance the sweetness. A piping hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk works wonders alongside this dessert, cutting through richness with perfect harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe extra special by serving it on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of toppings on the side for everyone to customize. You can even cut mini individual slices and serve them as bite-sized party treats on colorful plates for a fun dessert buffet option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pie should be tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and kept in the freezer. This keeps the pie fresh and prevents ice crystals on the surface of the ice cream. When properly stored, the pie can last for up to a week without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This pie is designed to be frozen! After assembling, freeze the Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe for at least two hours or overnight. This ensures the filling firms up properly, making slicing neat and keeping the structure intact.
Reheating
No reheating needed here since it’s an ice cream dessert, but if the hot fudge cools and hardens before serving, warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its silky texture before swirling or drizzling on the pie again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal?
Absolutely! While Cinnamon Toast Crunch gives the pie its unique cinnamon flavor and crunch, you can swap it for any similar cinnamon-sugar cereal or even graham cracker crumbs with a pinch of cinnamon. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly.
What kind of ice cream works best?
Vanilla ice cream is classic and allows the cinnamon and fudge flavors to shine, but feel free to experiment with cinnamon swirl or even caramel ice cream for a fun twist.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free butter alternatives, non-dairy vanilla ice cream, and whipped toppings, this recipe can be adapted to fit vegan or lactose-intolerant diets without sacrificing too much on taste or texture.
How long can I keep the pie frozen?
For best flavor and texture, enjoy the pie within one week of freezing. After that, ice crystals may accumulate, and the crust might lose its crispness.
Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?
Definitely! This Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it a day before your event, freeze it well, and decorate just before serving for a stress-free dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe is one of those desserts that brings pure joy in every bite. Its perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty layers is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. If you want to impress friends or just treat yourself, don’t hesitate—make this pie and enjoy a deliciously fun and comforting treat that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
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Ice Cream Pie with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hot Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Ice Cream Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal crust, creamy vanilla ice cream filling blended with whipped topping and cereal crumbs, all topped with swirls of hot fudge and decorative cereal pieces or sprinkles. Perfect for a cool, sweet treat that’s quick to assemble and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 4 1/2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal (see notes for alternatives)
- 1/3 cup butter
Filling
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 1 cup crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal (reserved from crust preparation)
Toppings
- Hot fudge sauce
- Candy or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Soften the ice cream: Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it soften slightly so it’s easier to mix.
- Crush cereal: Place 4 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into a food processor and crush until fine crumbs form. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cereal uncrushed for decoration.
- Reserve cereal crumbs: Set aside one cup of the crushed cereal to be added later to the filling mixture.
- Prepare crust mixture: Melt the butter and combine it with the remaining 3 cups of crushed cereal crumbs, mixing well so the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form the crust: Press the buttered cereal mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate to create an even crust layer.
- Make the filling: In a mixer bowl, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, half of the whipped topping container, and the reserved 1 cup of crushed cereal crumbs. Mix until uniform and well blended.
- Fill the pie crust: Spoon the ice cream filling into the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top of the pie.
- Decorate with hot fudge: Warm the hot fudge sauce in the microwave until pourable, then drop spoonfuls onto the pie. Use a knife to gently swirl the hot fudge in attractive patterns on the surface.
- Add cereal decoration: Arrange the reserved uncrushed cereal pieces decoratively around the edge of the pie for a crunchy garnish.
- Freeze and finish: Freeze the pie for at least 2 hours to set. Once frozen, optionally add candy or sprinkles on top for extra color and texture before serving.
Notes
- Alternative cereals like Frosted Cinnamon Flakes or Golden Grahams can be used if Cinnamon Toast Crunch is unavailable.
- Be sure to soften the ice cream enough to mix easily but not so much that it melts completely.
- This pie should be stored frozen and consumed within a few days for best texture.
- You can use any flavor of ice cream or flavored whipped topping to customize the pie.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
