Ice Cream Tunnel Cake Recipes

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and kosher salt in a large bowl. Add the milk, butter, vanilla and egg and whisk until well combined.
• Make one funnel cake at a time: Pour 1/2 cup of the batter through a funnel (see Cook's Note) into the hot oil while making swirling and overlapping motions. Allow to fry and brown for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Dust with confectioners' sugar and transfer to a plate. Top with a scoop of rocky road, cherry and caramel ice cream, a drizzle of hot fudge, some whipped cream and sprinkles.

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a Dutch oven fitted with a deep-fry thermometer. Place over medium-high heat and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a cooling rack on top.
• Make the batter: Pour the cake mix into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the flour and baking powder. Add the milk and eggs. Use a hand mixer to blend the wet ingredients into the dry, until the batter is smooth and free of any lumps. Scrape the batter into a pastry bag and snip a small hole in the tip.
• Quickly squeeze the batter in a circular motion into the hot oil, creating a lacey round about 3 inches wide. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds per side. Gently remove from the oil and flip onto the cooling rack (they are fragile). Repeat to make 16 funnel cakes. They will become crispy as they cool.
• Allow the ice cream to soften on the counter for about 5 minutes. Scoop the ice cream onto 8 funnel cakes. Top each scoop with another funnel cake and gently press down. Dust the ice cream sandwiches with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Prepare and bake the cake as directed on the package. Allow to cool. Remove from pan. Slice a 1 inch layer off the top. Gently hollow out a trench about 1 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches deep. Tear the removed cake into small pieces and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine milk and pudding mix. Beat on low for 2 minutes. Fold cake pieces and 1 3/4 cups of whipped topping into pudding. Fill trench with pudding mixture. Replace top of cake. Spread remaining whipped topping over top and sides of cake.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat the bottom and sides of two 8-inch round cake pans.
• Blend cake mix, water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl until moistened. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 32 to 38 minutes.
• While the cake layers are baking, line a clean 8-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap, allowing the sides to hang over about 6 inches all the way around. Peel down the sides of the ice cream carton and slice off several big pieces; press them into the prepared cake pan. Wrap plastic over the top of the ice cream and continue to form until it's in an even layer. Freeze for 1 hour.
• Remove cakes from the oven and cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pans. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Place one cake layer on a freezer-safe plate. Reserve remaining layer for another use (you can freeze it for up to 4 months.)
• Combine chopped cookies and chocolate topping in a medium bowl. Spread cookie "crunchies" evenly on top of the cake layer. Invert frozen ice cream layer on top of cookie layer with the bottom (smooth side) up. Return to the freezer for 1 hour.
• Add cream to bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whisk on medium speed. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread icing evenly over cake and freeze for 1 more hour.
• Decorate cake with icing and sprinkles and return to the freezer for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 week) before serving.