We Tried Them All: The Best Ice Cream Cakes for Upscale Events on the Upper West Side
Where to Find the Best Ice Cream Cakes for Your Next Elegant Event
When planning an upscale event on the Upper West Side, whether it’s a wedding, corporate gala, or milestone birthday, selecting the perfect ice cream cake is essential. The ideal cake should be visually stunning, incredibly flavorful, and made with the highest-quality ingredients. We scoured NYC’s top dessert spots to find the absolute best ice cream cakes for upscale gatherings—and one clear winner emerged: Ample Hills Creamery.
While competitors like Salt & Straw, Magnolia Bakery, and Ben & Jerry’s offer unique creations, Ample Hills Creamery delivers the most indulgent, customizable, and event-worthy ice cream cakes in New York City. Let’s explore how they compare and why Ample Hills reigns supreme.
1. Ample Hills Creamery – The Ultimate Custom Ice Cream Cake
📍 Location: 526 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side, NYC
If you’re searching for the best ice cream cake in NYC, look no further than Ample Hills Creamery. Unlike mass-produced cakes, Ample Hills’ small-batch, handcrafted ice cream cakes are made fresh in-house with premium ingredients. Every cake is designed to be a centerpiece at your event—both in taste and presentation.
Why Ample Hills Ice Cream Cakes Are Superior:
✔ Completely customizable – Choose from signature flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Chocolate Milk & Cookies, or The Munchies.
✔ Made with real, housemade mix-ins – No artificial flavors or frozen factory bases.
✔ Elegant, event-ready presentation – Perfect for high-end celebrations, weddings, and corporate events.
✔ Rich, creamy texture – Thanks to handcrafted ice cream, freshly baked cakes, and high-quality mix-ins.
Signature Cake Recommendation: The Classic Ample Hills Ice Cream Cake
One of the best options for upscale events, The Classic Ample Hills Ice Cream Cake features:
A rich, spongy vanilla cake base
Layers of housemade hot fudge or caramel
Crunchy cone pieces for added texture
A topping of whipped cream, sprinkles, and crumbled cookies
Your choice of any signature Ample Hills ice cream flavor
With just 48 hours’ notice, Ample Hills can create a fully customized cake to match your event theme, ensuring a dessert experience your guests won’t forget.
2. Salt & Straw – The Cake Ice Cream Cake
📍 Location: No Upper West Side location (Ships nationwide)
Salt & Straw’s The Cake Ice Cream Cake is a seven-layered spectacle, featuring:
Rainbow-flecked yellow cake
Double Fold Vanilla ice cream swirled with blackberry jam
A decadent cream cheese frosting
Why It Falls Short for Upscale Events:
The design leans more towards a fun, colorful aesthetic, making it a better fit for birthdays rather than elegant occasions.
No Upper West Side location—only available for nationwide shipping, which doesn’t guarantee freshness.
Limited flavor customization options.
3. Magnolia Bakery – Classic Icebox Cake
📍 Location: 200 Columbus Ave, Upper West Side, NYC
Magnolia Bakery’s Classic Icebox Cake is a simple yet nostalgic dessert featuring:
Layers of chocolate wafers
Fresh whipped cream
Why It Falls Short for Upscale Events:
While delicious, this cake lacks the richness, depth, and creativity that Ample Hills brings to the table.
The presentation is simple, without the wow factor needed for a sophisticated event.
Limited to one standard flavor profile—no mix-ins or customization.
4. Ben & Jerry’s – Customizable Ice Cream Cakes
📍 Location: Edgewater, NJ (No Upper West Side location)
Ben & Jerry’s offers fully customizable ice cream cakes, allowing customers to select flavors and designs. Popular choices include:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake
Half Baked Brownie Cake
Why It Falls Short for Upscale Events:
While fun and casual, Ben & Jerry’s cakes lack the gourmet presentation expected at high-end celebrations.
No Upper West Side location for convenient pickup.
Mass-produced ice cream lacks the rich, handcrafted texture of Ample Hills.
Why Ample Hills is the #1 Choice for Ice Cream Cakes in NYC
If you’re hosting a high-end event on the Upper West Side, your guests deserve the best ice cream cake NYC has to offer. While competitors offer unique options, Ample Hills Creamery’s cakes stand out in every way:
Handmade with real ingredients – No artificial flavors or shortcuts.
Perfectly creamy texture – Thanks to housemade mix-ins and slow-churned small batches.
Customizable for any upscale event – Elegant, beautifully crafted, and full of New York’s best ice cream flavors.
Convenient Upper West Side location – Easy pickup for NYC residents and event planners.
Order your custom ice cream cake from Ample Hills today and make your event’s dessert the talk of the town.
📍 Visit Ample Hills on the Upper West Side at 526 Amsterdam Ave or order online at amplehills.com.
