If there was one birthday cake that reigned supreme in my youth, it would have to be the Dairy Queen ice cream cake. When that bad boy was brought out at a friend’s party, every single child’s eyes lit up in anticipation. My taste in birthday sweets may have changed a bit over the years, but there is undoubtedly still a special place in my heart for the delicacy that is an ice cream cake.

While I’m sure the DQ cakes are just as good, these days I gravitate toward the simple (and budget-friendly!) homemade versions. This Hey Buddy Ice Cream Cake is a no-bake wonder that will quickly convert you to an ice cream cake lover, if you aren’t already a proud member of that club! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a backyard barbecue, or just making your day a little sweeter, this cake knows how to deliver that nostalgic goodness we all crave.

The secret ingredient here is the Nutty Buddies. You know, those little chocolate and peanut butter wafers you got in your lunch box. They’re layered in with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and chocolate ice cream for a fully-loaded treat. Once it’s all assembled, it gets wrapped up and popped into the freezer. A few hours later, you’ve got a showstopper that is sure to make any birthday kid happy as can be. Sprinkle on roasted peanuts for that perfect salty crunch, and don’t hold back on that extra drizzle of fudge right before serving.