Cake and ice cream go together like, well cake and ice cream. Ben & Jerry's has capitalized on this fact by flooding their lineup with cake-inspired flavors. Most of their cake and pie varieties are based off certain types such as Red Velvet Cake, Boston Cream Pie and Strawberry Cheesecake. Judging by the celebrating cows and cascading confetti on the outside of the carton, this seems to be a more straightforward birthday cake variation.
The only possible slip-up with this selection could be the lack of a textural change-up by not having a crunchy or chewy component. Described as "Yellow Cake Batter Ice Cream with a Chocolate Frosting Swirl" it doesn't sound too worthy of celebration.
Upon lifting the lid, I come across a first layer that makes me re-examine the description. The so called chocolate frosting component could easily be considered an ice cream unto itself. The ratio of chocolate frosting to yellow cake batter base is nearly half and half the entire way through. The yellow cake batter base is among the best cake bases I've come across. It's thick, sweet, rich and more overpowering than I had initially anticipated.
The chocolate frosting swirl enhances Cake Batter's brazen personality. This frosting is ferocious. It's thicker than your standard cupcake or cake icing. It's more consonant with pudding rather that frosting. It's prevalent from the peak of the pint until only melted remnants remain. The rich chocolate contrasts with the yellow cake to create a classic, ageless combination.
As I reach the liquified last few bites I can't help but feel cheated. I know this is clearly classified as a batter base, but where are my yellow cake pieces? I mean, happy birthday Ben & Jerry's, but come on.
The yellow cake and chocolate frosting blends are both brilliant. But if I crossed paths with chunks of yellow cake along the way. Well then it would be ranked right up there with it's Ben & Jerry's cake brethren. But until then, it's got some growing up to do.
Where I Found It: Publix Super Markets
Grade: C
