A delectable Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake, a true family favorite for special occasions.

It was November 2nd, 1994, when my world was forever changed by the arrival of my first child, a beautiful son named Spencer. This date marks not just a birthday, but the beginning of an incredible journey of parenthood, filled with laughter, challenges, and boundless love. Every year, as this day approaches, a flood of precious memories washes over me, reminding me of the tender moments and rapid passage of time.

It truly feels like just yesterday I held a tiny bundle in my arms, marveling at the miracle of life. Yet, as the calendar pages flip, I’m reminded that it wasn’t just yesterday; it was 17 wonderful years ago. The sentiment “where does the time go?” might sound cliché, and perhaps it even dates me, but it rings profoundly true for any parent watching their children grow. To all you young parents out there, take heed: cherish every single moment, for each passing day is filled with opportunities to create new memories that you will, more often than not, wish you could revisit. These fleeting moments become the cherished anchors of our past.

I vividly recall those early days of motherhood, juggling endless tasks around the house while my babies, especially on fussy days, simply yearned to be held close. It felt like an impossible balancing act. With a mountain of laundry and a mental checklist of chores, it was difficult not to feel a pang of guilt or frustration while sitting in a rocking chair, comforting a crying infant. The demands of daily life often overshadowed the profound beauty of those quiet, cuddled moments.

Now, with the wisdom that comes from years, I often find myself wishing for just one more day, one more afternoon, to simply hold a swaddled baby in my arms, and rock away the hours, lost in the pure simplicity of that connection. It’s a nostalgic longing for a time that has passed all too quickly.

Of course, attempting such a feat with my now 6-foot-1 “baby” would be quite the challenge these days! He’s grown into a remarkable young man, towering over me, yet in many ways, he remains my little boy. It’s a beautiful paradox of parenthood, watching them mature while holding onto the echoes of their childhood.

What warms my heart most is that Spencer, despite being a confident teenager, is still not embarrassed to be a Mama’s boy. Sure, he projects that cool, independent teenage boy exterior to the world, but deep down, beneath that facade, he is truly one of the most caring and compassionate individuals I know. His kindness shines through in countless ways, making me incredibly proud.

He possesses a rare comfort in expressing affection, never shying away from who might see him give an unexpected bear hug, or who might notice him simply plopping down in the chair right next to me, seeking that familiar closeness. These small, genuine gestures are a testament to the strong bond we share and a reminder of the wonderful person he has become.

Cheering for the Huskers at a game, another cherished memory made together.

I am eternally grateful for every moment of the last 17 years spent with him. Watching him evolve from a curious toddler into the bright, compassionate, and independent young man he is today has been one of life’s most profound and biggest joys. His journey has been a constant source of inspiration and happiness for our entire family.

Long before we even had children, my husband and I had many discussions about the importance of family dinners. It was a tradition we both cherished deeply from our own upbringings – the simple act of gathering around a table, sharing the day’s events, and enjoying a meal together. We wanted to instill that same sense of connection and togetherness in our future family.

Life, of course, has a way of becoming incredibly busy. With school, work, extracurricular activities, and various commitments, it’s not always easy to have everyone present at the exact same time. However, despite the modern hustle and bustle, we’ve steadfastly maintained this tradition. Almost every night, give or take fifteen minutes, we make it a point to sit down together as a family for supper. These moments are invaluable, providing a consistent anchor in our sometimes chaotic lives, allowing us to connect and reinforce our family bonds.

Tonight, of course, will be no different, except for one very special detail: it’s a birthday dinner night! This means extra celebration and a focus on the birthday boy.

I’ve spoken in the past about one of our most beloved birthday traditions: the birthday person gets to choose what Mom makes for dinner, and they get the distinct privilege of eating off the special “birthday plate.” It’s a simple tradition, but it makes everyone feel incredibly special on their big day, giving them a moment to shine and dictate the evening’s culinary delights.

For his birthday dinner, Spencer made a delicious choice: our family-favorite beef and cheese enchiladas, accompanied by a generous serving of chips and homemade guacamole. And, of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without his ultimate choice for dessert – “his” very own Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it holds a special place in his heart and in our family’s culinary history.

This unique tradition of a personalized birthday dessert actually brings me back to my own growing-up years. My grandma, on my Dad’s side, was an exceptionally talented baker. She had three sons, and each of them had “their cake” – sometimes it wasn’t even a cake at all, but perhaps a special pie. This heartwarming tradition continued with us grandchildren. Grandma would always bake it especially for us, lovingly calling it “ours.” That personal touch made each birthday feel incredibly unique and full of warmth, a legacy of love I strive to continue.

This particular Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake officially became Spencer’s “special cake” when he was around six or seven years old. It was around that age he declared his unwavering love for it, and it has been his chosen birthday dessert ever since.

His birthday consistently falls just after Halloween, and Spencer absolutely LOVES Halloween! The excitement of costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky fun always extends into his birthday festivities, making early November a truly joyous time in our home.

So, when he was little, his birthday party was often a costume party, allowing him and his friends to extend the Halloween magic. It was a fun and lively theme, perfect for a spirited young boy.

One year, as his birthday approached, I was pondering what kind of cake to make for his party, something special that would truly capture his spirit. It was then that I “concocted” this very recipe – a delicious blend of brownie, hot fudge, cookies, and ice cream. Initially, I used to make it in a 9×13 inch pan for his larger parties, making it easy to serve many guests. Over time, as gatherings became a bit smaller and I perfected the technique, I transitioned to making it in a springform pan, which gives it a more elegant presentation and makes serving a breeze.

And those are the instructions for this cherished recipe that I am delighted to share with you today. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that has brought so much joy to our family over the years.

The irresistible layers of hot fudge, cookies, and ice cream – pure goodness!

Every year, I like to experiment a little and change it up slightly, adding a fresh touch to Spencer’s special cake. Some years, I might add more generous amounts of cookie crumbles on top, creating an extra crunchy texture. Other times, I gently press the edge of whole or half cookies into the softened ice cream before freezing, so they stand proudly around the perimeter, making for a beautiful and festive presentation. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination; the options for customization are truly endless, allowing you to make this cake uniquely yours.

Beyond the classic cookies and cream flavor, I’ve successfully made this cake with other delightful ice cream varieties, such as refreshing mint chip and rich chocolate chip. These versions are particularly fantastic when topped with miniature chocolate chips or even a drizzle of complementary syrup, adding another layer of flavor and visual appeal. Each variation brings its own unique charm, proving the versatility of this base recipe.

(A word to the wise, and a lesson learned from experience: remember to take the cake out of the freezer a bit before you plan to serve it. Getting candles into a solidly frozen ice cream cake can be quite a challenge, and a little thawing time makes it much easier to decorate and slice!)

I sincerely hope that Spencer thoroughly enjoyed his birthday dinner and, especially, his cherished ice cream cake! Knowing he enjoyed his special day brings me immense happiness.

We certainly enjoy him, every single day! His presence enriches our lives in countless ways, and we are so blessed to have him.

Happy 17th Birthday, Buddy! May your year be filled with joy, success, and continued happiness.

Celebrating with love and our favorite birthday cake.