Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in one scoop of cake batter ice cream?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single 'Like It' size scoop of Cold Stone Creamery's cake batter ice cream contains approximately 360 calories. This highlights the importance of understanding portion sizes and brand variations when trying to answer the question: how many calories are in one scoop of cake batter ice cream? Managing these treats effectively is a key part of any mindful nutrition diet plan.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cake batter ice cream varies greatly by brand and serving size, often ranging from 260 to over 360 calories per scoop. The treat is high in sugar and fat but can be included in a balanced diet with proper portion control and smart alternatives.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a scoop of cake batter ice cream varies significantly by brand, serving size, and mix-ins, so check labels carefully.
High in Fat and Sugar: Traditional cake batter ice cream is often high in saturated fat and added sugars, offering little in the way of protein or fiber.
Portion Control is Key: To fit this treat into a nutrition diet, managing your portion size is the most effective strategy for reducing calorie intake.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a lower-calorie option, consider homemade 'nice' creams with frozen bananas, frozen Greek yogurt, or low-calorie commercial brands like Arctic Zero.
Mindful Indulgence: Enjoying cake batter ice cream as an occasional treat, as part of a balanced 80/20 diet plan, is a sustainable approach to healthy eating.

The Calorie Breakdown: Why Brands Matter

The calorie content of a scoop of cake batter ice cream is not a single, fixed number. It varies significantly based on the manufacturer, the serving size, and whether any mix-ins are added. A standard, small scoop from a high-end creamery can be much more calorically dense than a smaller serving from a grocery store pint. For instance, a single 'Like It' serving from Cold Stone Creamery provides 360 calories, while a serving of Ben & Jerry's cake batter ice cream is listed at 260 calories. This disparity underscores the necessity of checking specific nutritional information rather than relying on general estimations. For individuals focused on a nutrition diet, tracking these details is crucial for accurate calorie management.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Serving Size: A 'scoop' is an ambiguous term. Is it a small 60ml scoop or a large 130ml one? The difference can mean over 100 calories. Always refer to the specified serving size on the nutrition label.
Fat Content: Premium ice creams are often made with higher fat content, which dramatically increases the calorie count. For example, some brands show nearly 60% of their total calories come from fat.
Sugar Level: Cake batter ice cream, by nature, is high in sugar. The addition of sprinkles or other sugary mix-ins further elevates the calorie count. A Cold Stone 'Like It' scoop contains 35g of sugar.
Mix-ins: Toppings like fudge, cookies, or extra sprinkles are common additions that can turn a treat into a serious calorie bomb. Always account for these extras.

Beyond Calories: A Look at Macronutrients

While calories are a primary concern for many, a holistic nutrition diet requires examining macronutrients. Cake batter ice cream is typically a high-fat, high-carbohydrate food with very little protein or fiber. For example, a single scoop can contain nearly 20g of fat and over 40g of carbohydrates. This macronutrient profile means it offers a quick energy boost but lacks the satiety and nutritional benefits of a more balanced food item. The high sugar content can also lead to a crash later, which is why balancing such treats is essential for sustained energy and mood.

A Comparison of Popular Cake Batter Ice Creams


Brand	Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Total Sugars
Cold Stone Creamery ('Like It')	1 scoop	~360	19g	35g
Ben & Jerry's	2/3 cup	~260	16g	N/A (high)
Arctic Zero (Non-Dairy)	2/3 cup	~80	<1g	8g
Homemade Protein Version	Varies	~265	5g	10g

This table highlights the significant variation between traditional and healthier alternatives, providing context for making informed decisions within your nutrition diet.

How to Fit Indulgence into Your Diet Plan

Enjoying a treat like cake batter ice cream doesn't have to derail your health goals. The key is moderation and mindful eating, following principles like the 80/20 rule, where you eat healthy 80% of the time and allow for more indulgent foods for the other 20%. Planning for these treats ensures they don't become an impulse purchase that upsets your dietary balance.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream Mindfully

Portion Control: Instead of a giant bowl, use a small dish and savor every bite. This is the simplest way to reduce calorie intake without giving up your favorite flavor.
Pre-plan Your Treat: Decide beforehand when you will have your ice cream. This prevents spontaneous consumption and helps you balance your calories for the day.
Don't Eat from the Tub: Scooping into a bowl and putting the container away helps control portion size and prevents mindless overeating.
Focus on the Experience: Taste the flavor, feel the cold texture, and enjoy the moment without distraction. Mindful eating increases satisfaction, so you need less to feel content.
Pair with a Nutrient-Dense Meal: Having a balanced, protein-rich meal beforehand can help curb intense cravings and prevent you from overindulging.

Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Cake Batter Ice Cream

For those seeking the cake batter flavor with fewer calories, several alternatives exist. Homemade versions are a great option because you control the ingredients and can reduce fat and sugar content significantly. Brands like Arctic Zero offer lower-calorie, non-dairy options. Other possibilities include:

Frozen Greek Yogurt: Offers a tangy flavor and a protein boost, which can increase satiety. You can blend in cake batter extract for the right flavor.
Homemade 'Nice' Cream: Blending frozen bananas with cake batter extract, a touch of almond extract, and protein powder creates a creamy, delicious, and much healthier alternative.
Sorbet: For those who need a dairy-free and lower-fat option, sorbet is a refreshing alternative, though it is still high in sugar.
Protein-Enhanced Versions: Recipes using ingredients like cottage cheese or protein powder can mimic the flavor profile with a higher protein count and lower calories. Some of these can be made in a Ninja Creami or similar machine.

Conclusion: Balancing Your Sweet Tooth with Smart Choices

Understanding how many calories are in one scoop of cake batter ice cream is the first step toward including it wisely in your nutrition diet. While it is a high-calorie, high-sugar indulgence, it does not have to be off-limits. By being mindful of serving sizes, considering healthier alternatives, and practicing a balanced eating approach, you can enjoy your favorite flavors guilt-free. The key is to make conscious choices, knowing the nutritional impact and how it fits into your overall eating plan.

For more in-depth nutritional guidance and personalized diet plans, consult a registered dietitian.

Recommended Resource

For further reading on integrating occasional treats into a balanced diet, consider exploring The 80/20 Diet Rule from Virtua.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small scoop of cake batter ice cream can vary, but a 'Like It' size from Cold Stone Creamery has around 360 calories, while a smaller serving from a pre-packaged brand could be closer to 260 calories. Always check the specific product's nutritional information for an accurate figure.

While delicious, traditional cake batter ice cream is often high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple due to its low nutritional density. Healthier versions and alternatives are available for more frequent consumption.

Cake batter ice cream often has a higher calorie count than a standard scoop of vanilla ice cream, particularly if it contains added mix-ins or is from a premium brand. A single scoop of generic vanilla ice cream is typically around 130-200 calories, compared to the 260-360+ range for cake batter.

You can opt for lower-calorie alternatives such as sorbet, frozen Greek yogurt, or commercially available low-calorie frozen desserts like Arctic Zero. Homemade 'nice' cream made from frozen bananas and cake batter extract is another excellent choice.

Yes, you can include ice cream in a diet by practicing moderation and portion control. The 80/20 rule, where you eat healthy foods 80% of the time and allow for treats 20% of the time, is an effective strategy. Focus on mindful eating to savor the experience and prevent overindulgence.

Homemade versions of cake batter ice cream can be significantly healthier, as you control the ingredients. Recipes often substitute high-fat cream with yogurt or use frozen bananas to create a lower-calorie, lower-sugar, and higher-protein dessert.

To get the cake batter flavor safely, use heat-treated flour or opt for commercially available cake batter extract. Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, which is why it's recommended to only use mixes explicitly formulated for raw consumption.