An ice cream cake typically does not contain traditional cake layers like those found in a regular sponge cake or a layer cake. Instead, an ice cream cake is made by layering ice cream or frozen dessert with various fillings and toppings. The term "cake" in ice cream cake refers more to the dessert's shape and presentation rather than its composition.
The typical construction of an ice cream cake involves layering different flavors of ice cream or frozen desserts with other ingredients like fudge, cookie crumbs, caramel, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and more. The layers are often assembled in a mold or pan and then frozen until firm.
Some versions of ice cream cake might incorporate thin layers of actual cake (usually a sponge cake or similar) between the ice cream layers. These cakes are more like ice cream sandwiches, with cake layers serving as a separator between the ice cream.
In summary, while some ice cream cakes may contain thin layers of cake, the majority of them do not have a traditional cake component and are primarily made from layers of ice cream and various toppings or mix-ins.