Dreamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet dreams take shape with this decadent cherry chocolate ice cream cake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of creamy richness meld perfectly with rich chocolate and bright cherry notes.

chocolate lovers will find themselves swooning over each delightful bite.

Chilled desserts rarely reach such magnificent heights of flavor complexity.

Cool kitchen magic happens when classic ingredients dance together in unexpected ways.

Summer celebrations demand something spectacular and memorable.

You’ll want to savor every luxurious spoonful of this dreamy creation.

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake: Why It’s Irresistible

• Transform Boring Pasta: This vibrant beet sauce turns ordinary pasta into a stunning, restaurant-worthy dish with its gorgeous magenta color and rich flavor profile.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Packed with vitamins and minerals from roasted beets, this sauce delivers a healthy twist to traditional pasta recipes while keeping meals interesting and delicious.
• Super Simple Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills – just roast beets, blend ingredients, and mix with pasta, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable sauce that welcomes creative additions like extra herbs, different cheeses, or protein, allowing personalization for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

• Chocolate Cake: A rich, dark cake that provides the foundational layers for the ice cream cake.

• Cherry Ice Cream: A creamy, fruity ice cream that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dessert.
• Chopped Cherries: Fresh cherries that provide bursts of natural fruit flavor and texture.

• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient used to create a smooth chocolate ganache.
• Chocolate: High-quality chocolate that creates a luxurious ganache coating.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth ganache texture.
• Chocolate Cookies: Crushed cookies that provide an optional crunchy garnish.

• Plastic Wrap: Used to line the cake pan and help with easy removal of the cake.

Step-By-Step Directions For Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Base

Line a cake pan with plastic wrap, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides completely. Carefully slice the chocolate cake horizontally into two equal layers using a long serrated knife.

Step 2: Create First Ice Cream Layer

Position one cake layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread a smooth, even layer of softened cherry ice cream over the cake.

Generously scatter freshly chopped cherries across the ice cream surface.

Step 3: Add Top Cake Layer

Gently place the second cake layer on top of the ice cream.

Press down lightly to ensure the layers are compact and well-connected. Transfer the cake to the freezer and allow it to set for at least 4 hours.

Step 4: Craft Chocolate Ganache

• Finely chopped chocolate
• Softened butter

Whisk the mixture continuously until it transforms into a glossy, smooth ganache.

Step 5: Finish With Ganache

Remove the cake from the freezer and carefully unwrap from the plastic. Pour the prepared chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Optional: Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies over the ganache for added crunch and visual appeal. Return the cake to the freezer for one additional hour to set completely before serving.

Expert Tips For Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals and ensure a smooth surface for your ice cream layer.
• Use room temperature ice cream for easier spreading and a more even layer across the chocolate cake base.
• Chop fresh cherries finely to distribute flavor evenly and create bursts of fruity goodness throughout the cake.
• Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring to achieve a glossy, smooth finish without melting the ice cream layers.
• Crush chocolate cookies just before sprinkling to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Flavor Alternatives For Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

• Cherry Bourbon Blast: Replace plain cherries with bourbon-soaked cherries for a rich, adult-friendly version that adds depth and complexity to the dessert.
• Dark Forest Fusion: Incorporate dark chocolate cake layers and kirsch-infused cherry ice cream to create a more intense, European-style dessert experience.
• Chocolate Cherry Crunch: Add chocolate-covered almond pieces between cake layers and sprinkle extra chocolate cookie crumbs for increased texture and nutty flavor complexity.
• White Chocolate Cherry Dream: Swap traditional chocolate ganache with white chocolate ganache and use white chocolate cake layers for a lighter, elegant presentation with delicate cherry undertones.

Best Pairings For Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Decadent Dessert Date Night Delight

• Create a romantic evening centerpiece by slicing this cake into elegant wedges. Pair with a glass of red wine to elevate the dessert experience.

Cozy Family Celebration Treat

• Perfect for birthday parties or special gatherings. Kids and adults will love the rich chocolate and fruity cherry combination.

Gourmet Entertaining Showstopper

• Impress guests with this professionally styled dessert. Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Make-Ahead Dessert Magic

• Prepare this cake a day or two in advance, keeping it stored in the freezer. This strategy reduces last-minute kitchen stress and ensures a perfectly chilled dessert.

Storage Recommendations For Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap the cherry chocolate ice cream cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture for up to 5 days.
• Store the cake in a sealed freezer-safe container or wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum protection, keeping it fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
• Cut the cake into individual portions before storing, separating each slice with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make future serving easier.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and restore its original creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What type of cake works best for this recipe?

A chocolate sponge cake or store-bought chocolate cake are perfect. They provide a sturdy base that complements the cherry ice cream and creates a delicious layered dessert.

• Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?

Both work well. Fresh cherries give a brighter flavor, while frozen cherries are convenient and still provide great taste. Just ensure they’re pitted and chopped before adding to the ice cream layer.

• How do I get a smooth ganache topping?

Chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces and use warm (not boiling) cream. Stir gently until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, which helps create a perfect chocolate coating.

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry chocolate ice cream cake brings together rich chocolate layers and sweet cherry notes for a delightful summer dessert. Cool, creamy textures and intense flavors make this treat irresistible to you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) cherry ice cream, softened
• 1 chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh or canned cherries, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml/170 g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) crushed chocolate cookies (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully drape plastic wrap inside a cake pan, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Using a serrated knife, precisely divide the chocolate cake into two uniform horizontal layers.
3. Position the first cake layer at the base of the lined pan, creating a solid foundation for the dessert.
4. Gently spread softened cherry ice cream across the cake layer, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
5. Generously scatter freshly chopped cherries over the ice cream layer, creating delightful pockets of fruity flavor.
6. Delicately place the second cake layer atop the ice cream, applying gentle pressure to secure the layers.
7. Transfer the assembled cake to the freezer and allow to solidify for a minimum of 4 hours, ensuring complete structural integrity.
8. In a medium saucepan, warm heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer (approximately 180°F), avoiding full boiling.
9. Pour the heated cream over finely chopped chocolate and butter, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
10. Whisk the mixture continuously until achieving a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache with no visible lumps.
11. Carefully remove the cake from the freezer and unwrap from the plastic film.
12. Elegantly cascade the prepared chocolate ganache over the cake’s surface, allowing it to drape naturally.
13. Optional: Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies around the edges for added textural complexity.
14. Return the cake to the freezer for an additional hour to set the ganache and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better incorporation of flavors.
• Choose high-quality chocolate and fresh cherries for the most intense and authentic taste experience.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the chocolate cake layer with a flourless chocolate base or almond flour cake.
• Create make-ahead magic by preparing this dessert up to a week in advance, storing tightly wrapped in the freezer for maximum convenience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg