Creamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

The Most Divine Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe Ever

Cool summer afternoons call for this cherry chocolate ice cream cake that blends rich flavors in every delightful bite.

Sweet cherries peek through layers of velvety chocolate, creating a dessert that feels like pure indulgence.

Decadent chocolate cake forms the perfect base for creamy ice cream swirls.

Smooth cherry compote weaves through each slice, adding vibrant bursts of fruity brightness.

Chilled and luxurious, this dessert promises to impress anyone who takes a forkful.

Your guests will swoon over the elegant combination of classic flavors.

You’ll want to savor every incredible moment of this delectable treat.

Dreamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

  • Dessert Show-Stopper: This cherry chocolate ice cream cake delivers jaw-dropping visual appeal that makes everyone at the party stop and stare.
  • No-Bake Convenience: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, letting you create a professional-looking dessert without complex techniques or extensive culinary knowledge.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Rich chocolate combined with sweet cherries creates a classic flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
  • Advance Preparation Magic: You can completely prepare this cake ahead of time, allowing the dessert to freeze and be ready whenever you need a stunning treat without last-minute stress.

Ingredients for a Stunning Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake: A rich, moist foundation that provides the delicious bottom layer of the ice cream cake.
Ice Cream Layer:
  • Cherry Ice Cream: A smooth and creamy cherry-flavored ice cream that adds a fruity and refreshing element to the dessert.
Toppings and Garnishes:
  • Chocolate Fudge Sauce, Whipped Cream, Fresh Cherries, Chocolate Shavings: These delightful additions create a decadent and visually appealing finish to the ice cream cake.
Additional Components:
  • Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps easily remove the cake from the springform pan.

How to Assemble This Show-Stopping Dessert Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Base

Line a springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides completely. This will help you easily remove the cake later and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Foundation

Gently place the chocolate cake layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. Press it down softly to create a smooth, even surface that will serve as the delicious base for your ice cream cake.

Step 3: Layer Creamy Cherry Goodness

Spread the softened cherry ice cream evenly over the chocolate cake layer. Use a spatula to create a smooth, consistent surface that covers the entire cake base from edge to edge.

Step 4: Drizzle Decadent Chocolate

Pour the chocolate fudge sauce in a zigzag or swirl pattern over the cherry ice cream layer. This adds extra richness and creates a beautiful visual effect that will make your dessert look irresistible.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the cake in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until completely firm. This allows the ice cream to set perfectly and helps the layers bind together beautifully.

Step 6: Decorate and Garnish

Remove the cake from the freezer and carefully release it from the springform pan. Top the cake with fluffy whipped cream, scatter fresh cherries, and sprinkle chocolate shavings for an elegant and delicious finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into perfect portions and serve immediately. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy cherry ice cream, and beautiful toppings will delight everyone at the table.

Tips for a Perfectly Layered Ice Cream Cake Every Time

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and even texture when preparing the ice cream layer.
  • Select high-quality cherry ice cream for the most intense and authentic fruit flavor in the dessert.
  • Allow the cake to soften slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier and more precise.
  • Opt for fresh cherries when garnishing to add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the presentation.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn and maintain the cake's delicate structure.

Creative Flavor Twists for Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

  • Vegan Cherry Chocolate Delight: Replace dairy ice cream with coconut milk-based cherry ice cream, use vegan chocolate cake, and top with dairy-free whipped coconut cream.
  • Gluten-Free Berry Chocolate Treat: Swap regular cake with gluten-free chocolate cake mix, use gluten-free chocolate sauce, and garnish with fresh berries.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Cherry Option: Use sugar-free cherry ice cream, dark chocolate cake with reduced sugar, and stevia-sweetened whipped cream for a lighter dessert.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Parfait: Skip the cake layer, layer crushed chocolate cookies, cherry ice cream, and chocolate sauce in individual glasses for an easy alternative.

Serving Suggestions That Elevate Your Dessert Presentation

  • Decadent Date Night Dessert: Create a romantic evening by serving this luxurious ice cream cake as the grand finale to a special dinner, complete with candlelight and elegant dessert plates.
  • Backyard Summer Celebration: Slice this cool treat at a poolside gathering or family barbecue, letting guests enjoy the refreshing cherry and chocolate combination on a hot day.
  • Kids' Party Showstopper: Wow children by cutting dramatic slices and letting them add extra chocolate shavings or sprinkles, turning dessert into a fun interactive experience.
  • Gourmet Potluck Contribution: Bring this impressive layered dessert to a gathering, ensuring you'll be the star of the potluck with a homemade treat that looks professionally crafted.

Storing Ice Cream Cake to Keep It Fresh and Creamy

  • Store the ice cream cake in the freezer, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Keep the cake frozen for up to 1 week for the best flavor and texture.
  • Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  • Reheat individual slices by letting them thaw in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, or let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake up to 3 days in advance and keep it stored in the freezer, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this cake?

A springform pan is ideal, but you can also use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

  • What type of chocolate cake works best for this recipe?

A standard chocolate sponge cake or store-bought chocolate cake layer will work perfectly. Choose a cake that’s moist and not too dense.

  • How do I prevent the ice cream from melting while assembling?

Work quickly and keep the ice cream slightly softened but not completely melted. If it starts to melt too much, return it to the freezer for a few minutes before spreading.

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Creamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Creamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry chocolate ice cream cake blends rich chocolate layers with sweet cherry notes. Creamy textures and intense flavors make this dessert a delightful centerpiece you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Cake and Filling:

  • 1 chocolate cake (baked and cooled)
  • 1 quart (946 milliliters) cherry ice cream (softened)

Sauce and Topping:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chocolate fudge sauce
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whipped cream

Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Prepare a springform pan by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth surface for easy cake removal.
  2. Carefully position the pre-baked chocolate cake layer as the foundational base within the prepared pan.
  3. Allow cherry ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature, then gently spread it in a uniform layer over the chocolate cake, creating a smooth and even surface.
  4. Elegantly drizzle rich chocolate fudge sauce across the ice cream layer, creating an artistic pattern that will enhance both visual appeal and flavor.
  5. Transfer the assembled cake to the freezer and allow it to set for a minimum of 4 hours, or until the ice cream becomes completely firm and stable.
  6. Once fully frozen, carefully release the springform pan’s sides and remove the cake from its mold.
  7. Decorate the cake’s surface with delicate swirls of freshly whipped cream, strategically placed whole and halved cherries, and delicate chocolate shavings.
  8. Slice the cake with a sharp, clean knife and serve immediately to preserve the optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality chocolate cake as the base for richer flavor and smoother texture.
  • Slightly warm the ice cream before spreading to ensure even, smooth coverage without tearing the cake layer.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and make slicing easier.
  • For gluten-free version, swap chocolate cake with gluten-free cake or brownie base to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Freezing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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