Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Dreamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Summers call for cool, decadent desserts that melt hearts with every creamy chocolate cherry ice cream cake bite.

Sweet cherries and rich chocolate create a dreamy combination that dances across taste buds.

Layers of velvety chocolate cake nestled between smooth ice cream promise pure indulgence.

Each slice reveals a stunning pattern of deep burgundy fruit and dark chocolate swirls.

The recipe blends classic flavors with unexpected textures that surprise and delight.

Homemade desserts like this transform ordinary moments into special celebrations.

Ice Cream Cake Variations for Chocolate Lovers

  • Vegan Berry Blast: Replace cherry ice cream with dairy-free coconut milk ice cream and use gluten-free chocolate cake base with mixed berry compote.
  • Low-Sugar Delight: Substitute regular chocolate cake with almond flour cake and use sugar-free cherry frozen yogurt for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Dream: Create cake using gluten-free chocolate cake mix and use lactose-free cherry ice cream for those with wheat or dairy sensitivities.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Cherry Creation: Craft chocolate cake with almond flour and erythritol, then layer with sugar-free cherry frozen custard for a low-carb alternative.

Serving Slices of Cherry Chocolate Cake

  • Decadent Dessert Plating: Slice the cake on a beautiful white ceramic plate to make the deep red cherries and rich chocolate colors pop dramatically.
  • Party Perfect Garnish: Top each slice with fresh whole cherries, a light dusting of cocoa powder, and a small mint leaf for an elegant restaurant-style presentation.
  • Temperature Tip: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure smooth, easy slicing and a creamy ice cream texture that melts perfectly on the tongue.
  • Celebration Companion: Pair this cake with a small glass of sweet cherry liqueur or a robust espresso to enhance the dessert's complex chocolate and cherry flavors.

Ice Cream Cake Storage Tips for Home

  • Store the cake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid in the freezer for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
  • Cut the cake into portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for easy single-serving access.
  • Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving. This helps soften the ice cream and ganache without melting completely.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it will melt the ice cream. Instead, let the cake come to room temperature naturally for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • How can I tell if the ice cream is soft enough to spread?

The ice cream should be spreadable but not completely melted. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until it reaches a soft, creamy consistency that you can easily spread with a spatula.

  • Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?

Both work well. Fresh cherries provide a brighter flavor, while frozen cherries are convenient and can be used directly from the freezer after chopping.

  • What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate creates the best rich flavor for this cake. Choose a high-quality chocolate with at least 50-60% cocoa content for the most intense chocolate taste.

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake – Why It’s a Party Hit

  • Wow Easy Assembly: Layering this dessert requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to create a stunning treat without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Delight: Swap cherries with other fruits or add nuts for personal flair, giving you flexibility to match your taste preferences and ingredient availability.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic cake and ice cream in one luxurious dessert, guaranteed to impress guests at birthdays, summer parties, or family gatherings with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor combination.
  • Minimal Prep Needed: Uses store-bought ingredients like pre-baked cake and softened ice cream, reducing kitchen time and simplifying the entire dessert-making process for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for a Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Base Layer:
  • Chocolate Cake: A rich and moist foundation that provides a delicious chocolate flavor and texture to the dessert.
Ice Cream Layer:
  • Cherry Ice Cream: A creamy and fruity layer that adds a sweet and tangy dimension to the cake.
  • Fresh Cherries: Chopped cherries that provide bursts of natural fruit flavor and texture throughout the dessert.
Topping and Finishing:
  • Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Shavings, Chocolate Sprinkles: These chocolate elements add rich decadence and visual appeal to the final presentation of the cake.

Making Ice Cream Cake with Cherry Chocolate Flavors

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Select a perfectly baked chocolate cake and gently place it into a springform pan, ensuring the cake sits evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Create the Cherry Ice Cream Layer

Soften the cherry ice cream at room temperature for a few minutes.

Spread the creamy ice cream smoothly and evenly over the chocolate cake base, creating a luscious and thick layer.

Step 3: Add Fresh Cherry Touches

Sprinkle freshly chopped cherries across the ice cream surface, distributing them generously to provide bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cake.

Step 4: First Freezing Session

Transfer the cake to the freezer and allow it to set completely.

Let the cake freeze for 2-3 hours until the ice cream becomes firm and holds its shape perfectly.

Step 5: Pour Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Remove the cake from the freezer and drizzle rich, glossy chocolate ganache over the entire surface.

Use a spatula to spread the ganache evenly, covering every inch of the frozen cake.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Decorative Touches

Generously sprinkle chocolate shavings or decorative chocolate sprinkles across the top, creating a beautiful and tempting finishing touch.

Step 7: Final Freezing and Serving

Return the cake to the freezer for one more hour to allow all layers to set completely.

When ready, remove from the freezer, slice, and serve this delightful dessert.

Pro Tips for the Best Ice Cream Cake Layers

  • Soften ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure smooth spreading without tearing the cake layer.
  • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn and maintain a creamy texture.
  • Let chocolate ganache cool slightly before pouring to achieve a glossy, even coating without melting the ice cream.
  • Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry before cutting to create clean, smooth slices of the frozen cake.
  • Add a splash of kirsch or cherry liqueur to the chopped cherries for an extra depth of flavor and adult twist.
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Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry chocolate ice cream cake blends rich chocolate layers with luscious cherry swirls for a delightful summer dessert. Cool creamy textures and sweet-tart flavors promise a refreshing treat you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 chocolate cake layer (store-bought or homemade)

Ice Cream Layer:

  • 1 quart (946 milliliters) cherry ice cream, softened

Toppings and Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped cherries (fresh or maraschino)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chocolate ganache (melted chocolate & cream)

Instructions

  1. Position the chocolate cake base centrally in a springform pan, ensuring an even surface.
  2. Gently smooth softened cherry ice cream across the cake layer, creating a uniform thickness from edge to edge.
  3. Delicately scatter fresh chopped cherries over the ice cream surface, distributing them for consistent flavor and texture.
  4. Transfer the pan to the freezer and allow the dessert to solidify completely for approximately 2-3 hours at 0°F.
  5. Remove from freezer and carefully drizzle rich chocolate ganache over the frozen cake, tilting the pan to achieve complete coverage.
  6. Elegantly garnish the surface with delicate chocolate shavings or decorative sprinkles for added visual appeal.
  7. Return the cake to the freezer for an additional hour to set the ganache and enhance the overall structure.
  8. Prior to serving, let the cake rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly and facilitate easier slicing.

Notes

  • Softening ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes ensures smooth, even spreading without damaging the cake layer.
  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the dessert.
  • Line the springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the cake.
  • Make ganache with high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, glossy finish that complements the cherry ice cream perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Freezing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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