Dreamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe: Summer’s Joy

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this delectable cherry chocolate ice cream cake that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Cool layers promise pure indulgence with minimal effort.

Creamy chocolate blends seamlessly with ripe cherries, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Each slice delivers a decadent combination that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Homemade treats always win hearts, especially when they look this impressive.

Minimal kitchen skills are needed to craft this showstopping dessert.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible treat that screams celebration.

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake That Impresses

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and uses simple box cake mix, making it accessible for everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic flavors of chocolate and cherry that appeal to all ages, creating a delightful treat for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or summer parties.
• No-Fuss Layering: Straightforward assembly process allows you to create a stunning dessert without complicated techniques, with each step building a deliciously impressive final product that looks professionally made.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared well in advance and stored in the freezer, making it an ideal dessert for stress-free entertaining and perfect for planning ahead of special occasions.

Ingredients to Build This Decadent Dessert

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A rich, chocolatey foundation that provides the base for this decadent dessert.

• Cherry Ice Cream: A smooth, fruity frozen layer that adds a vibrant cherry flavor to the cake.
• Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds a creamy finish to the dessert.

• Fudge Sauce: A warm, rich chocolate sauce that creates a delicious layer between the cake and ice cream.
• Fresh Cherries, Chocolate Shavings: Sweet whole cherries and delicate chocolate shavings that provide a beautiful and tasty garnish for the cake.

How to Layer and Freeze the Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Chocolate Cake Base

Preheat your oven and grab a boxed chocolate cake mix. Follow the package directions to create a delightful chocolate cake in a springform pan.

Once baked, let the cake cool completely, giving it time to set and firm up perfectly.

Step 2: Spread Creamy Cherry Ice Cream Layer

Take softened cherry ice cream and generously spread it over the cooled chocolate cake.

Use a spatula to smooth the surface, creating an even and inviting layer. Pop the cake into the freezer for at least two hours to help the ice cream set firmly.

Step 3: Drizzle Decadent Fudge Sauce

Warm up rich chocolate fudge sauce until it’s silky and pourable. Carefully pour the sauce over the frozen ice cream layer, ensuring an even coverage.

Return the cake to the freezer for another hour to let the fudge sauce solidify.

Step 4: Create a Stunning Topping

Prepare a fluffy layer of whipped cream and artfully spread it across the top of the cake.

• Fresh cherries
• Delicate chocolate shavings

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Keep the cake frozen until you’re ready to indulge. When serving, use a sharp knife to slice through the layers, revealing the beautiful combination of chocolate, cherry, and cream.

Enjoy this show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress!

Tips for a Smooth Texture and Perfect Flavor

• Soften ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before spreading to ensure smooth, even coverage without tearing the cake base.
• Use high-quality chocolate fudge sauce for richer flavor and glossy appearance when drizzling over the ice cream layer.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free ice cream and whipped coconut cream to create an inclusive dessert everyone can enjoy.
• Freeze cake layers individually for at least 30 minutes between adding each component to maintain distinct textures and prevent melting.
• Garnish with fresh cherries or chocolate-covered cherries right before serving to keep toppings crisp and prevent color bleeding into the whipped cream.

Flavor Twists to Customize Your Cake

• No-Bake Chocolate Cookie Crust: Replace cake base with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies mixed with melted butter for a quicker, easier foundation.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Substitute dairy ice cream with coconut milk-based cherry ice cream and use vegan whipped topping for lactose-sensitive guests.
• Berry Fusion Variation: Swap cherry ice cream with mixed berry ice cream and add fresh raspberries and blueberries as alternative fruit toppings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix or almond flour cake base to accommodate wheat-sensitive dietary needs.

Serving Ideas for Celebrations and Gatherings

• Decadent Dessert Centerpiece: Wow guests by presenting this cake on a beautiful cake stand, surrounded by fresh cherries and chocolate curls for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Summer Party Showstopper: Slice this cake at outdoor gatherings, serving chilled portions on small dessert plates with extra chocolate sauce drizzled on top for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Create individual mini versions in small ramekins for an intimate dessert experience, perfect for sharing with your special someone after a romantic dinner.
• Make-Ahead Entertaining Delight: Prepare this cake up to 3 days in advance, keeping it tightly wrapped in the freezer, which makes it an effortless dessert for busy hosts who want to impress without last-minute stress.

How to Store Ice Cream Cake for Best Quality

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, covering the cake with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Store the cake in the freezer for maximum freshness, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain its delicate texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container to preserve quality.
• Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing the ice cream to soften gradually without melting completely.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Yes, a homemade chocolate cake works perfectly. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before adding the ice cream layer.

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

Work quickly and keep the ice cream softened but not completely melted. Use an offset spatula and work in a cool kitchen environment.

• What if I can't find cherry ice cream?

You can substitute with vanilla ice cream and mix in chopped cherries or cherry preserves for a similar flavor profile.

• Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare this cake up to 3-4 days ahead and keep it covered in the freezer until ready to serve.

Creamy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful cherry chocolate ice cream cake blends Italian dessert traditions with cool summer indulgence. Rich layers of chocolate cake, cherry compote, and creamy gelato create a luscious experience you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients listed on cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)

Frozen Ingredients:

• 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters) cherry ice cream, softened

Topping and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whipped topping or whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chocolate cake in a 9-inch springform pan following package directions, ensuring even baking at 350°F. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Gently spread softened cherry ice cream across the cake’s surface, creating a smooth, even layer using an offset spatula. Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours until ice cream is completely set.
3. Warm the fudge sauce until slightly runny, then carefully pour over the frozen ice cream layer. Use a spatula to distribute the sauce evenly, covering the entire surface.
4. Return the cake to the freezer for an additional 1 hour to solidify the fudge sauce layer.
5. Remove from freezer and generously top with freshly whipped cream, arranging whole and halved maraschino cherries around the edges.
6. Sprinkle delicate chocolate shavings over the cream, creating an elegant decorative finish.
7. Store in the freezer until ready to serve. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts.

Notes

• Ensure the chocolate cake is completely cool before adding ice cream to prevent melting and maintain distinct layers.
• Use high-quality cherry ice cream at a soft-serve consistency for easy spreading without tearing the cake base.
• Let the fudge sauce cool slightly before pouring to prevent immediate melting of the ice cream layer.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative or almond flour-based cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg