Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite as indulgent as a Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake—a decadent combination of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry ice cream, and a velvety chocolate ganache. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and deep chocolatey goodness. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.

I first made this cake for a summer gathering, and it quickly became the most requested dessert among my family and friends. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to put together with just a few simple ingredients and some patience while it freezes to perfection.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

This ice cream cake is a showstopper in every sense. From the vibrant layers to the irresistible combination of flavors, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with it.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. While it may look fancy, this cake requires minimal baking skills—just a bit of layering and freezing.

Next, it's the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The moist chocolate cake, the creamy cherry ice cream, and the rich ganache topping create a delightful contrast in every bite.

It's also an excellent make-ahead dessert. Since this cake needs to be frozen before serving, you can prepare it days in advance and have a stress-free dessert ready for any occasion.

And let’s not forget the nostalgia! If you love the classic combination of chocolate and cherries—like a Black Forest cake—this ice cream cake will hit all the right notes.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The chocolate cake base provides a sturdy yet moist foundation. You can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe, or for convenience, a boxed mix works just as well. Just make sure it’s a deep, rich chocolate flavor to complement the cherries.

The star of the show is the cherry ice cream. Opt for a high-quality brand with real cherry chunks, or make your own if you're feeling adventurous. The natural tartness of the cherries enhances the sweetness of the cake.

The chocolate ganache topping is the final touch that ties everything together. Made with just heavy cream and dark chocolate, it creates a silky-smooth finish that hardens slightly in the freezer, giving a luxurious bite.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cherry preserves or chopped maraschino cherries between the layers. This adds even more fruity goodness and a pop of texture.

You'll also need a springform pan for easy assembly and removal, ensuring those gorgeous layers stay intact when you slice into the cake.

How To Make This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Creating this mouthwatering cake is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by baking your chocolate cake. If using a boxed mix, follow the instructions, baking it in a springform pan for easy layering later. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on.

Once the cake has cooled, spread a generous layer of softened cherry ice cream over the top. To make spreading easier, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and smoothing it out. Place the cake in the freezer for at least 2 hours to set.

Next, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until it's steaming but not boiling. Pour it over chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the frozen ice cream layer.

For extra texture and flair, sprinkle chocolate shavings or chopped cherries on top of the ganache. Return the cake to the freezer for another hour to fully set.

When you're ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows for cleaner cuts and a softer bite.

Storage Options

This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is perfect for making ahead and storing. Simply keep it in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to one week for optimal freshness.

For longer storage, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy a piece whenever the craving strikes without having to thaw the entire cake.

To serve after freezing, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your taste.

If you prefer a boozy twist, add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry ice cream or brush the cake with Kirsch for an extra depth of flavor.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or a flourless chocolate cake base. Many brands now offer great-tasting options that work beautifully in this recipe.

Not a fan of cherry? Swap the cherry ice cream for raspberry, strawberry, or even vanilla with swirls of fruit preserves for a different fruity twist.

Want more crunch? Add a layer of chocolate cookie crumbles or crushed graham crackers between the cake and ice cream for extra texture.

Feel free to experiment with the toppings as well—whipped cream, chocolate curls, or even a drizzle of caramel can take this cake to the next level!

No matter how you choose to customize it, this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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