Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that combines rich chocolate and tart cherries, then Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is the perfect treat for you! This delightful cake layers chocolatey goodness with fresh or frozen cherries, making a refreshing and indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
Why make this recipe?
Not only is Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also relatively easy to prepare. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a heavenly taste sensation that’s perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a sweet ending to any meal. Plus, who could resist a cake that’s topped with chocolate ice cream?
How to prepare Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Creating your Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake involves baking a chocolate cake, preparing the cherry filling, assembling the layers with chocolate ice cream, and finally, adding some delicious toppings. Let’s dive into how it’s done!
Ingredients:
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour 🌾
- 40g (1/3 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 tsp baking soda 🍞
- 1/4 tsp salt 🧂
- 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 egg 🥚
- 120ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar) 🥛
- 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil 🌻
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 🌼
- 120ml (1/2 cup) hot coffee or hot water ☕
- 300g (2 cups) cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen) 🍒
- 2–3 tbsp sugar (for the cherries) 🍬
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening) 💧
- 1.2L (about 5 cups) chocolate ice cream, slightly softened 🍦
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips 🍫
- 300ml (1 1/4 cups) heavy cream 🥄
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌼
- Alternative topping: 150g (5 oz) dark chocolate + 150ml (2/3 cup) hot cream for ganache drip 🍫
- Fresh cherries 🍒
- Chocolate shavings or curls 🍫
- Crushed cookies or Oreo crumbs 🍪
- Whipped cream swirls 🍦
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. 🏡
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. 🌪️
- In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. 🍪
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth. Add hot coffee or water and stir until thoroughly blended. ☕
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely. 🎂
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch slurry. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften. Remove from heat and let cool. 🍒
- Once the cake is cooled, cut it in half horizontally to create two layers. Place one layer on a serving platter. 🍰
- Spread half of the softened chocolate ice cream over the first layer. Add the cherry mixture on top. 🍦
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with the remaining ice cream and cherries. 🎂
- For the topping, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream on top. 🥄
- Add optional toppings like chocolate shavings or fresh cherries for that perfect finishing touch. 🍫🍒
How to serve Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Slice the Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake and serve it immediately for a deliciously cool dessert! You can pair it with extra whipped cream or a cherry on top for that classic touch. 🍰🍒
How to store Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness, but it will last up to two weeks if stored properly. Just make sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before serving. ❄️
Tips for preparing Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
- For a fudgier cake, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- You can use any fruit you like in place of cherries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a delightful twist. 🍓
- Make sure that your ice cream is slightly softened before spreading to ensure it layers well. 🍦
Variations
- Swap out chocolate ice cream for vanilla or cherry ice cream to change the flavor profile while keeping it delicious!
- Add a layer of ganache by melting dark chocolate with heavy cream for a rich chocolate layer between the cake and ice cream. 🍫
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and assemble the dessert a few hours before serving.
2. What’s the best way to freeze this cake?
Wrap the assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing.
3. Can I use store-bought cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, use a chocolate cake mix, following the package instructions, then add the same cherry and ice cream layers.
Enjoy your delicious Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake! 🍰🍒