Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake
Are you in the mood for a dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, the sweetness of strawberries, and the creaminess of ice cream? Look no further! The Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. Layered with a moist chocolate cake and creamy strawberry ice cream, it’s topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that will leave everyone wanting more. 🌟🍰🍓
Why make this recipe?
This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also about bringing joy to your gatherings! It’s great for birthdays, holidays, or simply to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. The mix of chocolate and strawberries makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the beautiful presentation will wow your guests. Plus, it’s customizable with different toppings, making it versatile for any celebration! 🎉
How to prepare Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients:
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 40g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 150g (3/4 cup) sugar
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 120ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar) 🥛
- 60ml (1/4 cup) oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 120ml (1/2 cup) hot coffee or hot water ☕
- 1.2L (about 5 cups) strawberry ice cream, slightly softened 🍦
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen strawberries (optional) 🍓
- 250g (2 cups) fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2–3 tbsp sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
- 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 🍫
- 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
- Chocolate curls or shavings (for decoration) 🍫
- Freeze-dried strawberries or fresh strawberry slices (for decoration) 🍓
- Whipped cream swirls (for decoration) 🍦
- Crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate wafers) (for decoration) 🍪
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add the egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- Stir in the hot coffee or hot water until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Once the cake is cooled, slice it in half horizontally.
- Spread half of the strawberry ice cream over the bottom layer of the cake, followed by the cooked strawberry mixture and any chopped strawberries.
- Place the top layer of the cake on the strawberry ice cream, then spread the remaining ice cream on top.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it’s just about to boil. Remove from heat, and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the ice cream cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Chill the cake in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Decorate with chocolate curls, freeze-dried strawberries, whipped cream swirls, and crushed cookies before serving. 🎂🍫🍓
How to serve Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake
Serve this cake chilled for the best experience. Slice it into pieces and enjoy the delightful layers of chocolate cake and strawberry ice cream. It’s perfect for parties, and you can garnish each slice with additional strawberries or whipped cream for a pretty presentation. 🎉🍰
How to store Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to, you can cover it with foil to protect it from freezer burn. ❄️✨
Tips for preparing Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before layering the ice cream to prevent it from melting.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for a richer flavor.
- If you like a fruitier flavor, add more fresh strawberries to the filling.
Variations
- You can swap the strawberry ice cream for other flavors like vanilla or chocolate for a different twist.
- Add nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture in the layers.
FAQs
-
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake and layers in advance and assemble it the day you want to serve it. -
Can I use store-bought cake instead of homemade?
Absolutely! A store-bought chocolate cake can be a great shortcut and will still taste delicious. -
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free alternatives for the milk, ice cream, and cream to make a dairy-free version. 🌱