There's nothing quite like the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, especially when served in a cool and creamy ice cream cake. This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is the perfect treat for summer gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you crave a decadent dessert with a fruity twist.

I first made this cake for a family barbecue, hoping to impress my chocolate-loving relatives. To my delight, it quickly became the highlight of the evening! The layers of fudgy chocolate cake, cherry-studded ice cream, and smooth chocolate ganache create a show-stopping dessert that tastes as amazing as it looks.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite frozen dessert. This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is a delightful mix of indulgence and nostalgia.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. While it looks like something from a bakery, this cake comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy cherry ice cream is a match made in heaven. Each bite delivers deep chocolate flavor balanced by sweet, tart cherries.

It's a perfect make-ahead dessert. Since it needs to be frozen, you can prepare it days in advance, making it ideal for parties and special occasions.

Lastly, it's versatile. You can easily swap out the ice cream flavor, add mix-ins, or drizzle it with extra toppings to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The chocolate cake base is rich and moist. I recommend using a homemade chocolate cake for the best flavor, but a high-quality boxed mix works well too.

For the ice cream layer, cherry ice cream is the star. Opt for a brand that has real cherry pieces for the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find cherry ice cream, vanilla ice cream mixed with chopped fresh cherries is a great alternative.

A smooth chocolate ganache takes this cake to the next level. Made from heavy cream and dark chocolate, it creates a glossy, decadent finish that ties everything together.

The crushed chocolate cookies in the base add a delightful crunch. This layer also helps support the ice cream while keeping the cake structurally sound.

A sturdy springform pan is the key to achieving perfect layers. If you don’t have one, a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper will work, but the removal process will be trickier.

How To Make This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Creating this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is easier than it looks! Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by baking your chocolate cake layer. Prepare the batter and pour it into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely before moving to the next step.

While the cake is cooling, let your cherry ice cream soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes. You want it spreadable but not melted. If using vanilla ice cream and fresh cherries, fold the chopped cherries into the softened ice cream now.

Once the cake is cool, spread a layer of crushed chocolate cookies over the top. This adds a bit of crunch and prevents the ice cream from soaking into the cake too much.

Next, carefully spread the softened cherry ice cream over the cookie layer, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.

To make the chocolate ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before whisking until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the frozen cake.

Freeze the entire cake for another hour to set the ganache. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!

Storage Options

This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

For best results, keep it covered in the freezer in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the cake fresh for up to two weeks.

If you have leftover slices, store them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a piece whenever you’re craving something sweet.

When serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to try!

If you're a white chocolate fan, swap out the dark chocolate ganache for a white chocolate version. It pairs beautifully with the cherry ice cream.

For a boozy twist, soak the chocolate cake in a little cherry liqueur before adding the ice cream layer. It enhances the cherry flavor and adds an adult-friendly touch.

Not a fan of cherries? Use strawberry ice cream or even raspberry sorbet for a different fruity variation.

For a crunchy element, mix chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the ice cream layer before freezing. This adds great texture and extra indulgence.

If you're short on time, use store-bought brownie mix instead of chocolate cake for a fudgier base that pairs perfectly with the ice cream.

No matter how you customize it, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Experiment with flavors and have fun creating your perfect frozen treat!