When you want the best frozen treat of all time, this Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Cake will give you the perfect ratio of the richest of chocolate flavor, the most luscious filling of cherries and a smooth creamy ice cream. It has the layers of brownie, cherry compote, chocolate and cherry ice creams and a silky chocolate ending with chocolate ganache on it- it is all you can dream of with a black forest cake- but frozen and even sinful.

This is a fantastic looking cake, and it is absolutely gorgeous to eat, which is ideal in summer at birthdays or during holidays or whenever you just feel like something a little indulgent and cool.

What Types of Ice Cream Should Be Used for an Ice Cream Cake?

In this recipe we suggest:

Chocolate ice cream, it is full, almost fudgy, balances the base of the brownies with the top of the ganache.

Cherry ice cream was sweet and fruity and was the right layer with the cherry compote.

Tips:

Take high end ice cream or slow-churned ice cream which will add a creamier texture.

To assemble, add ice cream that has been left at room temp 10 to 15 minutes to make it easy to spread in the assembly.

You may also mix it up with vanilla, black cherry or cherry chip ice cream.

How to Make Cherry Filling

This small cherry compote brings a rich tart balance of the chocolate ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
½ tsp almond extract (optional)

Method:

Place cherries, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan.

Cook 10- 15 mins in medium heat, stirring in-between times.

In case you want thicker filling, add cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Cool it and add almond extract.

How to Make Brownie Layer

Forget boxed mixes—make your own fudgy brownie layer and it gets a moist, fudgy, rich foundation within your cake.

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder

Method:

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan line with parchment.

Combine sugar and melted butter. Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture. Add dry ingredients to stir.

Bake, 20-25 minutes.

Allow it to cool down in a pan.

Ice Cream Cake Assembly

This is how to layer your chocolate cherry ice cream cake:

Brownie Base: Do not remove the brownie layer out of the springform pan.

Cherry Ice Cream Layer: Get some softened cherry ice cream and put over the brownie. Make a freeze that stands 30 minutes.

Cherry Filling: Spoon and spread the little bit cooled cherry compote above the ice cream layer. Freeze 30 minutes more.

Chocolate Ice cream Layer: To this add melted chocolate ice cream. Even the top. Freeze for at least two hours.

Ganache Topping: Pour the ganache that is cooled over the top layer. Put it back into the freezer to thaw it again and serve after an hour.

Tip: Put plastic wrap or enough foil over the whole pan in between freezing to avoid freezer burn.

Can This Cake Be Made in Advance?

Sure, it is welcomed! This ice cream cake requires time in between layers.

Prepare as much as 1 week ahead.

Freeze store in a tight package.

To cut, it is best to allow the cake to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes then slice.

Can I Make a Chocolate Cake From Scratch?

Yes! Although this recipe involves the brownie layer to provide us a chewy, dense bottom, a spongy soft chocolate may be an alternative in case you want it to be that. Here’s how:

Substitutes of Chocolate Sponge:

Apply your recipe for your favorite chocolate cake.

Bake on a 9 inch round pan.

Allow to cool, then cut to size of the base of your springform pan (should there be need to do so).

Helpful Hint: A more delicate layer is better-use a less wet cake layer because icy cake can easily be frozen unevenly.

Equipment

Springform pan 9-inch

Parchment paper

Saucepan (to make the compote of cherries and to make the ganache)

Spatulas & bowls

Ice cream paddle

Offset spatula

Refrigerator space to cool between rears