There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of cherries, chocolate, and ice cream in a single decadent bite. This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake layers rich chocolate cake, creamy cherry-studded ice cream, and a luscious chocolate ganache, creating a dessert that's both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.

I first made this cake for a summer birthday party, hoping to capture the flavors of a classic Black Forest dessert in a frozen treat. It was an instant hit, with guests raving about the balance of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and velvety ice cream. Now, it's a must-make for every special occasion!

Why You'll Love This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that brings together the best of cake, ice cream, and chocolate in one show-stopping dish.

First, it's a make-ahead wonder. This ice cream cake needs to be assembled in advance, making it the perfect dessert for stress-free entertaining. Just pull it out of the freezer, slice, and serve!

Secondly, the flavor combination is simply divine. The deep richness of chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the tart sweetness of cherries and the creamy, dreamy texture of vanilla ice cream.

Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just craving something indulgent, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Finally, it's easier to make than it looks. While it may appear gourmet, this cake comes together with just a few simple steps—and I'll walk you through every one of them.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake comes from its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.

The chocolate cake serves as the base of this dessert. A moist, fudgy chocolate cake works best, as it holds up beautifully when frozen while still remaining tender. You can bake one from scratch or use your favorite boxed mix for convenience.

For the ice cream, vanilla or cherry ice cream is ideal. I love using cherry vanilla ice cream with whole cherry pieces for an extra pop of fruitiness. If you can’t find that, mix chopped maraschino or frozen cherries into vanilla ice cream for a homemade twist.

Cherries are the star of the show, adding bright, fruity bursts to every bite. Fresh, frozen, or even jarred cherries will work, depending on the season and your preference.

The chocolate ganache topping ties everything together. Made from a blend of heavy cream and dark chocolate, this silky ganache drapes over the cake like a dream, adding a final touch of indulgence.

You'll also need a springform pan to make assembly a breeze. This allows for easy removal and a clean, professional-looking cake.

How To Make This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Creating this stunning Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is simpler than it seems. Just follow these steps to layer up the deliciousness!

Start by baking the chocolate cake in a springform pan. Allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next step—this prevents the ice cream from melting upon contact.

Next, let your ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes. You want it to be spreadable but not melted. If you’re adding chopped cherries, mix them into the softened ice cream now.

Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Once the ice cream layer is set, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until warm and then pouring it over chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the frozen cake.

Return the cake to the freezer for at least another 2 hours to fully set. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.

Storage Options

This Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is best stored in the freezer, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container, for up to one month. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.

For leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a piece whenever a craving strikes!

To serve, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier. A sharp knife warmed under hot water also helps achieve clean slices.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to change it up:

Want a boozy twist? Add a splash of cherry liqueur (like Kirsch) to the ice cream or drizzle it over the cake layers before freezing for an adult-friendly upgrade.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or bake your favorite flourless chocolate cake as the base.

Love extra crunch? Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies or chopped nuts between the layers for added texture and flavor.

Prefer a different ice cream flavor? Swap the vanilla or cherry ice cream for chocolate, cookies and cream, or even coffee ice cream for a unique variation.

Feeling adventurous? Try making a white chocolate ganache instead of dark chocolate for a lighter, sweeter contrast.

No matter how you customize it, this Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!