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This indulgent chocolate cherry ice cream cake features layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, and decadent fudge. Topped with dark chocolate ganache and whipped cream, it’s the ultimate dessert for any celebration. With a touch of cherry liqueur and the sweetness of Cherry Ripe bars, this cake is a showstopper that will delight your taste buds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cake
- 535g packet rich chocolate cake (see notes)
- 60g butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 50g sachet coconut milk powder
- 3 x 52g Cherry Ripe bars, chopped
- 2/3 cup cherry jam, strained
Ice Cream
- 2 litres vanilla ice cream
Chocolate Ganache & Cream
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup thickened cream
- Extra 300ml thickened cream
- Maraschino cherries, to serve
- Sprinkles, to serve
Milk Chocolate Cherry Fudge
- 150g milk chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup thickened cream
- 2 tbsp cherry liqueur (see notes)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a 6cm-deep, 20cm round cake pan. Line the base and sides with baking paper.
Prepare the cake: Follow the packet directions, using butter, eggs, and 3/4 cup of water. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and level the top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake stand in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the milk chocolate cherry fudge: Place milk chocolate, cream, and liqueur in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, for 1 to 2 minutes until melted and smooth. Set aside for 2 hours to thicken.
Trim and prepare the cake layers: Once cooled, trim the top of the cake to level. Split the cake in half horizontally. Use the base of an 18.5cm round springform pan to cut a round from each half. Discard the off-cuts. Grease the springform pan and line it with baking paper, overlapping at the join and extending 10cm above the edge.
Prepare the ice cream: Place 1 litre of vanilla ice cream in a bowl and set aside for 10 minutes to soften (it should not melt).
Layer the cake: Place 1 cake round in the prepared pan, trimming the edges to fit. Stir half the milk powder into the softened ice cream, then fold in half of the chopped Cherry Ripe bars. Spoon this mixture over the cake, creating holes in the ice cream using the back of a spoon. Add half of the fudge and half of the cherry jam into the holes and on top of the ice cream. Freeze for 2 hours.
Top with second cake layer: Place the second cake round on top of the fudge layer, trimming to fit. Dollop with the remaining fudge and cherry jam. Freeze for 1 hour.
Add remaining ice cream: Set aside the remaining ice cream for 10 minutes to soften. Stir in the remaining milk powder and fold in the remaining Cherry Ripe bars. Spoon this over the fudge layer, spreading it evenly. Cover and freeze overnight.
Make the ganache: Place dark chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, for 1 minute or until melted and smooth. Set aside for 1 hour to thicken.
Decorate and serve: Let the cake stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Beat the extra cream with an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Spoon the cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1.4cm fluted nozzle. Remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Spread the top with dark chocolate ganache and pipe whipped cream on top. Decorate with maraschino cherries and sprinkles. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 slice)

Calories: 450
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 41g
Sodium: 80mg
Cholesterol: 50mg
Calcium: 160mg
Iron: 3mg
Vitamin A: 300IU
Vitamin C: 2mg

A Dessert That Stands Out

What makes the Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Cake stand out from other ice cream cakes is its balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the chocolate cake provides a firm foundation for the creamy ice cream, while the fudge layer introduces a sweet, gooey element that contrasts beautifully with the firmness of the cake. The cherry jam adds a fruity burst that enhances the chocolate and vanilla flavors, while the Cherry Ripe bars provide chewy sweetness that complements the smooth textures of the ice cream and fudge. This dessert is the perfect combination of indulgence and elegance, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress their guests or satisfy their sweet cravings.

The Base: Rich Chocolate Cake Layers

At the heart of this ice cream cake are the rich chocolate cake layers. The chocolate cake adds depth and texture to the dessert, providing a firm but moist base for the ice cream. By using a pre-packaged chocolate cake mix, this step is made quick and simple. However, the richness of the chocolate cake ensures that it stands out in flavor and creates a perfect balance with the creamy, smooth ice cream layers. The addition of coconut milk powder in the cake gives it a slightly different flavor and texture, enhancing its overall richness and adding a touch of coconut flavor that complements the chocolate. The layers of cake serve as the structure for the dessert, absorbing the flavors of the fudge and jam while maintaining their integrity during freezing.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The Star of the Show

The vanilla ice cream in this recipe acts as the primary creamy layer, perfectly balancing the rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors. Vanilla ice cream is the ideal choice for this dessert because it’s neutral enough to allow the other flavors to shine while still being creamy and smooth. The ice cream is softened slightly before mixing, allowing it to better integrate with the other ingredients. To enhance the flavor, milk powder is added to the softened ice cream, giving it a richer, more indulgent texture. The ice cream is then swirled with chopped Cherry Ripe bars, which provide an extra element of texture and flavor. The mixture is carefully layered between the cake rounds, creating an exciting contrast in every bite. As the cake freezes, the ice cream firms up and solidifies, making each slice dense, creamy, and full of flavor.

Fudge: A Sweet, Gooey Surprise

One of the standout elements of this dessert is the milk chocolate cherry fudge. Made with milk chocolate, thickened cream, and a splash of cherry liqueur, the fudge provides a sweet, rich layer that brings all the flavors of the cake together. The cherry liqueur adds a slight depth to the fudge, giving it a touch of sophistication and enhancing the cherry flavor that is throughout the dessert. The fudge layer is spread between the cake and ice cream, creating pockets of gooey sweetness that perfectly complement the more solid layers. When the cake is frozen, the fudge firms up slightly, but it still maintains its rich and indulgent texture. It acts as a bridge between the chocolate cake and ice cream layers, adding a satisfying sweetness that ties everything together.

Cherry Jam: A Burst of Freshness

To further enhance the cherry flavor, a layer of cherry jam is incorporated into the cake. The jam, which is strained to remove excess liquid, creates a subtle fruity sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate and vanilla layers. The cherry jam is drizzled into the layers and spread on top of the fudge, adding a fresh, slightly tart note that balances out the richness of the cake, ice cream, and fudge. The jam provides an extra burst of cherry flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying, making each bite of the cake an exciting blend of flavors.

Dark Chocolate Ganache: The Finishing Touch

A rich dark chocolate ganache is the final touch that takes this cake from great to extraordinary. The ganache, made with dark chocolate and thickened cream, is melted together to create a smooth and glossy topping for the cake. Once the cake is assembled, the ganache is poured over the top, creating a shiny, decadent finish that looks as good as it tastes. The dark chocolate ganache adds a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a perfect contrast with the creamy ice cream and fudge. As the ganache sets, it hardens slightly, giving the cake an elegant, polished look and enhancing the overall texture.

Whipped Cream and Decorations: Elegance and Fun

To finish the cake, whipped cream is added as a decorative and creamy topping. The whipped cream is piped onto the cake in swirls, adding volume and a light, airy texture that contrasts with the dense, rich layers beneath. The addition of maraschino cherries and sprinkles gives the cake a playful, festive look, making it a perfect dessert for a celebration. The whipped cream also adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess that complements the richness of the ganache, creating a balanced flavor profile. The final decorations not only make the cake visually appealing but also enhance its flavor with the sweetness of the cherries and the crunchiness of the sprinkles.

A Showstopper for Special Occasions

The Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Cake is a showstopper that is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Its multi-layered structure and stunning appearance make it an impressive dessert that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a dinner party, or a holiday feast, this cake is sure to become the highlight of the meal. It’s not only delicious but also offers a fun and festive way to celebrate with its vibrant colors and playful toppings.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Preparation

One of the best things about this Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Cake is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it needs to be frozen overnight to allow the layers to set properly, making it an ideal dessert to prepare in advance. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your event or meal without having to worry about last-minute preparations. Simply assemble the cake a day or two before your gathering, and you’ll have a stunning, delicious dessert ready to go when it’s time to serve. The cake can be stored in the freezer until ready to serve, and it holds up well, maintaining its texture and flavor even after being frozen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. With its layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet fudge, and tangy cherry jam, this cake offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Topped with dark chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and festive decorations, it’s a showstopper that will delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking for a delicious treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

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