This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake, the refreshing flavor of strawberry ice cream, and the silky smoothness of chocolate ganache. It’s the perfect treat for any special occasion, providing a beautiful and delicious contrast in flavors and textures. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dessert that will impress your guests!
What Is Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake?
The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is a multi-layered dessert that features a soft, moist chocolate cake base topped with a rich homemade strawberry ice cream layer, followed by a glossy, indulgent chocolate ganache. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy ice cream, and decadent chocolate creates a heavenly dessert that’s sure to become a favorite.
Origin of This Recipe
While ice cream cakes have been around for many years, the combination of chocolate cake and strawberry ice cream is often associated with summer gatherings and special occasions. This dessert brings together classic ingredients that have been beloved for generations—rich chocolate, sweet strawberries, and velvety ice cream. The inspiration behind this recipe draws from the timeless combination of chocolate-dipped strawberries, elevating them into an ice cream cake form that is both indulgent and refreshing.
Ingredients With Quantities for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Strawberry Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
Lastly for Assembly:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
1: Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
2: Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream
- Blend the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the strawberry puree, then churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the ice cream is churned, freeze it until firm, at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s steaming (but not boiling).
- Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, stir until smooth, then add the butter to make the ganache glossy.
4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a thick layer of strawberry ice cream over the cake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the ice cream, pressing it gently to ensure the layers stick.
- Freeze the cake for about 1 hour to allow the layers to set before pouring the ganache.
- Once the cake is firm, pour the warm chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the ganache and garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finishing touch.
Variations of Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
While this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Different Ice Cream Flavors: You can substitute the strawberry ice cream with other flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, or mint chocolate chip for a unique twist.
- Crunchy Layer: For added texture, layer crushed cookies (like shortbread or Oreos) in between the cake and ice cream layers.
- Nuts: Add chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the smooth ice cream and cake layers.
- Fruit Compote: If you want to add an extra burst of fruit flavor, you can spread a mixed berry compote between the ice cream and cake layers.
FAQs About Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake up to 2 days ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in the freezer to keep the ice cream layer firm.
Can I use store-bought ice cream?
Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry ice cream if you don’t have an ice cream maker or prefer the convenience. Just let it soften slightly before spreading it on the cake.
How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the baking powder and cocoa powder.
Conclusion: Enjoying Chocolate Strawberry Dessert
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is the perfect combination of chocolate and fruit, with rich cake layers, creamy homemade ice cream, and a glossy chocolate ganache that ties everything together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures to make this cake your own!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe – Indulgent & Refreshing
- Total Time: 4 hours (including freezing)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is a multi-layered dessert that features a soft, moist chocolate cake base topped with a rich homemade strawberry ice cream layer, followed by a glossy, indulgent chocolate ganache. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy ice cream, and decadent chocolate creates a heavenly dessert that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Strawberry Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
For Assembly:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream
- Blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, and vanilla.
- Fold in the strawberry puree and churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze until firm.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling).
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in butter for extra shine.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thick layer of strawberry ice cream over the cake.
- Top with the second cake layer and freeze for 1 hour.
- Pour warm chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top just before serving, or garnish with fresh strawberries and crushed cookies. This cake also freezes well—perfect for making ahead for birthdays or summer parties!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake