Description
This Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy Ice Cream Cake is a luscious dessert combining moist chocolate cake layers with smooth strawberry and chocolate ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a glossy chocolate ganache finish. Perfect for summer celebrations or indulgent treats, it features layered textures and flavors that delight the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 moist, rich chocolate cake (homemade or store-bought mix, enough for 2 round layers)
Ice Cream Layers
- Strawberry ice cream, softened slightly (about 2 cups)
- Chocolate ice cream, softened slightly (about 2 cups)
Fresh Fruit and Toppings
- Fresh strawberries, thinly sliced (1 cup)
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream (1 cup)
- Chocolate ganache for drizzling (½ cup, warmed)
- Sugar (to sweeten whipped cream, about 2 tbsp)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp, for whipped cream)
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts – optional, ¼ cup)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, 2 tbsp)
- Sprinkles (optional, for garnish, 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers: Bake your favorite moist chocolate cake in round pans according to recipe or package instructions. Allow the cake layers to cool completely to prevent melting the ice cream during assembly.
- Soften and Spread the Strawberry Ice Cream: Remove the strawberry ice cream from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before assembling to soften slightly. Using a spatula, spread the softened ice cream evenly over one chocolate cake layer.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Arrange thin slices of fresh strawberries evenly over the strawberry ice cream layer to add bursts of fresh fruity flavor and texture.
- Layer the Chocolate Ice Cream: Soften the chocolate ice cream similarly and gently spread it over the strawberry and fresh strawberry layers, ensuring even coverage without mixing layers.
- Assemble and Chill the Cake: Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the ice cream layers and press lightly to compact the cake. Freeze the fully assembled cake for at least 4 hours, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Finish with Whipped Cream and Ganache: Before serving, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Frost the cake with the lightly sweetened whipped cream evenly, then drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top for a glossy and indulgent finish. Garnish with nuts, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Ensure cake layers are completely cooled to prevent ice cream from melting when assembling.
- Soften ice cream slightly but do not let it melt to maintain structure.
- Freeze assembled cake for a minimum of 4 hours; overnight freezing improves firmness.
- Use high-quality ice cream with real fruit bits for best texture and flavor.
- Ganache can be made by melting equal parts chocolate and heavy cream for a smooth drizzle.
- This cake is best served chilled and sliced with a warm knife for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
