Oh, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adore Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake! It’s like a love letter to summer, a birthday party, and a romantic dinner all rolled into one delicious dessert. Picture this: luscious chocolate layers, velvety strawberry ice cream, and that juicy burst of fresh strawberries hidden inside. It’s just heavenly!
I remember the first time I made this beauty for a friend’s birthday. It was a bit of an adventure because the cake melted a little faster than I anticipated due to a heatwave. But we just laughed it off and served it anyway. It turned out to be an epic hit and my friends still talk about it! Every time I whip up this delightful cake, it brings back fun memories and makes me feel like I’m at a summer picnic, even if it’s snowing outside.
What’s in Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake?
Chocolate Cake: The foundation of our ice cream cake! I prefer a moist, rich chocolate cake, which sets the stage beautifully for the strawberries and ice cream. Homemade is always the best, but a good quality store-bought cake works too if you’re short on time!
Strawberry Ice Cream: Creamy, dreamy, and a total game changer. Freshly churned is divine, but any high-quality strawberry ice cream will do the trick. Look for one that has real strawberry pieces for an extra burst of flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: Oh, the juicy gems! They add a pop of freshness and a lovely bite to the cake. I love using in-season strawberries, but feel free to use frozen ones if that’s all you have!
Chocolate Ganache: This silky melty goodness made with dark chocolate and cream brings an indulgent richness to the cake. It’s the cherry on top, if you will!
Is Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—this is not a health food by any stretch of the imagination! While it’s not winning any health awards, every ingredient brings its twist.
Strawberries: These beauties are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. So, if you munch on them, you are definitely getting some health benefits.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate, used in the ganache, contains antioxidants as well. Plus, a little chocolate can boost your mood—who doesn’t love that?
That said, it is still a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. It’s best to keep it for special occasions. After all, indulging is part of what makes these moments so memorable!
Ingredients
– 1 round chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 quart of strawberry ice cream
– 1 cup of fresh strawberries, sliced
– 1 cup of heavy cream (for ganache)
– 8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
This recipe serves about 10 generous slices.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake?
1. Start with the chocolate cake. If it’s homemade, deliciously bake it as per your recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely. If you went the store-bought route, just place it on a serving plate.
2. Once your chocolate cake is cool, gently slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
3. Spread a layer of strawberry ice cream on top of the bottom half of the cake. Make sure it’s evenly distributed, and feel free to add additional sliced strawberries on top for extra flair!
4. Place the top half of the chocolate cake back on top of the strawberry layer and freeze for about 2 hours, or until nicely set.
5. While your cake is chilling, let’s whip up the ganache! Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl, then let it sit for a minute. Stir until it’s silky smooth.
6. Once the cake is frozen, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for that gorgeous effect.
7. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries and pop it back into the freezer for a final set, about 30 minutes.
8. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit out at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.
Sweet Tips for a Sweet Treat
– If you want to play with flavors, feel free to switch up the ice cream! Vanilla, chocolate, or even mint could bring a unique twist.
– Want to make it even fancier? Add a layer of whipped cream on top before pouring the ganache.
– You can also use a springform pan for a more polished look and easier removal.
See, making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is not only a delicious endeavor but it also opens the door to creativity in the kitchen! As you dive into this sweetness, I hope you savor every bite as much as I do. I can’t wait to hear how your own version turns out. Happy baking and happy indulging!
