Who doesn’t love a cool, creamy dessert on a hot summer day? And if you’re a fan of chocolate and cherries, this black forest ice cream cake recipe is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll go over all the ingredients and steps you’ll need to make this delicious treat, as well as offer some tips and variations to try out.
Ingredients for black forest ice cream cake
For the ice cream, you’ll need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup canned cherry pie filling
For the cake layer, you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
Once you have all the ingredients, you can start making the black forest ice cream cake. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. Then, mix the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, you can start making the ice cream layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, dark chocolate chips, and canned cherry pie filling. Mix everything together until well combined. Once the cake is done baking, let it cool completely before spreading the ice cream mixture on top. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Step by step instructions for black forest ice cream cake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Once the cake is done, let it cool completely before continuing.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
7. Add in the chocolate chips and cherry pie filling and gently fold them in as well.
8. Cut the cooled chocolate cake in half horizontally to create two layers.
9. Place one cake layer on the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
10. Pour half of the ice cream mixture over the cake layer, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
11. Place the other layer of cake on top of the ice cream layer.
12. Pour the remaining ice cream mixture over the second cake layer, smoothing it out evenly.
13. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
14. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and release the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve.
How to make homemade black forest ice cream
If you want to make your black forest ice cream completely from scratch, you’ll need to add a few extra steps.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup canned cherry pie filling
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the cooled milk mixture into the whipped cream, followed by the chocolate chips and cherry pie filling.
5. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once the ice cream is finished churning, follow the same steps as above to assemble the black forest ice cream cake.
How to make chocolate cake for black forest ice cream cake
You can use any chocolate cake mix you like for the cake layer, or you can make your own from scratch. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare one 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Add the hot water and mix until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before using in the black forest ice cream cake recipe above.
Tips for making the perfect black forest ice cream cake
– Make sure your chocolate cake layer is completely cooled before assembling the ice cream cake. This will prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
– If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
– Use a good quality heavy cream for the ice cream mixture, as this will affect the texture and flavor.
– For an extra special touch, top the finished cake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Variations of black forest ice cream cake recipe
– Try using different flavors of ice cream, such as vanilla or mint chocolate chip.
– Swap out the chocolate cake layer for a white or yellow cake.
– Use fresh cherries instead of canned, or try using a different fruit altogether, such as raspberries or strawberries.
Serving suggestions and plating ideas for black forest ice cream cake
– Serve the black forest ice cream cake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
– Top each slice with a cherry and a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
– Cut the cake into squares and serve on a bed of whipped cream or fresh berries for individual servings.
Black forest ice cream cake – a perfect summer dessert
This black forest ice cream cake is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different flavors and toppings. So gather your friends and family and enjoy a slice (or two) of this delicious dessert.
Adding cherry liqueur to your black forest ice cream cake – yay or nay?
If you want to give your black forest ice cream cake a boozy kick, you can add a few tablespoons of cherry liqueur to the ice cream mixture. This will add some extra flavor and complexity to the dessert. However, if you’re serving this to kids or non-alcohol drinkers, you can skip this step without affecting the overall taste of the cake.
Using fresh cherries vs canned cherries in black forest ice cream cake recipe
While canned cherries are convenient and readily available, using fresh cherries can add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the black forest ice cream cake. If you choose to use fresh cherries, you’ll need to pit and chop them before adding them to the ice cream mixture. Keep in mind that fresh cherries can be more expensive and may not be available year-round, depending on where you live.
Vegan version of black forest ice cream cake recipe
If you’re following a vegan diet, you can still enjoy a delicious black forest ice cream cake. Here’s a recipe that uses plant-based ingredients:
Ice cream ingredients:
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup canned cherry pie filling (make sure it’s vegan)
Cake ingredients:
- 1 box vegan chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and applesauce. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Once the cake is done, let it cool completely before continuing.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until well combined.
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and cherry pie filling.
7. Cut the cooled chocolate cake in half horizontally to create two layers.
8. Place one cake layer on the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
9. Pour half of the ice cream mixture over the cake layer, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
10. Place the other layer of cake on top of the ice cream layer.
11. Pour the remaining ice cream mixture over the second cake layer, smoothing it out evenly.
12. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
13. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and release the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve.
Gluten-free version of black forest ice cream cake recipe
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy this black forest ice cream cake with a few simple substitutions. Here’s a recipe to try:
Ice cream ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (make sure they’re gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup canned cherry pie filling (make sure it’s gluten-free)
Cake ingredients:
- 1 box gluten-free chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Once the cake is done, let it cool completely before continuing.
5. Follow the same instructions as above to make the black forest ice cream mixture and assemble the cake.
How to store and freeze leftover black forest ice cream cake
If you have leftovers of this delicious dessert, you can store them in the freezer for later. Wrap the remaining cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Making a large batch of black forest ice cream cake for parties or events
If you’re making this dessert for a party or event, you may want to make a larger batch. Simply double or triple the recipe as needed and use a larger cake pan and springform pan. You can also serve the cake in individual portions by cutting it into squares or using a cupcake pan to create mini black forest ice cream cakes.