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Black Forest Ice Cream Cake

Black Forest Ice Cream Cake

This Black Forest Ice Cream Cake features a rich brownie layer with cherry sauce and vanilla ice cream, finished with chocolate ganache and fresh cherries.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Freezing Time 5 hours
Total Time 6 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, German
Servings 12 slices
Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

  • two 6x2 inch cake pans
  • 6 inch parchment rounds
  • parchment paper
  • pan spray
  • plastic wrap

Ingredients
  

Cherry Sauce

  • 1 cup cherries fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon Kirsch

Brownie Layer

  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Kirsch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon espresso powder optional
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Chocolate Ganache

  • 4 ounces dark chocolate chopped
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Topping

  • 3 cups vanilla ice cream
  • fresh cherries
  • chocolate shavings

Instructions
 

Cherry Sauce

  • Add the cherries and sugar to a large pot.
  • Heat over medium heat until the cherries begin to break down and get syrupy.
  • Dissolve the cornstarch in water, then add to the cherries and stir until the filling thickens. Then stir in the Kirsch.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool completely to room temperature.

Brownie Layer

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 6 inch round cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
  • Add in the eggs one at a time and whisk each one until fully incorporated and the batter starts to get lighter in color.
  • Then add in the Kirsch and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  • Fold in the cocoa powder, espresso powder, flour, and salt and mix until the batter is just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out mostly clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let fully cool in the pan.

Chocolate Ganache

  • Once the cake layers are fully frozen, make the ganache.
  • To make the ganache, add the chopped dark chocolate to a large bowl.
  • Then place the cream in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot to the touch but not boiling.
  • Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for about two minutes. Using a spatula, gently mix until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is fully combined and smooth.
  • Let sit for 10-15 minutes until the ganache is cool to the touch but still pourable.

Assembly

  • For the ice cream layer, line a 6 inch round cake pan with plastic wrap. Add about 3 cups slightly softened vanilla ice cream to the pan and press into an even layer. Cover and let ice cream layer freeze for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
  • After both the brownie layer and cherry compote are cool, spread the cherry filling in an even layer over top of the brownie. Then freeze for 2 hours until set.
  • To assemble the cake, place the brownie and cherry layer on a serving plate, then top with a frozen ice cream layer.
  • Remove the cake from the freezer and pour the cooled ganache over the top. Use on offset spatula to gently push some of the edges to create the drip effect.
  • Place the cake back in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
  • Then top with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings.

Notes

Ice cream cake will last in the freezer for about a week! Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. For clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water before cutting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 98mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 4gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 577IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Black Forest Ice Cream Cake, cake, Cherry, Chocolate, dessert, ice cream
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