Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 quart chocolate ice cream (softened); 1 quart strawberry ice cream (softened); Fresh strawberries (sliced); Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’ve always loved the combination of chocolate and strawberries, and this Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake perfectly captures that flavor dynamic. The creamy ice cream layers pair beautifully with a rich chocolate cake base, creating the ultimate dessert experience. With each slice, you get that delightful balance of sweetness and freshness. It’s a great dessert for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it a go-to recipe for last-minute celebrations.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:26:19.475Z

I vividly remember the first time I made this Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake for a summer gathering. The way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took a bite was unforgettable! The layers of chocolate cake and creamy ice cream create such a lovely presentation. I found that letting the cake sit out for a few minutes before cutting it makes serving so much easier, allowing the ice cream to soften just enough to scoop smoothly.

Over the years, I’ve played around with different flavors and textures, but this combination remains my favorite. I particularly love adding fresh strawberries on top for that extra burst of flavor and color. If you have access to high-quality chocolate, it really elevates the cake, making every bite a decadent treat. It’s the perfect way to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent layers of chocolate cake and creamy ice cream
Fresh strawberries add a delightful burst of flavor
Perfect for celebrations or as a refreshing dessert at home

Understanding the Ingredients

The chocolate cake base is the foundation of this dessert, providing a rich and moist texture that balances perfectly with the creamy ice cream layers. The combination of flour, sugar, and cocoa powder leads to a cake that rises beautifully and holds its form when layered. It's crucial to use high-quality cocoa powder, as it enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake.

Using whole milk contributes to a tender crumb, while the vegetable oil keeps the cake moist. In contrast, the boiling water adds hydration and helps dissolve the cocoa, making the batter silky and smooth. For a fun twist, you can swap in coffee instead of boiling water. This substitution will amplify the chocolate notes, creating a richer flavor profile for your cake.

Layering Techniques

When creating the ice cream layers, make sure both the chocolate and strawberry ice cream are softened to a spreadable consistency. This process typically takes about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. If your ice cream is too hard, using an electric mixer on low can help soften it without melting too much, ensuring even layers in the cake without ice crystals forming.

To achieve a smooth, even ice cream layer, I recommend using an offset spatula, which allows for precise spreading. Additionally, be cautious not to overfill; leaving some space at the edge of the cake layers helps prevent the ice cream from oozing out when you slice the cake. This method preserves the aesthetics and structure of your finished dessert.

Storing and Serving Tips

This Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake can be prepped a day in advance, making it a fantastic option for gatherings. Once assembled and frozen, it can be kept in the freezer for up to a week. To serve, let the cake rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make slicing easier. I find using a hot knife (run it under hot water and dry it off) helps to achieve clean cuts and maintain the layers’ integrity.

For serving, consider a light drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with different ice cream flavors or add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor contrast. Variations like adding a layer of whipped cream or using a crust made of crushed cookies can elevate your cake to the next level.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake.

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Ice Cream Layer

1 quart chocolate ice cream (softened)
1 quart strawberry ice cream (softened)

For the Topping

Fresh strawberries (sliced)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Note: Ensure the ice cream is slightly softened to make layering easy.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake.

Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Gradually stir in the boiling water until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Create Ice Cream Layers

Once the cake is cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of softened chocolate ice cream on top, followed by the second layer of chocolate cake. Then, layer the softened strawberry ice cream over that. Smooth it out until even.

Freeze and Serve

Cover the entire cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let sit for about 10 minutes. Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of strawberry liqueur to the ice cream layer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake sinks in the middle after baking, this can be due to under-baking or adding too much liquid. Be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you're using a different oven from the one you usually bake in, keep an eye on the cake as baking times may vary and can lead to unexpected results.

In case your ice cream layers start to melt while assembling, work quickly and return the cake to the freezer for a few minutes to firm up. If your icing becomes too hard after freezing, let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to slice through the layers.

Mix-and-Match Flavors

While this recipe celebrates the classic chocolate-strawberry combination, don't hesitate to mix it up! Try vanilla bean ice cream with a chocolate ganache layer to bring a different flavor. If you prefer fruit, you can incorporate other fruits such as raspberries, bananas, or even a layer of peanut butter for a tantalizing twist.

You could also modify the cake base with flavorings like almond extract or espresso powder to add subtle hints that complement your chosen ice cream. Just ensure that any changes you make don’t alter the cake's basic structure; keeping the ratios of wet to dry ingredients consistent will help maintain a successful texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this cake with a scoop of extra chocolate or strawberry ice cream on the side enhances the dessert experience. A dollop of whipped cream can add an airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense cake and ice cream layers. Additionally, using fresh mint leaves as garnish not only adds color but a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness.

Consider pairing this dessert with a dessert wine or a classic milkshake for a nostalgic touch. Setting the table with colorful plates or presenting individual slices can create an appealing, festive atmosphere, perfect for birthdays or celebrations.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought cake instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought chocolate cake to save time.

→ How long can I keep the cake in the freezer?

The cake can be kept in the freezer for up to a week, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I use other flavors of ice cream?

Absolutely! Vanilla or cookies and cream would work wonderfully too.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can replace the eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as a vegan alternative.