Strawberry Chocolate Dream Ice Cream Cake – A Chilled Delight of Bliss!

Strawberry Chocolate Dream Ice Cream Cake is a frozen dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries and the rich, creamy indulgence of chocolate. With layers of velvety chocolate cake, creamy strawberry ice cream, and decadent chocolate ganache, this cake is the ultimate treat to beat the heat and indulge your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
1/2 cup hot water (or hot coffee for deeper flavor)

For the Strawberry Ice Cream Layer:

4 cups strawberry ice cream (or homemade if preferred), softened
1/2 cup crushed strawberries or strawberry puree (optional for added fruit flavor)
1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, to sweeten)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional for extra shine)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings or curls
Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth and combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add the hot water (or coffee) and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream Layer:

While the cake cools, soften the strawberry ice cream in a large mixing bowl.
If you’d like to add extra fruit flavor, fold in the crushed strawberries or strawberry puree and a bit of powdered sugar to sweeten (optional).
Once mixed, spread the softened ice cream over the cooled chocolate cake layer in a 9-inch springform pan or a cake pan lined with plastic wrap. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Freeze the cake for at least 4-6 hours or until the ice cream layer is firm and set.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Stir in the butter, if desired, for extra shine. Let the ganache cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the Strawberry Chocolate Dream Ice Cream Cake:

Once the ice cream layer has set, carefully remove the cake from the springform pan or cake pan.
Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the ice cream cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream for a festive look.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake and serve immediately for a cold, creamy treat that combines the best of chocolate and strawberry flavors in every bite!

Tips:

To make the cake even more decadent, drizzle some extra chocolate sauce on individual servings.
You can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 1 week.
For a twist, add a layer of crushed cookies or brownies between the ice cream and cake layers for added texture.

This Strawberry Chocolate Dream Ice Cream Cake is the perfect chilled dessert to impress guests or enjoy on a hot day. Its combination of chocolate cake, strawberry ice cream, and chocolate ganache makes for a dreamy, indulgent treat that everyone will love!