Cherry Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate frozen dessert for warm-weather celebrations. Featuring layers of creamy cherry ice cream, soft cake, and a fluffy whipped topping, this eye-catching dessert delivers sweet cherry flavor in every refreshing bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy make-ahead dessert
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Rich and creamy texture
- Delicious cherry flavor
- Beautiful layered presentation
- Great for birthdays and celebrations
- Minimal baking required
- Family-friendly dessert
- Refreshing frozen treat
- Easy to customize
Ingredients

For the Cake Layer
- 1 prepared vanilla cake layer
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Ice Cream Layer
- 1 1/2 quarts cherry ice cream, slightly softened
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
- 1/2 cup fresh cherries, chopped
For the Whipped Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh cherries
- Chocolate shavings
- Maraschino cherries
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Line a springform pan with parchment paper.
- Place the cake layer into the bottom of the pan.
- Brush lightly with milk.
- Allow ice cream to soften slightly.
- Fold chopped cherries into the ice cream.
- Spread ice cream evenly over the cake layer.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Remove cake from freezer.
- Release from springform pan.
- Frost the top and sides with whipped cream.
- Decorate with cherries and chocolate shavings.
- Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use chocolate cake instead of vanilla
- Add crushed cookies between layers
- Use dark sweet cherries for richer flavor
- Freeze overnight for cleaner slices
- Chill serving plates beforehand
- Add almond extract for extra flavor
- Use stabilized whipped cream
- Decorate just before serving
- Try mixed berry ice cream variations
- Keep frozen until ready to enjoy
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store covered in freezer up to 2 months
- Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
- Freeze leftovers immediately
- Do not refrigerate for extended periods
- Slice directly from frozen
- Keep decorations fresh when serving
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Fresh cherries
- Chocolate sauce
- Cherry compote
- Whipped cream
- Summer BBQ desserts
- Birthday celebrations
- Family gatherings
- Vanilla milkshakes
- Fresh fruit platters
- Holiday dessert tables
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ice cream cake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, making it a day ahead helps the layers set properly and improves slicing.
What type of cherry ice cream works best?
Traditional cherry vanilla ice cream or cherry chocolate chip ice cream both work wonderfully.
Can I use store-bought cake?
Absolutely. A prepared cake layer makes this dessert even easier to assemble.
How do I get clean slices?
Dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe it clean between each cut.
Ready to Make It?
Cherry Ice Cream Cake is creamy, refreshing, and loaded with sweet cherry flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer party, or simply craving a frozen dessert, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite.
You Might Also Like
- Homemade Cherry Jam – Sweet Fruit Spread.
- Cherry Chocolate Sauce – Rich Dessert Topping.
- Cherry Coffee Cake – Soft Breakfast Bake.
- Cherry Pie Bars with Lemon Glaze – Fruity Dessert Bars.
Cherry Ice Cream Cake
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing frozen dessert featuring layers of vanilla cake, cherry ice cream, and whipped cream topping.
Ingredients
1 vanilla cake layer
1 tablespoon milk
1 1/2 quarts cherry ice cream
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cherries, chopped
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh cherries for garnish
Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
1. Line a springform pan.
2. Place cake layer in pan.
3. Brush with milk.
4. Mix cherries into softened ice cream.
5. Spread ice cream over cake.
6. Freeze until firm.
7. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla.
8. Frost cake.
9. Decorate with cherries.
10. Freeze briefly and serve.
Notes
Freeze overnight for best slices.
Use stabilized whipped cream if desired.
Keep frozen until serving.
Warm knife before slicing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg