Decadent Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Sweet Midnight Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Summer’s heat melts away with these decadent dark cherry ice cream sandwiches that blend rich, velvety flavors into a cool dessert.

Sweet cherries burst with vibrant intensity in this creamy treat.

The homemade texture elevates each delightful bite beyond ordinary store-bought confections.

Soft, buttery cookies cradle the luscious dark cherry-infused ice cream with delicate precision.

Chocolate undertones weave through the dessert, creating a sophisticated layer of complexity.

Guests will swoon over these elegant yet playful frozen delights that celebrate seasonal fruit in the most delectable way.

Indulge your senses and savor every spoonful of this irresistible summer sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients for Dark Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

For Cookie Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for chocolate cookies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and dark color to cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances cookie flavor.
For Butter and Sweeteners:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and carries deep flavor notes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies achieve crisp edges.
  • Confectioner's Sugar: Provides smooth, delicate coating with elegant finish.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds subtle aromatic depth.
For Ice Cream Base:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and creamy consistency.
  • White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens ice cream and prevents ice crystal formation.
  • Dark Cherries: Provides natural sweetness, vibrant color, and fresh fruity bursts.

Tools for Building Ice Cream Sandwiches at Home

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
  • Sifter: Crucial for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
  • Baking sheets: Essential for baking chocolate cookie rounds evenly.
  • Rolling pin: Helps roll out cookie dough to uniform thickness.
  • Ice cream machine: Necessary for churning smooth cherry ice cream.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
  • Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and chilling mixtures.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets.
  • Sharp knife or cookie cutter: Creates clean-edged cookie circles.
  • Spatula: Helps fold cherry pieces into ice cream and scrape bowls.
  • Freezer-safe container: Stores ice cream during freezing process.

How to Assemble Dark Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • Cookie Foundation Preparation

Mix dry powdery ingredients thoroughly until they blend seamlessly. Create a smooth mixture that promises delectable texture.

  • Sweet Dough Creation

Whip softened butter with granulated sweetener, introducing egg and aromatic essence. Gradually incorporate dry components to shape a delightful dough. Allow mixture to rest and chill in refrigerator.

  • Cookie Transformation

Roll dough into delicate circular shapes. Bake in warm oven until edges turn golden and centers look perfectly crisp. Let cookies cool completely.

  • Creamy Cherry Dream

Combine fresh cream with ripe dark cherries, blending until smooth. Use specialized churning equipment to transform liquid into silky frozen delight. Gently fold additional cherry pieces throughout mixture. Freeze until firm.

  • Sandwich Symphony

Carefully place luscious cherry-infused frozen cream between two chocolate cookies. Press gently to create elegant dessert. Wrap individually and store in freezer for ultimate enjoyment.

Tips to Get Creamy and Crunchy in Every Bite

  • Gently fold fresh cherry chunks into the churned ice cream for beautiful color and bursts of intense fruit flavor throughout each bite.
  • Wrap individual ice cream sandwiches in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn for up to two weeks.
  • For deeper chocolate notes, replace some cocoa powder with ground espresso or add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the rich cookie base.
  • Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan butter for cookies to create a delightful plant-based version of these decadent treats.
  • Experiment with different fruit variations like black cherry, raspberry, or mixed berry to create unique and exciting ice cream sandwich combinations that will surprise and delight taste buds.

Ways to Serve Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches Neatly

  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these dark cherry ice cream sandwiches in a cooler for a delightful outdoor dessert that will wow friends and family during summer gatherings.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the edges with powdered sugar and place the sandwich on a simple white plate, garnishing with fresh cherries and a mint leaf for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine like port or a cherry-based liqueur to complement the rich chocolate and fruity cherry flavors, creating a sophisticated after-dinner experience.
  • Kid-Friendly Customization: Let children help drizzle melted dark chocolate over the sandwich or roll the edges in chopped almonds or mini chocolate chips for a fun, interactive dessert activity.

Keeping Your Ice Cream Sandwiches Fresh in the Freezer

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie crispness.
  • Freezer Batch Preparation: Make multiple batches ahead of time, wrapping each sandwich individually in plastic wrap for quick grab-and-go summer treats that stay fresh up to 2 weeks.
  • Temperature Control Tip: Allow ice cream sandwiches to soften slightly at room temperature for 3-4 minutes before serving, ensuring perfect texture and easier biting.
  • Ingredient Preservation Trick: Keep unused cookie dough and churned ice cream separately in sealed containers, allowing flexibility to create fresh sandwiches within 5-7 days of initial preparation.
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Decadent Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Decadent Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Homemade dark cherry ice cream nestled between delicate chocolate wafer cookies creates a luxurious summer dessert. Sweet-tart cherries and rich chocolate provide a perfect balance of flavors for refreshing indulgence you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (720 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cups (450 g) fresh dark cherries, pitted
  • 12 tbsps (170 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsps (220 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240 g) plain all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup (55 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
  • Confectioners’ sugar for coating

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Dough Formation: Incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture, creating a cohesive chocolate cookie dough. Chill wrapped dough in refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to solidify.
  3. Cookie Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into 2-inch circles, and arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges set and centers remain slightly soft.
  4. Ice Cream Creation: Warm heavy cream and blend with dark cherries. Cool mixture completely, then churn in ice cream machine following manufacturer’s guidelines. Fold additional chopped cherry pieces throughout churned ice cream.
  5. Freezing and Assembly: Freeze cherry ice cream 2-3 hours until firm yet scoopable. Once cookies are completely cooled, sandwich generous ice cream scoops between two chocolate cookies, gently pressing to adhere. Wrap individually in plastic and freeze until serving.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Effectively: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30-45 minutes to ensure proper texture and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Perfect Cookie Thickness: Roll dough precisely to 1/4-inch thickness for consistent, uniform cookies that bake evenly.
  • Ice Cream Freezing Technique: Allow ice cream to firm up 2-3 hours before assembling sandwiches for ideal scooping consistency.
  • Wrap and Store Smartly: Individually wrap ice cream sandwiches in plastic to maintain shape and prevent freezer burn.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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