Black Forest Upside-Down Cherry Juice Sundae

(Made with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate)

Quick Summary

A creamy, indulgent twist on a classic — this Black Forest Upside-Down Cherry Juice Sundae layers vanilla ice cream, cherries, fudge, and cookies with a splash of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate. It’s part sundae, part frozen cake, and 100% crowd-pleaser.

Published: February 2010 | Updated: November 2025

Chef’s Note

We created this dessert one summer afternoon when testing cherry-and-chocolate pairings for an event. The moment we flipped the mold, the glossy fudge, bright cherries, and creamy layers looked so irresistible we knew it had to be shared. The Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate adds a pop of real fruit tang that makes the rich chocolate flavors shine even more.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Freeze Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)

• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained

• 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened

• ½ cup hot fudge topping

• 10 cream-filled chocolate cookies (like Oreos), crushed

• ¼ teaspoon Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• Maraschino cherries with stems, for garnish

Instructions

1. Line a 5-cup gelatin mold or medium bowl with aluminum foil.

2. Arrange 12 whole cherries on the bottom of the foil.

3. Chop remaining cherries and fold them into the softened ice cream.

4. Spoon half the ice cream mixture into the mold.

5. Spread the hot fudge topping evenly over the first layer.

6. Add the remaining ice cream mixture on top and smooth it gently.

7. Sprinkle the crushed cookies over the ice cream and press lightly.

8. Drizzle the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate over the top for color and flavor.

9. Cover and freeze for 4–6 hours or until firm.

10. To serve, lift out the foil and invert onto a chilled plate.

11. Garnish with maraschino cherries with stems.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate or cherry ice cream for a richer flavor.

• Add a layer of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Dried Cherries between the fudge and ice cream for texture.

• Top with shaved dark chocolate before serving for a gourmet presentation.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 285 | Total Fat: 9g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg

Behind the Recipe

This dessert captures Traverse Bay Farms’ philosophy of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary flavor experiences. The Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate elevates this frozen sundae with a burst of natural Michigan cherry brightness — pairing perfectly with chocolate and cream.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the freezer covered with foil.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Slice it like a frozen cake and serve with extra hot fudge drizzle.

Can I use homemade fudge sauce?
Absolutely — it adds a richer flavor and thicker consistency.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut-based ice cream and dairy-free whipped topping.

Experience the Flavor

Indulge in Traverse Bay Farms’ award-winning taste — add Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to your desserts for a vibrant pop of flavor, color, and antioxidants.