The Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Summer

Strawberry shortcake ice cream cake blends nostalgic flavors into a dreamy dessert that sings of summer celebrations.

Creamy layers meld together in a symphony of sweetness, enhanceing classic dessert elements into an irresistible frozen masterpiece.

Cool and indulgent, this treat transcends ordinary confections with its delicate balance of textures and rich flavors.

Sophisticated yet playful, the cake combines smooth cream with vibrant fruit essences that dance across your palate.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through refreshing tastes and comforting memories.

Light and decadent, this dessert enhances ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Get ready to craft a showstopping confection that will leave everyone craving another slice.

Sweet Tips for a Stunning Ice Cream Cake Finish

• Soften Ice Cream Strategically: Remove ice cream from freezer 30-45 minutes before assembling to achieve perfect spreadable consistency without melting completely.
• Prevent Sticky Cookie Crust: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to firmly press cookie crumb mixture into pan for a compact, even base.
• Control Strawberry Sauce Thickness: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that won't water down your cake layers.
• Freeze for Maximum Firmness: Allow the cake to set completely overnight for clean, defined layers that slice beautifully and hold their shape.
• Garnish with Fresh Touches: Add whipped cream and whole fresh strawberries just before serving to create a vibrant, appetizing presentation that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

How to Keep Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Frozen Right

• Storing and Reheating Leftovers
• Refrigerate leftover cake slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor. Protect each slice separately to maintain texture and prevent them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This gentle thawing process helps restore the cake's creamy consistency without melting it completely. Avoid microwaving, which can cause uneven softening and compromise the delicate layers. For best results, consume within a week of initial preparation to enjoy maximum freshness and taste. Pro tip: Individual portions can be wrapped in plastic and stored in the freezer, making it easy to enjoy a quick dessert whenever the craving strikes.

Best Pairings for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

• Pair with Crisp Rosé: Light, fruity rosé wine perfectly complements the sweet strawberry notes and cuts through the richness of the ice cream cake.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: The warm, smooth coffee balances the cold dessert, while vanilla undertones echo the cake's creamy texture.
• Serve Alongside Sparkling Moscato: This sweet, bubbly wine enhances the strawberry flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy cake.
• Enjoy with Chamomile Tea: The delicate herbal notes of chamomile tea offer a soothing counterpoint to the dessert's intense sweetness and create a elegant palate cleansing experience.

Irresistible Twists on Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap strawberries for fresh mango and passionfruit, creating a vibrant Caribbean-inspired ice cream cake with tropical flavors.
• Chocolate Berry Explosion: Add cocoa powder to the cookie base and mix dark chocolate chips into the strawberry sauce for a rich, indulgent version.
• Lemon Berry Refresh: Incorporate lemon zest into the strawberry sauce and use vanilla wafers instead of traditional cookies for a bright, citrusy profile.
• No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Fusion: Blend cream cheese into the strawberry sauce and use graham cracker crumbs for the base, transforming the dessert into a chilled cheesecake-inspired treat.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Is a Showstopper

• Create a Delightful Dessert Fusion: This strawberry shortcake ice cream cake brilliantly combines the classic comfort of strawberry shortcake with the cool, creamy pleasure of ice cream, offering a unique twist on traditional desserts.
• Craft Layers of Textural Happiness: Each slice delivers a perfect balance of crunchy cookie base, smooth ice cream, and luscious strawberry sauce, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps taste buds excited with every bite.
• Enjoy Simple Homemade Magic: Despite looking impressive, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it an accessible dessert for home bakers of all levels who want to create something spectacular without complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or just because, this dessert appeals to both kids and adults, offering a nostalgic yet sophisticated treat that's sure to generate smiles and requests for seconds.

What Goes Into Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Magic

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries give a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce, providing natural fruit essence.
• Sugar: Essential for balancing the tartness of strawberries and creating a smooth sauce.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency for the strawberry sauce.

• Graham Crackers or Vanilla Wafers: Crunchy base that adds texture and sweet undertones to the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the cookie crumbs together, creating a solid and flavorful crust.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, cold base that provides the main body of the dessert with classic sweet flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps thicken the strawberry sauce.
• Cornstarch: Stabilizes and thickens the strawberry sauce, preventing it from being too runny.

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that adds extra decadence.
• Fresh Strawberries: Bright, fresh addition for color and extra fruity punch.

How to Make a Dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Craft Strawberry Sauce

• Gather strawberries
• Prepare sugar
• Add water

Combine ingredients in a medium pan and heat over medium-high until strawberries soften completely.

Step 2: Blend Strawberry Mixture

Use an immersion blender to create a smooth sauce or mash for a rustic texture.

Step 3: Thicken Sauce

Whisk cream with cornstarch and incorporate into strawberry mixture to enhance thickness.

Step 4: Cool Strawberry Sauce

Let sauce reach room temperature before further preparation.

Step 5: Soften Ice Cream

Remove ice cream from freezer and let sit for 30-45 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6: Prepare Cookie Base

• Crush cookies
• Melt butter

Mix crushed cookies with melted butter in a bowl.

Step 7: Setup Springform Pan

Line 9″ or 10″ springform pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 8: Create First Layer

Press half of cookie mixture firmly into pan base.

Step 9: Add First Ice Cream Layer

Spread half of softened ice cream over cookie base.

Step 10: Add First Strawberry Sauce Layer

Drizzle strawberry sauce over ice cream layer.

Step 11: Repeat Layering

Repeat previous layers: cookie mixture, ice cream, and strawberry sauce.

Step 12: Freeze Cake

Place cake in freezer for 6-8 hours or overnight until completely set.

Step 13: Serve and Garnish

Top cake slices with whipped cream and fresh strawberries when ready to enjoy.

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Summer dreams come alive with this Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake, blending classic dessert flavors into a cool, creamy masterpiece. Layers of vanilla cake, strawberry ice cream, and crumbled shortbread create a delightful treat you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 litres (0.5 gallons) Chapman’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
• 4 cups (520 grams) frozen strawberries
• 3 cups crushed vanilla cookies

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• ½ cup (118 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and water, creating a vibrant fruity base.
2. Apply medium-high heat to the mixture, gently simmering until strawberries soften and release their natural juices.
3. Transform the strawberry mixture using an immersion blender for a smooth consistency or manually mash for a more rustic texture.
4. Whisk heavy cream with cornstarch until smooth, then integrate this thickening agent into the strawberry sauce, stirring continuously.
5. Allow the strawberry sauce to cool completely to room temperature, which helps develop a more intense flavor profile.
6. Remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer, letting it soften for 30-45 minutes at room temperature for easy spreading.
7. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted unsalted butter to create a cohesive cookie base.
8. Prepare a 9-inch (23-centimeter) or 10-inch (25-centimeter) springform pan by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
9. Press half of the buttery graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly across the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation.
10. Carefully spread a uniform layer of softened vanilla ice cream over the cookie base, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Drizzle a generous portion of the prepared strawberry sauce across the ice cream layer, creating an attractive marbled effect.
12. Repeat the layering process: remaining graham cracker mixture, another layer of ice cream, and final strawberry sauce decoration.
13. Transfer the assembled cake to the freezer, allowing it to set completely for 6-8 hours or ideally overnight.
14. Before serving, garnish with freshly whipped cream and sliced ripe strawberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Craft this delightful dessert when you want to impress guests with a show-stopping summer treat.
• Frozen strawberry sauce adds vibrant color and fresh berry intensity throughout the layered cake.
• Letting ice cream soften prevents cracking and ensures smooth, even spreading across cookie layers.
• Make sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days to streamline your cake preparation.
• Springform pan allows for effortless cake removal without disrupting the beautiful layered design.
• Cookie crumb base provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy ice cream texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 47mg