Picture this: a cool, creamy ice cream cake that combines the freshness of ripe strawberries, the crunch of shortcake crumbs, and a sweet, velvety layer of ice cream. It’s the perfect dessert to serve on a sunny day, or anytime you want to impress your guests with something both indulgent and refreshing. Trust me, this Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake will steal the show. It’s a showstopper that combines the best of both worlds shortcake and ice cream into a dreamy, layered dessert that’ll leave everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a family gathering, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this ice cream cake is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it at a birthday party, summer barbecue, or holiday gathering. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Budget-Friendly: This cake doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and it’s easy to make while still feeling like a luxurious treat.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple layers, this ice cream cake is as easy to assemble as it is delicious.

Customizable: Feel free to switch up the flavor of the ice cream or mix in different fruits to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: With layers of sweet shortcake, strawberry filling, and creamy ice cream, everyone is sure to love it. It’s a perfect dessert to serve to both kids and adults.

Ingredients in Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

This dessert is made with simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable treat. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Shortcake Crumbs: The base and the crunchy, buttery layer that gives this dessert its signature flavor.

Strawberry Ice Cream: Sweet, creamy, and perfectly paired with the fresh strawberries in this cake. You can even use vanilla or another flavor if you like!

Fresh Strawberries: They add a juicy, fruity layer that cuts through the sweetness of the ice cream and shortcake.

Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a perfect finishing touch to the layers.

Butter: Used to melt into the shortcake crumbs and create a solid base for the cake.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a little extra sweetness and smoothness to the ice cream layer.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this dreamy, creamy cake:

Prepare the Shortcake Crust: Start by crushing your shortcake or sponge cake into fine crumbs. In a bowl, mix the crumbs with melted butter until they are fully coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a solid crust. Freeze for about 30 minutes to set.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling: While the crust is chilling, slice your fresh strawberries and mix them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out their juices, creating a syrupy strawberry filling.

Assemble the Cake: Once the crust is set, spread a layer of strawberry ice cream on top of it. Smooth it out evenly, and then spoon the strawberry filling over the ice cream. Add another layer of ice cream on top of the strawberries, then smooth out again. Freeze for about 2-3 hours to allow the layers to set.

Whipped Cream Topping: After the cake has firmed up, top it with freshly whipped cream. Spread it evenly on top of the final layer of ice cream, and garnish with some extra fresh strawberry slices for that beautiful finishing touch.

Freeze and Serve: Freeze the entire cake for 4-6 hours, or until it’s firm and set. Once frozen, remove the cake from the springform pan, slice, and serve!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4-6 hours (mostly freezing time)

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

This cake is absolutely perfect as a dessert for any occasion. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry syrup for a fun twist.
Pair it with a chilled glass of sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Top with some extra fresh berries or mint for an added pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought shortcake or pound cake for the crust.
For an extra layer of flavor, mix some crumbled graham crackers into the shortcake crumbs.
You can switch up the ice cream flavor—vanilla, chocolate, or even cookies and cream would work well!
Make sure to let the cake freeze long enough to allow the layers to set—this ensures the cake holds its shape when you cut into it.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of ice cream?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the strawberry ice cream for any flavor you love, like vanilla, chocolate, or mint chocolate chip.

4. How do I prevent the cake from melting while serving?
Serve the cake straight from the freezer, and only let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.

5. Can I add a different topping besides whipped cream?
Yes! You can top it with chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or fruit compote.

6. How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the freezer for up to a week.

7. Can I use dairy-free ice cream?
Yes! You can use dairy-free or vegan ice cream to make this dessert completely dairy-free.

8. Can I make this cake without the whipped cream topping?
Absolutely! You can skip the whipped cream or replace it with a dollop of coconut cream for a lighter option.

9. Can I make this cake smaller or larger?
Yes! You can easily adjust the size by using a smaller or larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the layers accordingly.

10. Can I freeze individual slices of this cake?
Yes! After the cake is frozen and set, you can slice it and wrap each slice individually for easy, grab-and-go servings.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is the dessert of your dreams it’s cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The layers of shortcake, ice cream, and whipped cream come together to create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a slice on a sunny afternoon, this cake is sure to make any moment feel special. So, gather your ingredients, assemble the layers, and get ready to impress with this irresistible dessert!

Print