Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Magical Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Summer Joy

Cool summer afternoons demand something special, and this strawberry shortcake ice cream cake recipe delivers pure delight.

Sweet strawberries dance with creamy layers in a dessert that melts hearts instantly.

Every bite combines the classic charm of shortcake with rich, refreshing ice cream goodness.

Layers of tender cake and luscious strawberry ice cream create a dreamy combination that feels both familiar and exciting.

The contrasting textures and vibrant flavors make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

Smooth whipped cream and fresh strawberry pieces crown this heavenly creation, promising a memorable treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and unleash a dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Delight

For Cake Base:
  • Vanilla Cookies: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation for the dessert with rich buttery flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Binds cookie crumbs together, creating a sturdy and delicious crust that holds the cake's structure.
For Fruity Layer:
  • Frozen Strawberries: Delivers intense berry flavor and natural sweetness, perfect for creating a vibrant fruit sauce.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances strawberry tartness and helps create smooth, glossy strawberry compote.
  • Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create ideal sauce consistency.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry sauce, preventing excess liquid and ensuring perfect texture.
For Creamy Element:
  • Chapman's Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream: Delivers signature dessert flavor, combining creamy ice cream with classic strawberry shortcake taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious texture in the final dessert.

Ice Cream Cake Tools for Strawberry Shortcake Lovers

  • Medium pan: Essential for cooking strawberry sauce.
  • Immersion blender or potato masher: Perfect for pureeing or mashing strawberry sauce.
  • Whisk: Helps mix cream and cornstarch smoothly.
  • 9: Key for layering and easy cake removal.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures clean removal and clean slicing.
  • Mixing bowl: Great for combining crushed cookies and melted butter.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading layers evenly.
  • Knife: For slicing cake when serving.

Layer-by-Layer Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Tutorial

  • Strawberry Sauce Preparation

Create a vibrant, sweet sauce by gently cooking strawberries with sugar until they break down and release their natural juices.

  • Sauce Thickening

Enhance the sauce’s texture by incorporating a creamy cornstarch mixture, creating a luscious, smooth consistency.

  • Cookie Base Foundation

Crush classic cookies and blend with melted butter to form a buttery, crumbly foundation for your frozen masterpiece.

  • Ice Cream Layer Assembly

Soften premium vanilla ice cream and carefully spread it over the cookie base, creating smooth, creamy layers.

  • Sauce Drizzling

Generously pour the homemade strawberry sauce between ice cream layers, adding bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cake.

  • Freezing Magic

Allow the assembled dessert to set in the freezer, transforming into a perfectly structured, delightfully cold treat.

  • Celebratory Serving

Garnish the chilled cake with dollops of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, making each slice a beautiful celebration of summer flavors.

Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Tips and Flavor Boosts

  • Freeze your cake pan beforehand to help the layers set more quickly and evenly.
  • Experiment with different cookie types like graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a unique base.
  • Prepare the strawberry sauce up to a week in advance and store in the refrigerator for convenience.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier and improve overall texture.
  • Replace vanilla ice cream with strawberry or pound cake ice cream for an extra fruity twist.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

  • Berry Bliss Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert spread by arranging cake slices on a beautiful wooden board, garnished with fresh mint leaves and extra strawberry sauce drizzled artistically around each slice.
  • Summer Celebration Centerpiece: Transform this cake into a show-stopping dessert for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or family gatherings by adding sparkler candles or colorful edible flowers for extra festive flair.
  • Picnic Perfect Portions: Cut cake into smaller rectangular slices, wrap individually in parchment paper, and pack in a cooler for an elegant outdoor dessert that travels beautifully and impresses friends during beach or park outings.
  • Gourmet Gift Idea: Package individual slices in clear gift boxes with a ribbon, creating a delightful homemade present for birthdays, summer potlucks, or as a sweet thank-you surprise for special friends and neighbors.

Planning Ahead with Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

  • Smart Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare this delightful ice cream cake up to 5 days in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in the freezer to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Slice and Serve Technique: Cut clean cake slices by running a sharp knife under hot water between each cut, ensuring smooth and picture-perfect servings that wow guests.
  • Portion Control Magic: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for grab-and-go dessert options that stay fresh for up to 3 weeks in the freezer.
  • Strawberry Sauce Bonus: Extra strawberry sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, perfect for drizzling over other desserts or breakfast treats.
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Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream cake combines classic dessert flavors in a refreshing summer treat. Layers of sweet strawberries, crumbly shortcake, and creamy vanilla ice cream create a delightful dessert you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 litres (0.5 gallons) Chapman’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
  • 4 cups (520 g) frozen strawberries
  • 3 cups crushed vanilla cookies
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (118 ml) water
  • ½ cup (113 g) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Strawberry Sauce Preparation: Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan, simmering until fruits break down and release natural juices, then blend until smooth and incorporate cornstarch for thickening.
  2. Cracker Base Creation: Pulverize graham crackers and merge with melted butter, forming a cohesive crumbly mixture that will serve as the cake’s foundational layer.
  3. Pan Preparation: Line a springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring seamless cake extraction and preventing potential sticking.
  4. Initial Layer Construction: Press half of the graham cracker mixture into the pan’s bottom, creating a uniform and compact base for the ice cream.
  5. Ice Cream Layering: Allow vanilla ice cream to soften, then spread evenly across the graham cracker foundation, covering the entire surface with a smooth, consistent layer.
  6. Sauce Infusion: Generously drizzle the prepared strawberry sauce over the ice cream, creating an artistic marbled pattern that enhances visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  7. Secondary Layering: Repeat the process by adding remaining graham cracker mixture and another ice cream layer, finishing with additional strawberry sauce decoration.
  8. Freezing and Setting: Place the assembled cake in the freezer, allowing it to solidify completely for 6-8 hours or preferably overnight to ensure structural integrity.
  9. Final Presentation: Before serving, adorn the cake with freshly whipped cream and delicately sliced strawberries, elevating both visual aesthetics and taste profile.

Notes

  • Soften Ice Cream Strategically: Remove vanilla ice cream 30-45 minutes before assembling to achieve perfect spreadability without melting completely.
  • Create Smooth Crumb Base: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling and ensure a stable foundation for the ice cream layers.
  • Control Strawberry Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce carefully to develop deep flavor and prevent burning, aiming for a slightly thickened, glossy texture.
  • Freeze for Perfect Setting: Allow minimum 6-8 hours of freezing time, preferably overnight, to guarantee a well-structured and easily sliceable ice cream cake.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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