Who doesn’t love the combination of ice cream and cake? Now imagine adding the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries to that mix. Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep things light and refreshing!
If you’ve ever struggled to find a crowd-pleasing summer treat, this cake is the perfect solution. It’s a cool, creamy dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a birthday party, this cake will be the star of the show.
Ready to whip up a treat everyone will love? Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful Strawberry Ice Cream Cake and bring smiles to every slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is an ideal dessert for birthdays, summer parties, or any celebration.
- Customizable Layers: You can tweak the cake and ice cream flavors, adding your personal touch.
- Balanced Textures: The contrast between the creamy ice cream and soft vanilla cake creates a delightful experience.
- Family-Friendly Recipe: This is a fun project for family baking days, and kids love helping with the ice cream layer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Vanilla Cake Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Ice Cream:
- 2 cups store-bought or homemade strawberry ice cream
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Strawberry syrup or sprinkles
How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layer
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
- Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices (about 10 minutes).
- Thicken the Filling: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the filling thickens (2-3 minutes). Set aside and let it cool completely.
Tip: Straining the strawberry mixture can remove seeds for a smoother filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers
- Soften the Ice Cream: Let the strawberry ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften.
- Layer the Ice Cream: Place the cooled vanilla cake back into the 8-inch cake pan. Spread a layer of softened strawberry ice cream over the cake.
- Add the Filling: Once the ice cream is evenly spread, add a layer of cooled strawberry filling on top.
- Freeze the Cake: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze the cake for at least 4-6 hours or until firm.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
- Chill Your Tools: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Whip the Cream: In the chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully frozen, remove it from the freezer. Frost the top and sides with whipped cream.
Step 5: Decorating and Serving
- Decorate the Cake: For a final touch, decorate with sliced fresh strawberries, strawberry syrup, or sprinkles. If you’re feeling extra creative, use colored whipped cream to pipe designs on top.
- Serve: Before serving, let the cake sit out for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for the cake to rise well.
- Chill the Ice Cream: Allow the ice cream layer to firm up before adding the strawberry filling. This prevents the layers from blending too much.
- Avoid Overmixing: When preparing the cake batter, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Strawberry Variety: Use sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can also mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist.
Variations You Can Try
- Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake: Swap the vanilla cake layer for chocolate cake to create a rich, indulgent version.
- Mixed Berry Ice Cream Cake: Combine strawberries with other summer berries like blackberries and blueberries for a mixed berry ice cream cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Storing and Freezing
How to Store
- In the Freezer: Store the Strawberry Ice Cream Cake in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Can This Be Prepared in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers and the strawberry filling a day or two in advance. Assemble the cake and store it in the freezer until ready to frost and serve.
FAQs
Can I Use Store-Bought Cake Mix for the Base?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a store-bought vanilla or strawberry cake mix will work just fine. Follow the package instructions and let it cool completely before assembling.
Can I Make This Cake Without Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute other fruits such as peaches, raspberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Ice Cream Cake is the perfect summer treat, blending creamy ice cream with layers of cake and rich strawberry filling. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. By following this recipe, you’ll create a visually stunning, delicious dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make sure to give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Feel free to get creative with the decorations and flavor variations, as this cake is versatile and fun to customize. Happy baking!