Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate dessert to impress your guests! It combines layers of creamy strawberry shortcake ice cream with a crunchy cookie crust and a sweet homemade strawberry sauce. This no-bake treat is perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or any gathering where you want to serve something special. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires no baking, making it simple for anyone to whip up.
• Deliciously Refreshing: The combination of strawberries and ice cream offers a delightful taste that’s perfect for warm days.
• Customizable Layers: You can easily modify the layers or add your favorite toppings for a unique twist.
• Great for Sharing: With 10 servings, this cake is ideal for gatherings with friends and family.
• Visually Stunning: The layers create an eye-catching dessert that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Saucepan: Used to make the homemade strawberry sauce, ensuring even heating.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth texture in sauces and mixtures.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading ice cream evenly and layering your cake.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Sauce

• 4 cups frozen strawberries (about 520g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch

For the Ice Cream Cake Layers

• 2 litres Chapman’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
• 3 cups crushed vanilla cookies
• 1/2 cup melted butter

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine the frozen strawberries, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down, stirring frequently.
3. In a small bowl, mix the corn starch with some cold water until smooth. Add it to the strawberry mixture.
4. Continue to cook while stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the heavy cream. Mix well.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla cookies with the melted butter. Stir until fully mixed.
2. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.

Step 3: Layer in the Ice Cream

1. Scoop half of the Chapman’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream onto the cookie crust.
2. Spread it evenly across the crust using a spatula.
3. Pour half of the cooled strawberry sauce over this layer.

Step 4: Repeat Layers

1. Add another layer of remaining ice cream on top of the strawberry sauce.
2. Finish with the rest of the strawberry sauce poured on top.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

1. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
2. Slice into squares and serve chilled for an unforgettable dessert experience!

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Serving your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can elevate the dessert experience. There are various ways to enjoy this delicious treat that will impress your guests.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a chilled plate for a refreshing touch.
• Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for extra flavor.

Parfait Style

• Layer pieces of the ice cream cake in a glass with additional strawberry sauce and crushed cookies.
• This creates a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for parties.

Mini Cakes

• Use a round cookie cutter to create mini versions of the cake for individual servings.
• These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings or casual get-togethers.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices of ice cream cake with assorted fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
• This adds a pop of color and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Perfecting your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Invest in premium ice cream and fresh strawberries to enhance the flavors.

• Chill Your Tools: Before assembling, chill your mixing bowls and utensils. This helps maintain the texture of the ice cream while preparing.

• Crush Cookies Properly: Make sure your vanilla cookies are crushed into fine crumbs for better adhesion and texture in the base.

• Layer Evenly: When layering components, ensure even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can complement its sweetness beautifully. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Minty Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad provides a crisp contrast that enhances the dessert’s rich flavors.
3. Lemon Sorbet: A tangy sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites, highlighting the strawberry flavor.
4. Creamy Yogurt Dip: A light yogurt dip can be served alongside fruit skewers, adding a creamy element without overpowering.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats pair beautifully with the ice cream cake, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
6. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor that complements strawberries well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dessert’s success.

• Using thawed strawberries: Always use frozen strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Fresh strawberries can become mushy and alter the consistency of your sauce.
• Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial, especially for the sugar and cornstarch. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping chilling time: If you don’t allow your ice cream cake to chill properly, it may not hold its shape. Be sure to freeze it for at least 4 hours before serving.
• Overmixing the sauce: Stir gently when combining the strawberry sauce ingredients. Overmixing can make the sauce too watery and less flavorful.
• Using subpar cookies: The type of cookies matters! Choose high-quality vanilla cookies for a better flavor and texture in your crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The cake will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

• Oven: Not recommended as it is best enjoyed cold.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 10-15 seconds if needed.
• Stovetop: Avoid reheating on the stovetop since this dessert is meant to be served cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake.

What is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake?

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is a layered dessert made with strawberry ice cream, a crunchy cookie crust, and homemade strawberry sauce.

How do I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake?

You can customize this cake by adding different flavors of ice cream or using various cookie types for the crust, like chocolate or lemon cookies.

Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Just allow sufficient time for it to freeze properly before serving.

How do I make homemade strawberry sauce?

To make homemade strawberry sauce, simmer frozen strawberries with sugar and water until thickened. Blend if you prefer a smoother texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. You can easily customize it with different flavors or toppings. Try making it for your next gathering—everyone will love it!