This Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe was such a fun and rewarding experience! I wanted to create a dessert that perfectly blended the lightness of a cake with the creamy indulgence of ice cream, and this recipe did just that.
The process started with the sweet aroma of vanilla cake baking in the oven, followed by the irresistible combination of fresh strawberries and cream.
As I layered the Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe, strawberry filling, and softened ice cream, I could already tell it was going to be amazing.
The whipped cream topping added a final touch of elegance, and when I cut into it, the layers looked just as beautiful as I imagined.
The flavors melded together perfectly, and each bite was a refreshing, indulgent treat. This Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe is perfect for any celebration!
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe a refreshing and visually appealing treat that is easy to prepare and loved by many.
How To Prepare Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including freezing time)
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
Make sure you have the following tools ready:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing
- Parchment paper for lining the cake pan
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake Layer:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150ml) milk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream, softened (let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink/Red gel icing color (optional)
How To Make Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layer
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, salt, softened butter, sugar, and milk. Mix well until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, heavy cream, and cornstarch. Stir over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens. Set aside and allow it to cool completely.
3. Assemble the Ice Cream Layer
Once the cake and strawberry filling are cool, spread softened vanilla ice cream evenly on top of the cake layer. Smooth it out with a spatula. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until the ice cream layer is firm.
4. Add the Strawberry Filling
Once the ice cream layer is set, spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the ice cream layer. Freeze again for about an hour to set the strawberry layer.
5. Whipped Cream Topping
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Optionally, add a few drops of pink or red gel icing color for a festive touch. Spread the whipped cream on top of the strawberry filling layer.
6. Freeze and Serve
Freeze the cake for at least 30 minutes to ensure everything is firm. Slice and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy!
Special Note
- You can customize this recipe by using strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla, or even adding some chocolate chips for extra texture.
- If you prefer a firmer filling, add a bit more cornstarch when cooking the strawberry mixture.
- For a more vibrant look, add some edible decorations or sprinkles on top of the whipped cream.
Expert Tips
1. While a box mix is convenient, baking your own vanilla cake from scratch adds a fresh, homemade touch. It also lets you adjust the sweetness to your liking.
2. Make sure the vanilla ice cream is softened just enough for easy spreading. If it’s too soft, it will melt and make the cake soggy. Just 10-15 minutes at room temperature is enough.
3. For a richer strawberry flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract to the strawberry filling. This will elevate the taste and add an extra layer of depth.
4. If you want a creamier, denser texture, swap out the ice cream for gelato. It will add a luxurious feel to each bite.
5. To prevent the layers from mixing when assembling, freeze the cake and ice cream layers for 15-20 minutes between assembly steps. This ensures the layers stay intact when you slice.
6. Add fresh strawberries on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. For extra flair, pipe whipped cream rosettes or drizzle some strawberry sauce.
Amazing Ideas For Decorate
For decorating your Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe, you can get creative with a few simple touches.
Try piping colorful whipped cream rosettes around the edges, or garnish the top with fresh, whole strawberries for a fresh, vibrant look.
Drizzle some strawberry or chocolate syrup over the top for an added pop of sweetness and visual appeal. You could also add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or even crushed pistachios for a little crunch.
For a fun, festive touch, edible flowers or sprinkles can give the cake a playful vibe, making it perfect for any celebration!
FAQs About Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Can I use store-bought ice cream for the cake?
Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry ice cream for this recipe. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before mixing it with the pureed strawberries to ensure a smooth and even consistency.
How far in advance can I make the strawberry ice cream cake?
You can prepare the strawberry ice cream cake up to two days in advance. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the freezer to maintain its freshness and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! While a graham cracker crust is traditional, you can substitute it with a chocolate cookie crust, vanilla wafer crust, or even a sponge cake layer if you prefer a different texture and flavor.
How do I ensure clean slices when serving the cake?
To get clean, neat slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water and wipe it dry before cutting each slice. Repeat this process for each cut to prevent the ice cream from sticking to the knife.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins to the ice cream layer?
Yes, you can customize the ice cream layer by adding other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or chunks of chocolate. Just make sure the additional ingredients are well-mixed and evenly distributed throughout the ice cream before freezing.
Conclusion
Creating a strawberry ice cream cake recipe at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that results in a delicious and visually stunning dessert.
This no-bake treat combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the creaminess of ice cream, all atop a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Perfect for summer gatherings or special celebrations, this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe is sure to impress your guests with both its flavor and presentation.
Enjoy the satisfaction of serving this beautiful and tasty cake, and savor the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces.
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Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for slicing)
- Parchment paper for lining the cake pan
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake Layer:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix or your favorite homemade recipe
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp 84g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup 155g sugar
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp 150ml milk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- ¼ cup 60ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream softened (let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink/Red gel icing color optional
Instructions
Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layer
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, salt, softened butter, sugar, and milk. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, heavy cream, and cornstarch. Stir over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens. Set aside and allow it to cool completely.
Assemble the Ice Cream Layer
- Once the cake and strawberry filling are cool, spread softened vanilla ice cream evenly on top of the cake layer. Smooth it out with a spatula. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until the ice cream layer is firm.
Add the Strawberry Filling
- Once the ice cream layer is set, spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the ice cream layer. Freeze again for about an hour to set the strawberry layer.
Whipped Cream Topping
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Optionally, add a few drops of pink or red gel icing color for a festive touch. Spread the whipped cream on top of the strawberry filling layer.
Freeze and Serve
- Freeze the cake for at least 30 minutes to ensure everything is firm. Slice and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy!