Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake combines the beloved flavors of strawberry shortcake into a delightful, frozen dessert that is sure to impress! This layered cake features a buttery golden sandwich cookie crust, smooth vanilla and strawberry ice cream, and a crunchy topping of freeze-dried strawberries and cookie crumbs. The textures range from creamy to crunchy, and the flavors are rich yet refreshing. The vibrant color of strawberries juxtaposed with the creamy ice cream makes it visually appealing, perfect for any occasion!

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Complete Ingredients List

• 30 golden sandwich cookies, divided
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 5 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened, divided
• 4 cups strawberry ice cream, slightly softened
• 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries, divided

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Golden Sandwich Cookies: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free sandwich cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers.
• Ice Cream: Swap vanilla ice cream for any flavor that complements strawberries, such as coconut or almond. Use dairy-free ice cream to make it vegan-friendly.
• Butter: Substitute melted coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, fresh diced strawberries can work, but be aware this may alter the crunchiness of your topping.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line the bottom and sides of an 8”-x-8” baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2” overhang on each side. This overhang will make it easier to lift your finished cake out of the pan.

Step 2: Make the Base

In a food processor, blitz 20 golden sandwich cookies with the salt until they turn into fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla Ice Cream Layer

In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of vanilla ice cream until smooth. Carefully spread this layer on top of the partially frozen cookie crust, ensuring it is even throughout. Freeze the crust with the vanilla layer for at least 30 minutes more.

Step 4: Incorporate the Strawberry Ice Cream

Take the same bowl and mix the strawberry ice cream until it reaches a smooth consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup of freeze-dried strawberries. Slowly spread this strawberry ice cream layer on top of the vanilla layer and freeze for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunch Topping

In the food processor, pulse the remaining 10 sandwich cookies along with the remaining 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries until they form pea-sized crumbs. This will serve as your crunchy topping for extra texture.

Step 6: Final Layer of Vanilla Ice Cream

Mix the remaining 1 1/2 cups of vanilla ice cream until smooth. Spread this final layer on top of the strawberry ice cream layer, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the cookie and strawberry crumbs evenly over the top, pressing them down gently to help them stick.

Step 7: Freeze the Entire Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it sets completely. Alternatively, you can cover and freeze it for up to a week.

When it’s finally time to serve, lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut it into 9 square or 8 rectangular pieces with a sharp knife and enjoy this frozen delight!

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake chilled straight from the freezer. If it’s been frozen for a long time, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before slicing, as this will make cutting easier.

When plating, consider using a warm knife to slice through the layers cleanly without creating a mess. You can serve it out of the pan or present it on a decorative platter for a festive occasion.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Drizzle a strawberry sauce or chocolate syrup over the top for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also complement the dessert well, adding a touch of tanginess. For added crunch, consider garnishing with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Best Storage Methods

To store your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake, keep it in the freezer, covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 1 week if properly sealed.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

Since this is an ice cream cake, no reheating is necessary! If you find the cake too hard after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before cutting.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Overmixing Ice Cream: While blending the ice cream, mix it just enough to achieve a smooth consistency. Overmixing may cause it to melt and create ice crystals.
2. Not Freezing Layers Long Enough: Each layer should be sufficiently frozen before adding the next one. This ensures distinct layers without blending.
3. Skipping the Parchment Paper: Avoiding parchment can make removing the cake problematic; the overhang is crucial for lifting the cake after freezing.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use Quality Ice Cream: Higher-quality ice cream often contains less air and will yield a denser, creamier texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare this cake a day or two in advance to allow all layers to set properly. This not only saves time on the day of the event but also enhances the flavors.
• Customize the Layers: Feel free to add more layers if you desire; alternate flavors can create a beautiful and delicious treat.

Fun Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Try layering with different fruits such as peaches, blueberries, or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake delight. You can also switch up the ice cream to include flavors like lemon or mint for a refreshing twist.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

To create a vegan version, replace the dairy ice cream with coconut milk or almond milk ice cream and use vegan sandwich cookies. For a lower-sugar option, consider using sugar-free ice creams or alternative sweeteners in the ice cream preparation.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cake is too dry, it might not have enough moisture; try adding more ice cream layers or use more freeze-dried strawberries. If it didn’t set properly, your layers may not have been frozen long enough. It can still be enjoyed as a melting sundae!

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! This cake is best made a day in advance, allowing all the flavors to meld. Just be sure to store it correctly in the freezer with ample cover to prevent freezer burn.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Common swaps include using almond milk in place of regular milk for a creamy base or swapping regular ice cream for fruit-flavored versions. If you’re avoiding gluten, make sure your sandwich cookies are gluten-free.

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