Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is the ultimate summer dessert, perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any festive gathering. With its layers of creamy strawberry ice cream, a buttery Golden Oreo crust, and delightful homemade strawberry crunch topping, this treat is sure to impress your guests. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, it combines the best elements of traditional strawberry shortcake with the fun of ice cream cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation time. Just assemble the layers, and you’re done!
• Delicious Layers: Enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy strawberry ice cream and crunchy Golden Oreos.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests.
• Homemade Flavor: With fresh ingredients and a homemade crunch topping, every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: Children love this sweet treat, making it a hit at family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful cake, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly during preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 inch pan: This size allows for perfect layering of the ice cream cake.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Helps with easy removal of the cake from the pan.
• Electric mixer: Makes it easier to achieve a smooth consistency in frosting and mixtures.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 22 Golden Oreos (wafers and filling, or other vanilla sandwich cookies)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams) (melted)

For the Ice Cream Layer

• 2 pints strawberry ice cream (1 litre)

For the Frosting

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (168 grams) (slightly softened, but not starting to melt)
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar (220 – 330 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (30-45 ml) (or whipping cream)

For the Crunch Topping

• 1/4 cup freeze dried strawberries
• 10 Golden Oreos (or other vanilla sandwich cookies)

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil so that there’s an overhang around the edges. This makes it easy to lift out your cake later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Crush 22 Golden Oreos in a mixing bowl until fine crumbs form.
2. Mix in melted butter until combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a crust layer.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Ice Cream Layer

1. Allow strawberry ice cream to soften slightly for easy spreading.
2. Spread an even layer of strawberry ice cream over the crust in the pan.
3. Freeze for about 2 hours or until solid.

Step 4: Prepare Vanilla Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat slightly softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add salt, vanilla extract, and milk; mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

1. Once the ice cream layer is set, spread an even layer of frosting on top.
2. Combine freeze-dried strawberries with crushed Golden Oreos for crunch topping.
3. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the frosting.

Step 6: Final Freeze

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least another 2 hours before serving. Slice into pieces and enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Serving your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can be as delightful as making it. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a birthday party, here are some fun ways to present this delicious dessert.

Individual Servings

• Use small dessert cups for individual servings. This makes it easy for guests to grab their portion and enjoy.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with fresh strawberries or blueberries for an added burst of flavor and color. This enhances the cake’s fruity essence.

A Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce

• Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top before serving. The rich chocolate complements the strawberry beautifully.

Ice Cream Scoops

• Serve alongside a scoop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream. This adds extra creaminess and elevates the dessert experience.

Garnish with Mint

• Place a mint leaf on top for a refreshing touch. It not only looks good but also adds a hint of freshness.

Whipped Cream

• Offer whipped cream on the side for those who love an extra creamy texture. Guests can add as much or as little as they prefer.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality strawberry ice cream and fresh strawberries to enhance flavor.

• Chill Properly: Allow the cake to chill adequately before serving. This helps it hold its shape better when cut.

• Create Even Layers: Take time to layer the ice cream evenly. This ensures every bite has a balanced flavor.

• Let it Set: After assembling, let the cake freeze for at least four hours. This helps all layers meld together nicely.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix different ice cream flavors or add other fruits for variety in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the sweetness of the cake nicely.

2. Grilled Peaches: Serve warm grilled peaches drizzled with honey for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

3. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese that can balance the sweetness of the cake.

4. Pineapple Salsa: A tangy pineapple salsa adds zest and freshness that pairs well with dessert flavors.

5. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying the sweet cake.

6. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty-sweet snacks offer a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using warm butter: Melted butter should not be too hot when mixing with the Golden Oreos. Allow it to cool slightly before combining to avoid a greasy crust.

• Not letting ice cream soften: If you don’t let the strawberry ice cream soften slightly before spreading, it will be hard to layer. Take it out of the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Forgetting to line your pan with parchment paper can make removing the cake difficult. Always use parchment or foil with an overhang for easy lifting.

• Overmixing frosting: When making the vanilla frosting, overmixing can lead to a grainy texture. Mix just until combined and fluffy for a smoother finish.

• Ignoring freeze-dried strawberries: Not using freeze-dried strawberries in your crunch topping means missing out on flavor and texture. These add a delicious crunch and enhance the overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

• If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes. This is best for keeping the texture intact.

• Microwave: Heat slices in the microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to melt the ice cream too much.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake?

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of creamy strawberry ice cream, vanilla frosting, and a crunchy base made from Golden Oreos or similar cookies.

Can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake?

Absolutely! You can customize it by using different ice cream flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or even adding fresh fruit between the layers for extra flavor.

How long does it take to make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake?

The total time required is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, which includes preparation and freezing time. The actual prep is around 30 minutes.

Is there an alternative crust for this cake?

Yes! You can substitute Golden Oreos with graham crackers or other types of vanilla sandwich cookies if you prefer a different flavor profile in your crust.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! It’s perfect for making ahead of time since it freezes well. Just ensure it’s stored properly so it maintains its freshness until serving.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for summer gatherings or birthdays, this dessert allows you to play around with flavors and toppings. Don’t hesitate to try different variations based on your preferences; customization makes every bite unique! Enjoy making this delightful treat!

SEO Information