This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake perfectly balances the light, airy texture of angel food cake with the creamy sweetness of strawberry ice cream and the freshness of juicy strawberries. The layers create a visually stunning dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent—ideal for warm weather or any special occasion.
Whipped cream adds a silky, cloud-like finish that complements the tartness of the berries, while the frozen layers keep every bite cool and satisfying. This no-bake dessert is easy to assemble yet impresses with its sophisticated presentation and classic flavors, making it a beloved treat for family gatherings, summer parties, or simply an elegant everyday indulgence.
Full Recipe:
-
1 (9-inch) round angel food cake
-
1 quart strawberry ice cream, softened
-
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
-
1 cup heavy whipping cream
-
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Additional sliced strawberries for garnish
Directions:
-
Line a 9-inch springform pan with plastic wrap for easy removal.
-
Slice the angel food cake horizontally into two even layers.
-
Place one cake layer in the bottom of the springform pan.
-
Spread half of the softened strawberry ice cream evenly over the cake layer.
-
Sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries over the ice cream layer.
-
Place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently.
-
Spread the remaining ice cream over the second cake layer.
-
Add the remaining sliced strawberries on top.
-
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
-
Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
-
Remove the cake from the springform pan, discard the plastic wrap, and frost the top and sides with the whipped cream.
-
Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Freeze Time: 4+ hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is a beloved dessert that marries two classic favorites: the light, fluffy texture of angel food cake and the creamy, refreshing nature of strawberry ice cream. This no-bake dessert has become a go-to treat for warm weather celebrations, family gatherings, and anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Its layers of softness, creaminess, and fresh fruit combine to create a perfectly balanced dessert that is both indulgent and light.
History and Origins
The traditional strawberry shortcake dates back to the 19th century and has always been a staple in American and British dessert culture. Originally, it was a simple combination of biscuit or sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Over time, variations emerged to incorporate ice cream and other frozen elements to create a more decadent experience. This modern take with strawberry ice cream and angel food cake brings a refreshing twist to the nostalgic classic, making it perfect for hot summer days when a cold dessert is a must-have.
Why Use Angel Food Cake?
Angel food cake plays a crucial role in this dessert. Known for its incredibly light and airy texture, this cake is made primarily from whipped egg whites, which gives it a low-fat and fluffy profile. Unlike heavier cakes, angel food cake does not weigh down the dessert. Instead, it acts as a delicate foundation that absorbs the subtle sweetness of the strawberry ice cream and the freshness of the berries. The cake’s mild flavor also complements rather than competes with the other components, allowing the strawberry flavors to shine.
The Role of Strawberry Ice Cream
Using strawberry ice cream instead of traditional whipped cream or mousse elevates the dessert by adding richness and creaminess that perfectly contrasts with the cake’s texture. The ice cream layer offers a cool and refreshing element that makes this dessert ideal for warm weather. Softening the ice cream before assembling the cake ensures smooth layering and easy spreading, while freezing the final product helps it set into a neat, sliceable cake. The natural strawberry flavor in the ice cream intensifies the berry experience when paired with fresh strawberries.
Fresh Strawberries: The Star Ingredient
Fresh strawberries are vital to the success of this dessert. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness add freshness and brightness that balance the richness of the ice cream and creaminess of the whipped topping. Slicing the strawberries and layering them between the cake and ice cream creates bursts of juicy texture throughout every bite. Additionally, garnishing the cake with extra strawberries on top enhances its visual appeal, making the dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whipped Cream: The Perfect Finishing Touch
Topping the cake with freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture that completes the dessert’s multi-dimensional mouthfeel. The slight sweetness and vanilla notes in the whipped cream complement the strawberries and ice cream, tying the flavors together. Whipping the cream to stiff peaks ensures it holds shape beautifully on the cake, creating an elegant presentation. This topping also provides a cool contrast to the frozen ice cream layers, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Easy No-Bake Dessert for Any Occasion
One of the greatest benefits of this Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is its simplicity. It requires no baking beyond the purchase of angel food cake, and assembly is straightforward. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re planning a birthday, summer picnic, or a casual weekend treat, this dessert adapts beautifully to any occasion. It’s also a crowd-pleaser across all ages, making it a versatile recipe to have in your repertoire.
Variations and Customizations
This dessert is highly customizable depending on your preferences and seasonal availability. You can substitute the strawberry ice cream with other fruit-flavored ice creams such as raspberry or blueberry for a different twist. For those wanting a lower-sugar option, opt for no-sugar-added ice cream or homemade frozen yogurt. You can also replace fresh strawberries with other fresh berries or a mix of fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
For a dairy-free or vegan adaptation, consider using a dairy-free angel food cake recipe, coconut milk-based strawberry ice cream, and whipped coconut cream as the topping. The structure and layered effect remain the same while accommodating dietary needs.
Storage and Serving Tips
Since this is an ice cream cake, it must be stored in the freezer until ready to serve. To maintain its texture and flavor, keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn or absorption of other freezer odors. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to cut and enhancing the flavors. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean, neat slices.
Nutritional Considerations
This dessert balances indulgence with a relatively light profile thanks to the use of angel food cake and fresh fruit. While it contains sugar and cream, the fresh strawberries provide fiber and antioxidants. Portion control is key to enjoying this treat without overindulgence. For those with dietary restrictions, simple ingredient swaps can reduce calories or make the dessert allergen-friendly without sacrificing taste or texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is an exceptional dessert that combines nostalgia with modern convenience and elegance. Its layered construction of airy angel food cake, creamy strawberry ice cream, and fresh berries offers a multi-textured, flavor-rich experience that delights the senses. Easy to assemble and visually stunning, this dessert is perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or simply to treat yourself on a warm day. With plenty of customization options, it suits a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a classic or put your own spin on it, this dessert promises a memorable and refreshing finale to any meal.