Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Have you ever wondered how to combine the joy of a classic strawberry shortcake with the coolness of ice cream? The answer lies in the heavenly delight of a Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake! This dessert embodies the best of both worlds, and with just the right blend of textures and flavors, it will undoubtedly impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into a delightful recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brightens any celebration.

Ingredients Needed

For making a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 30 golden Oreo cookies – These provide a rich, buttery base and a delightful crunch.
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and divided (4 tablespoons for crust and 2 for cookie crunch) – Adds richness and binds the crust and crunch together.
• 1½ tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a fun color.
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (Blue Bell brand recommended) – Offers a smooth, creamy foundation.
• 2 cups strawberry ice cream (Blue Bell brand recommended) – Adds fruity flavor and is the star layer of this dessert.
• 4 ounces whipped topping (thawed) – Adds a light, fluffy finish, making the dessert feel airy and light.

These ingredients combine harmoniously to create a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy to make and delicious to devour.

Timing

Let’s break down the time needed to whip up your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake.

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Freezing time: 2 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average cake recipe when considering assembly and freezing.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by adding 18 golden Oreo cookies into a food processor. Pulse for 15-30 seconds until fine crumbs form. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 freezer-safe baking pan. Place this pan in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to set.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cookie Crunch

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large zip-top bag, place the remaining 12 golden Oreo cookies and crush them into a coarse crumble with a rolling pin. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons melted butter with 1½ tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder until dissolved, then combine with the crushed cookies. Spread this mixture onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Once cooled, break up any larger chunks.

Step 3: Layer the Ice Cream

Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and allow it to soften for about 5-8 minutes. Spread it evenly over the cookie crust, using an offset spatula to create a smooth layer. Return the pan to the freezer for 30 minutes until firm. Next, allow the strawberry ice cream to soften and then spread it over the vanilla layer carefully to maintain the distinct layers.

Step 4: The Topping

Once the strawberry layer is set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly and sprinkle the cooled strawberry cookie crunch on top. Return the entire cake to the freezer for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Ensure it’s fully set before slicing.

Nutritional Information

For those conscious of their diet, here’s a brief overview of the nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 3g

These figures could vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.

Healthier Alternatives For Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Want to lighten up your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake? Here are a few suggestions:

• Substitute the Oreo cookies with whole grain or gluten-free cookies to make the crust.
• Opt for low-fat or non-dairy ice cream to cut down the calories.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping for a protein boost that still feels indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

Present your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake in style! Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

• Drizzle with a homemade strawberry sauce for added flair.
• Serve slices with fresh strawberries for a burst of freshness.
• Pair with a scoop of extra vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate dessert combination.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Creating the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake can be simple—if you avoid these common pitfalls:

• Not letting the layers freeze properly can lead to a messy slice.
• Mixing the ice cream layers instead of carefully spreading them can diminish the visual appeal.
• Forgetting to coat cookie crunch with butter can lead to a dry texture.

Storing Tips For Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

To keep your cake fresh:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.
• Clearly label the container for easy identification and date.
• For best results, consume the leftovers within a week.

Conclusion

Creating a Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is easier than you think, combining delicious flavors and textures into one impressive dessert. With this detailed recipe, you can surprise and delight your loved ones at your next gathering. Give it a try and let your taste buds experience a slice of happiness! Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments below or explore our other delightful recipes for a full dessert experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors of ice cream?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like chocolate or cookies and cream for unique variations.

How can I make this a vegan dessert?

Use dairy-free ice creams and a plant-based whipped topping to create a vegan version of this recipe.

Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Definitely! In fact, making it the day before allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How do I cut the cake uniformly?

Dip a sharp knife in warm water before slicing to ensure clean cuts through the layers.

Can I add fruit into the ice cream layers?

Yes! Chopped fresh strawberries can be added to the strawberry ice cream for extra fruitiness. Enjoy making this delightful dessert!

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