There is nothing quite as delightful on a warm day as a refreshing, fruity dessert, and this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe is pure magic in that department. Imagine layers of buttery vanilla cake, luscious strawberry filling, and creamy strawberry ice cream coming together in one irresistible cake. It’s a perfect celebration treat that’s surprisingly simple to make yet loaded with flavor and texture — from the tender crumb of the cake to the smooth, cold ice cream and the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special, this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe will sweep you off your feet with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A three-layer cake sitting on a white stand with a green base, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, golden-brown sponge cake. The middle layer is a thick light pink mousse with a slightly rough texture and small holes, sitting on a thin dark pink layer just above the sponge. On top, a creamy white frosting is being spread with a cake spatula held by a woman's hand, creating soft peaks and swirls. The background is a soft, plain white. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. These simple essentials combine to make a cake that’s both visually stunning and incredibly tasty.

Strawberry Ice Cream: Use either a store-bought carton or homemade no-churn strawberry ice cream for that creamy, fruity base layer.
All-purpose Flour: The foundation of your cake layer providing structure and a soft crumb.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and gives a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cake’s taste.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
Sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the strawberry filling perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to both cake and whipped cream frosting.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help with cake rise and texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the dry ingredients smoothly.
Fresh Strawberries: The heart of the filling and garnish, adding vibrant color and authentic strawberry flavor.
Heavy Cream (two amounts): Used in the strawberry filling and to make the whipped cream frosting, delivering creamy richness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to a perfect consistency without altering flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream for a silky finish.
Optional Gel Icing Colors and Sliced Strawberries: For decorating and making the cake visually stunning.

How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layer

The cake layer is what grounds this elegant dessert. Start by preparing an 8-inch cake pan with parchment and grease, setting your oven to 325°F (176°C). Mixing together your flour, baking powder, and salt first, you’ll then cream butter, sugar, and oil until that mixture is light and fluffy — this step is crucial for creating a tender texture. Adding eggs one by one, followed by your dry ingredients and milk, ensures everything blends evenly without overmixing. Pour your batter and bake until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs, then cool completely on a rack. This vanilla cake layer will be the perfect soft base for your filling and ice cream.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

This luscious strawberry filling is the soul of the cake, bursting with fresh berry flavor. Puree fresh strawberries until smooth, then reduce this puree on the stovetop until thickened — the slow cooking concentrates sweetness and flavor. You’ll then add a mixture of heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch to the strawberry reduction for a creamy, pudding-like filling. Cook it just enough to thicken, cool it down, and you have a rich layer to complement your cake and ice cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

It’s time to build this beautiful treat. Soften your strawberry ice cream just enough to spread it smoothly, then line your pan with clear wrap so you can easily lift the cake out later. Spread the softened ice cream evenly, followed by the cooled strawberry filling, and then chill briefly to firm. Trim any dome off your cake layer for a perfect fit, place it over the strawberry filling, and freeze the cake for several hours until completely solid. This step helps all the layers bond and makes slicing so much easier.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

The grand finale is your whipped cream frosting, whipped to stiff peaks with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a light, sweet finish. Spread this frosting over your frozen cake quickly to keep the ice cream firm, then decorate with fresh sliced strawberries and optional pink or red gel icing color for a festive look. This whipped cream topping makes the cake feel elegant without overpowering that strawberry flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe

A round cake with smooth white frosting is placed on a white cake stand with a wavy edge. The cake has two layers of decoration: the bottom layer shows evenly spaced, bright red strawberry slices pressed against the cake’s sides, and the top edge is decorated with a thick, ruffled border of light pink frosting. Under the strawberry slices, there is also a thin line of the same pink frosting piped in a textured pattern. The cake sits on a white marbled surface with a folded red cloth beneath the cake stand, and two strawberry halves lie on the cloth near the base of the stand. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple elegant touch can make all the difference when serving this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe. Fresh slices of ripe strawberries around the base or on top add a lovely natural color and hint at the flavors inside. You might also dust the top with a little powdered sugar or pipe on colored whipped cream borders to give it a professional bakery feel. These garnishes not only enhance the look but invite your guests to savor the freshness and sweetness of real strawberries right from the first glance.

Side Dishes

While this cake stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with some fresh mint leaves or even a sparkling rosé can elevate the experience. If you want to add a little contrast, a light fruit salad of citrus or berries can brighten the palate alongside the rich ice cream cake. For a cozy day, a crisp cup of coffee or a floral tea will complement the dessert’s sweetness perfectly without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your friends? Consider presenting your Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe on a colorful cake board or a delicate glass platter. Slice it into generous wedges and serve with a drizzle of berry coulis or a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side. You can even layer individual servings in clear dessert glasses to show off the beautiful layers of strawberry filling and ice cream for a trendy twist. Presentation is all about highlighting the fresh, inviting nature of this dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this cake contains ice cream, it’s best stored in the freezer immediately after making. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and to keep those fresh, strawberry flavors locked in. When stored properly, the cake stays delicious and creamy for up to one week — perfect for enjoying over several days or saving for a special occasion.

Freezing

This Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe is literally made for freezing, and the longer it chills, the easier it is to slice cleanly. Keep the cake well sealed in the freezer to avoid absorbing any unwanted odors and to maintain texture. You can freeze it for up to a month if wrapped carefully, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time for celebrations or just to treat yourself whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Since this cake is an icy delight, reheating is not recommended. Instead, to get the perfect serving consistency, remove the cake from the freezer about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to soften just enough for the ice cream to be creamy and the cake layers tender without melting it into a mess. Patience here is key to enjoying every heavenly bite.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought strawberry ice cream for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought strawberry ice cream works wonderfully and saves time, but if you want a more homemade touch, trying no-churn strawberry ice cream is a fantastic alternative.

Do I need to remove strawberry seeds from the puree?

If you prefer a smooth texture, straining the puree through a fine mesh sieve helps remove seeds, but it’s completely optional depending on your texture preference.

How long should I let the cake soften before serving?

About 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature will soften the ice cream layer enough for easy slicing and a creamy mouthfeel without melting the entire cake.

Can I make this cake without gelatin?

Yes, this recipe doesn’t use gelatin at all. The strawberry filling thickens naturally with cornstarch, and the ice cream sets the layers firmly when frozen.

What can I substitute for fresh strawberries if they’re out of season?

Frozen strawberries thawed and drained or a high-quality strawberry jam can work in a pinch, but fresh berries really do make the best flavor and texture for this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe enough when you want a show-stopping dessert that feels both fancy and approachable. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that brings summer’s best flavors into a beautiful cake form, and once you make it, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, treat yourself, and watch how everyone’s faces light up at the first slice!