Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe yields 16 servings and is perfect for a summer treat or any celebration. Please note that ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted when scaling the recipe, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Some recipes may not scale perfectly.

• 2 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Topping
• 16 to 20 vanilla ice cream sandwiches with vanilla outside wafers, such as Prairie Farms Double Vanilla ice cream sandwiches
• 16 ounces whipped topping
• 1/2 cup strawberry ice cream topping
• 1 cup sliced strawberries

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and refreshing ice cream dessert.

1. Begin by preparing the strawberry ice cream topping according to the recipe. Measure out 2 1/2 cups of the topping, and set aside the remaining portion for future use.
2. Next, arrange half of the ice cream sandwiches in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish.
3. Spread half of the whipped topping evenly over the ice cream sandwiches.
4. Drizzle the strawberry ice cream topping evenly over the whipped topping, and then layer the sliced strawberries on top.
5. Sprinkle half of the crunchy ice cream topping over the strawberries for added texture and flavor.
6. Add the remaining ice cream sandwiches in a single layer on top of the previous layers.
7. Top the second layer of ice cream sandwiches with the remaining whipped topping and crunchy ice cream topping.
8. Cover the dish and freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the dessert to set.

Once frozen, serve and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert!

History and Origins of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

The Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is a delightful evolution of the classic strawberry shortcake, which traces its roots back to 16th-century Europe. The original dessert combined fresh strawberries with sweetened biscuits and cream. When American cooks adopted the recipe in the 19th century, they began experimenting with frozen desserts, paving the way for ice cream variations. The Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake, as we know it today, emerged in the mid-20th century when home refrigeration made layering ice cream with sponge or biscuit bases more accessible. This fusion dessert quickly became popular as a celebratory treat for birthdays and summer gatherings.

Regional Variations

While the dessert is popular across the United States, regional differences subtly influence its preparation. In the South, its common to use buttery, flaky shortcake biscuits, adding a slightly savory balance to the sweetness of the ice cream. In the Midwest, pre-packaged ice cream sandwiches often serve as the base, streamlining the process for busy households. On the West Coast, some variations incorporate fresh organic strawberries and artisanal whipped toppings to highlight seasonal produce, giving the dessert a lighter, more refined flavor profile.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

Though reminiscent of classic strawberry shortcake and traditional ice cream cakes, the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake stands out for its layered structure and textural contrasts. Unlike conventional ice cream cakes that use only sponge or cookie layers, this dessert combines ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and crunchy shortcake crumbs. The result is a multi-dimensional treat that is simultaneously creamy, crunchy, and fruity, offering a distinct sensory experience.

Where Its Typically Served

This ice cream cake is commonly served at summer parties, birthdays, and festive occasions. Due to its visually appealing layers and vibrant strawberry topping, its often presented as a centerpiece dessert. Many bakeries and ice cream parlors in the U.S. feature their own versions during the strawberry season, while home cooks frequently prepare it for family gatherings or holiday celebrations such as the Fourth of July.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake is sometimes called the lazy shortcake because it simplifies the traditional baking process by using ice cream sandwiches instead of baking individual cake layers.
• Layering techniques in this dessert help preserve the freshness of strawberries, preventing them from becoming soggy, unlike in some traditional shortcakes.
• Some variations include a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a sprinkle of toasted almonds to add extra flavor and texture.
• The dessert gained nationwide popularity after the 1950s when freezer-friendly recipes began appearing in American home magazines, making it accessible to households without professional baking tools.
• It remains a favorite for children and adults alike due to its combination of familiar ice cream flavors and the nostalgic taste of strawberry shortcake.

FAQ about Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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