Strawberry ice cream cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of ice cream with the lightness of a cake. It layers a creamy strawberry ice cream between soft cake, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The cool sweetness of the strawberry ice cream is complemented by the fluffy cake, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. Often topped with whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate, it’s an easy yet impressive dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Deliciously Creamy: Strawberry ice cream cake combines the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream with the light, fluffy feel of cake, making each bite a perfect blend of two desserts you love.
Refreshing Sweetness: The fresh, sweet taste of strawberries adds a refreshing twist to the dessert, balancing the richness of the cake and ice cream for a light, satisfying treat.
Easy to Make: This cake doesn’t require a lot of preparation time, making it an easy and quick dessert to prepare, even for beginners. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients for a Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Making a strawberry ice cream cake is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat! Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Cake: A simple vanilla or sponge cake serves as the base of the cake. You can use store-bought or homemade cake, depending on your preference.
- Water: Used to help mix the cake batter and make the texture just right.
- Oil: Adds moisture to the cake, ensuring it doesn’t turn out dry.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and fluffiness, eggs help the cake rise and give it the right consistency.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: This is the star ingredient! You’ll need a good quality strawberry ice cream to layer over the cake.
- Cream: Fresh cream is used to top off the ice cream cake and give it a rich, smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream and helps stabilize it for better frosting.
How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
Here’s a list of all the necessary ingredients to prepare a strawberry ice cream cake:
Cake Layer:
- 1 box of vanilla or sponge cake mix (or homemade cake)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 eggs
Ice Cream Layer:
- 4 cups strawberry ice cream (softened)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Toppings:
- 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
- Fresh strawberries (sliced) for garnish
- Sprinkles or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Follow the instructions on the box of cake mix to prepare the cake. Bake in a 9-inch round cake pan for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before assembling the dessert.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened strawberry ice cream with the whipping cream and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until smooth. Make sure the ice cream is slightly softened but not melted.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is cool, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Place the bottom layer of cake into the cake pan. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry ice cream mixture over the cake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top of the ice cream.
- Freeze: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil, and place it in the freezer for 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm and the cake is set.
- Decorate and Serve: Once the cake is fully frozen, remove it from the pan. Spread whipped cream on top and decorate with fresh strawberries. You can also add sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra flair!
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Variation
One of the great things about strawberry ice cream cake is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations to try:
- Cake Base Variations: Instead of using a traditional sponge cake, you can experiment with a chocolate cake or even a cookie crust like Oreos or graham crackers for a more textured base.
- Ice Cream Flavors: While strawberry ice cream is the star of this cake, you can also mix it with other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even a swirl of caramel or mint for added depth of flavor.
- Add-ins: To enhance the flavor, try adding layers of crushed cookies, brownies, or fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries. A drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce on top adds an extra touch of decadence.
How to Serve Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
To serve strawberry ice cream cake, it’s important to let it sit out for a few minutes before cutting to make slicing easier. Here’s how you can serve it:
Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut through the ice cream and cake layers. If it’s too hard, run the knife under warm water to make clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake on its own or with extra toppings like whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For added texture, top each slice with a drizzle of fruit syrup or a scoop of sorbet.
Presentation: For a more festive touch, garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers to make the cake look as good as it tastes.
Storage Tips
To keep your strawberry ice cream cake fresh, follow these storage tips:
Freezer Storage: Since the cake is made with ice cream, store it in the freezer. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Shelf Life: The cake will last for about 1-2 weeks in the freezer. For the best texture, try to consume it within this time frame.
Serving: When you’re ready to serve, take the cake out of the freezer and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to cut. Never leave it at room temperature for long periods to maintain its creamy texture.
FAQs About Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
What is a strawberry ice cream cake?
A strawberry ice cream cake is a delicious dessert made with layers of cake and strawberry ice cream, often topped with whipped cream or frosting. It’s a perfect combination of fluffy cake and sweet, creamy ice cream.
Can I make strawberry ice cream cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare a strawberry ice cream cake in advance and store it in the freezer. This helps the layers set properly, and the cake can last for several days in the freezer.
What type of cake is used in a strawberry ice cream cake?
Typically, a sponge cake or a chocolate cake base is used in strawberry ice cream cakes. The light, airy texture of sponge cake complements the creamy ice cream perfectly.
How do I serve a strawberry ice cream cake?
To serve a strawberry ice cream cake, allow it to thaw for a few minutes before slicing. This will make cutting easier and give you the perfect balance of cake and ice cream in every bite.

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap or foil
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 1 box of vanilla or sponge cake mix (or homemade cake)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 eggs
Ice Cream Layer:
- 4 cups strawberry ice cream (softened)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Toppings:
- 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
- Fresh strawberries (sliced) for garnish
- Sprinkles or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Follow the instructions on the box of cake mix to prepare the cake. Bake in a 9-inch round cake pan for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before assembling the dessert.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened strawberry ice cream with the whipping cream and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until smooth. Make sure the ice cream is slightly softened but not melted.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is cool, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Place the bottom layer of cake into the cake pan. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry ice cream mixture over the cake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top of the ice cream.
- Freeze: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil, and place it in the freezer for 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm and the cake is set.
- Decorate and Serve: Once the cake is fully frozen, remove it from the pan. Spread whipped cream on top and decorate with fresh strawberries. You can also add sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra flair!