A Strawberry & Ice Cream Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for those who love the combination of strawberries and creamy ice cream. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Filling and Topping:

  • 2 pints of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
  • 2 pints of strawberry or vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. While the cakes are cooling, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and set them aside to macerate for about 15-20 minutes. This will release some of the strawberry juices.
  8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry ice cream over the cake layer.
  9. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to secure it.
  10. Spread a layer of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of the second cake layer.
  11. Drain the macerated strawberries and spread them over the ice cream layer.
  12. If desired, you can decorate the top of the cake with whipped cream and garnish it with fresh mint leaves.
  13. Place the cake in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until the ice cream has set.
  14. Remove the cake from the freezer a few minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry & Ice Cream Cake, a delightful dessert perfect for warm weather or special occasions!