This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is the perfect treat for any occasion, combining juicy strawberries, velvety cream cheese, and crumbled cake into a delightful no-churn ice cream. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy nights in, this dessert stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe promises to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Step 3: Cool the Strawberries
- Step 4: Whip the Cream
- Step 5: Mix Cream Cheese
- Step 6: Combine Mixtures
- Step 7: Add Strawberries
- Step 8: Freeze the Mixture
- Step 9: Serve
- How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Serve in a Waffle Cone
- Top with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Sprinkle with Crushed Nuts
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Pair with Fresh Berries
- Create an Ice Cream Sundae
- How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
- How long does Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream last?
- Can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
- Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
- How do I serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No ice cream maker is required. Just mix and freeze!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or as a refreshing treat any time of year.
- No Churn Required: Skip the hassle of traditional ice cream making; this recipe is straightforward and quick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 16 servings, it’s great for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Medium-sized pot
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Freezer-safe containers
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for whipping cream to stiff peaks efficiently.
- Medium-sized pot: Used to cook down the strawberries and jam for maximum flavor.
- Spatula: Helps in folding ingredients gently without deflating the whipped cream.
Ingredients
This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream combines juicy strawberries, velvety cream cheese, and crumbled cake into a no churn ice cream delight.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup crumbled cake (or 3/4 cup crushed shortbread cookies)

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Add strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Continue boiling for an additional 8-10 minutes until juices are released. The strawberries should soften, and the sauce will thicken.
Step 3: Cool the Strawberries
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour to cool completely.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 5: Mix Cream Cheese
In a stand mixer bowl (or medium bowl), add cream cheese. Beat on medium-high speed while slowly adding condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Turn off the mixer. Gently fold in whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until well combined.
Step 7: Add Strawberries
Carefully fold in cooled strawberries into the batter just enough so that they create distinct swirls—avoid over-folding to keep some color contrast.
Step 8: Freeze the Mixture
Alternate layering ice cream mixture with crumbled cake in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for at least 5-7 hours before serving.
Step 9: Serve
Let the ice cream sit out for about 5 – 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping. Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is a delicious treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests and elevate your dessert experience.
Serve in a Waffle Cone
- A classic way to enjoy ice cream, waffle cones add a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the creamy texture of the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream.
Top with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top enhances the richness of the ice cream while offering a light and airy texture that balances the flavors.
Sprinkle with Crushed Nuts
- Chopped almonds or pecans can add a nutty crunch. Just sprinkle them on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A warm chocolate sauce creates a rich contrast against the fruity ice cream. Drizzle it over the top just before serving for an indulgent touch.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries to bring out the fruitiness. It adds freshness and makes for a vibrant presentation.
Create an Ice Cream Sundae
- Layer the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream with additional toppings like sprinkles, cherries, or crushed cookies for a fun and festive sundae experience.
How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips for best results.
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh berries provide the best flavor and texture, ensuring your ice cream is bursting with natural sweetness.
- Chill your mixing bowl: Before whipping the heavy cream, chill your mixing bowl in the freezer. This helps achieve stiff peaks more easily.
- Don’t over-mix: When folding in strawberries, mix gently. Over-mixing can turn your ice cream pink instead of allowing beautiful swirls.
- Taste as you go: Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed, depending on your preference for tartness or sweetness.
- Freeze thoroughly: Allow adequate freezing time (5-7 hours) to ensure the ice cream sets properly and has a scoopable consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
When enjoying Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, consider pairing it with delightful side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies provide a crumbly contrast that pairs wonderfully with creamy ice cream.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and enhances the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies make for a comforting side dish that appeals to everyone’s sweet tooth.
- Pound Cake Slices: Dense pound cake offers another layer of texture and flavor that enriches your dessert experience when served alongside.
- Peach Cobbler: The warm spices and sweet peaches create a lovely contrast to cold Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream.
- Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies provide indulgence and pair perfectly with creamy vanilla flavors in the ice cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the strawberry mixture to cool completely ensures that it won’t melt the whipped cream when combined. Be patient and refrigerate it for an hour.
- Overmixing the strawberries: When folding in the strawberries, do it gently. Overmixing will turn your ice cream pink instead of keeping those beautiful strawberry swirls intact.
- Not using room temperature cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your mixture. Always ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth blend.
- Using stale or dry cake: Fresh crumbled cake adds texture and moisture. If using leftover cake, make sure it’s still soft and flavorful.
- Not freezing long enough: For the best texture, freeze your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream for at least 5-7 hours before serving. This helps achieve the ideal creaminess.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use within this time frame for optimal freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Place in a freezer-safe container with a lid.
- Can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Layer ice cream with crumbled cake or cookies to maintain texture.
Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Oven: Not recommended as ice cream should not be heated directly.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) if you want a softer consistency. Be careful not to melt completely.
- Stovetop: Similar to microwave, use low heat and stir continuously until desired softness is achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is a creamy dessert made with fresh strawberries, condensed milk, and whipped cream, mixed with crumbled cake or cookies for added texture.
How long does Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream last?
Properly stored in the freezer, it can last up to 2 months while maintaining its flavor and texture.
Can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can add different fruits like blueberries or raspberries or swap out crumbled cake for crushed cookies or granola.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes! By using gluten-free cake and non-dairy alternatives, you can adapt this recipe for various dietary needs.
How do I serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. Serve with extra strawberries or whipped cream as a delightful garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is not only delicious but also versatile. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings to make it your own! Don’t hesitate; try making this refreshing treat today!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, a no-churn dessert that combines luscious strawberries, creamy cream cheese, and soft cake into a frozen treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This refreshing ice cream is ideal for summer barbecues or cozy evenings at home, offering a rich flavor profile that will satisfy your sweet cravings. With an easy preparation process, you can whip up this creamy delight without needing an ice cream maker. Enjoy it in waffle cones or topped with fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup crumbled cake (or 3/4 cup crushed shortbread cookies)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice. Boil over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until softened. Cool completely in the refrigerator.
- Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese with condensed milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Carefully incorporate cooled strawberry mixture to create swirls.
- Layer the ice cream with crumbled cake in freezer-safe containers and freeze for at least 5-7 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg