If you’re craving a dessert that combines the nostalgic charm of strawberry cake with a surprising twist, then the Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This cake is irresistibly moist and bursting with strawberry flavor thanks to the melted strawberry ice cream blended right into the batter. Not only does this recipe breathe extra life into a classic boxed cake mix, but it also creates a fluffy, tender crumb that’s perfect for any celebration or cozy afternoon treat. Once you try this delightful combination, it will quickly become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that together create something truly special. Each component adds an essential note—whether it’s flavor, texture, or the visual pop that makes this cake so inviting to slice into.
- 1 box strawberry cake mix: The base of the cake, providing the signature strawberry flavor and light crumb.
- 2 cups melted strawberry ice cream: Adds moisture and intensifies the fresh strawberry taste for a rich, unique texture.
- 3 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients, adding structure and richness to your cake.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The key to the luscious frosting that complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency so it’s smooth and easy to spread.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon meringue powder: Ensures your frosting has a light, stable fluffiness that holds up beautifully on the cake.
How to Make Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. It’s important to properly grease your Bundt pan with cooking spray and flour to ensure your Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake releases cleanly and maintains its perfect shape once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, the star ingredient—melted strawberry ice cream—and eggs. Using an electric mixer, blend these ingredients for about two minutes until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed. This step is what makes this recipe so special, giving the cake its incredible moistness and strawberry-forward flavor.
Step 3: Bake with Love
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, but keep an eye on it toward the end—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool.
Step 4: Cool and Frost
Allow the cake to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whip up the frosting by beating together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and meringue powder until it’s light and fluffy. When the cake has cooled fully, spoon the frosting generously over the top and let it cascade down the sides.
How to Serve Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top elevate the vibrant color and invite everyone to dig in. A sprig of mint adds a refreshing contrast that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent combo. Fresh berries or a strawberry coulis are also wonderful companions, bringing brightness and an extra touch of elegance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving slices of the Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe alongside a pot of warm tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon gathering. For celebrations, plate the cake on a pastel-colored dish to highlight its strawberry hues, or even drizzle with a complementary berry sauce to amp up the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature if it will be eaten within 1-2 days; for longer freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the cake’s delightful texture and keeps the frosting from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this strawberry cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe slightly warm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave per slice does the trick. Just be careful not to overheat the frosting to keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of ice cream?
Absolutely! While strawberry ice cream complements the cake perfectly, experimenting with flavors like vanilla or even chocolate can create interesting and delicious variations worth trying.
Do I need a Bundt pan specifically?
A Bundt pan is ideal because it creates a beautiful shape and ensures even baking, but you can also use a regular round cake pan. Just adjust baking time accordingly and grease thoroughly.
What if I don’t have meringue powder for the frosting?
You can skip the meringue powder; your frosting might be slightly less stable but will still be delicious. Alternatively, consider using a stabilizing ingredient like cream of tartar for a similar effect.
Is this cake very sweet?
This Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe strikes a nice balance of sweetness—not too overpowering—thanks to the fresh strawberry flavor and the fluffy frosting. You can always adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to your preference.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, this recipe can be adjusted nicely for gluten-free diets. Just be sure all your ingredients, including the cake mix and powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe that brings joy with every bite. Its tender crumb, strawberry richness, and light frosting make it a delightful treat for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it turns an ordinary day into a sweet memory. Go ahead, bake this cake, and get ready to fall in love all over again!
Print
Melted Ice Cream Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful and moist strawberry cake made using melted strawberry ice cream for an extra burst of flavor. This cake combines a strawberry cake mix and melted ice cream for a uniquely rich texture, topped with a light and fluffy powdered sugar frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any strawberry lover’s celebration.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 cups melted strawberry ice cream
- 3 large eggs
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 Tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp meringue powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted strawberry ice cream, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture for 2 minutes until it is smooth and well blended.
- Pour the batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 3 tablespoons and add more if needed to reach desired consistency), vanilla extract, and meringue powder in a bowl with an electric mixer until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spoon the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberry ice cream is fully melted to avoid lumps in the batter.
- You can adjust the milk quantity in the frosting to make it thicker or thinner according to your preference.
- Use a toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully baked to avoid undercooking.
- For added decoration, fresh strawberries or whipped cream can be served alongside the cake.
