Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake – Treat Indulgently

efore diving into the delightful details of Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake, let me share some perfect pairings to elevate this dish. This cake is fantastic on its own but consider a fresh fruit salad or a light sorbet alongside it. The refreshing taste of a fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cake, while a lemon or raspberry sorbet adds an extra zing.

Now, if you want to indulge further, serve this cake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. Both choices create a luscious experience that will have your guests reaching for seconds. Finally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream ups the ante; after all, two ice creams are better than one!

What is Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake?

Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake combines layers of funfetti cake and strawberry ice cream. It’s a dessert that captures the essence of celebration. You have the soft, fluffy cake contrasted with rich, creamy ice cream, all dappled with fun sprinkles. This layered marvel is perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

The cake itself is light and airy, bursting with cheerful sprinkles that add a playful crunch. The ice cream, made from ripe strawberries and rich buttermilk, brings a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cake. When served cold, it’s like summer on a plate.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake?

What sets my version apart is the homemade strawberry buttermilk ice cream. Store-bought options can lack that fresh flavor, but my recipe ensures every scoop bursts with ripe strawberry goodness. Additionally, I use quality ingredients that make flavors pop without extra fuss.

Instead of standard vanilla cake, this funfetti layer incorporates sprinkles that bring joy to each bite. That’s not all, though—layers of fresh whipped cream on top add an indulgent touch. When you cut into this cake, you present not just a dessert but a stunning centerpiece that captures attention—almost too pretty to eat!

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine if a cloud had flavor. That’s what this cake feels like! The first bite bursts with strawberry sweetness, followed by the creaminess of the buttermilk ice cream. The funfetti cake layers add a soft texture, making your taste buds dance with every spoonful. The balance between the tanginess of the strawberries, the sweetness of the cake, and the richness of the whipping cream makes for a well-rounded dessert experience.

The funfetti sprinkles add a satisfying crunch, reminding you that desserts can be both sophisticated and silly. Each layer brings something different to the table, creating a symphony of taste that delights young and old alike.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make This Dish

Creating this delicious cake requires gathering some quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

8 oz (227 g) ripe strawberries: Fresh or frozen, hulled.
⅔ cup (133 g) fine granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
1½ cups (360 g) rich heavy whipping cream: Adds that creamy texture.
½ cup (120 g) tangy buttermilk: Elevates the flavor.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the taste.
½ teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the citrus notes.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Bring out the natural sweetness.
⅛ teaspoon flaky kosher salt: To balance everything.

For the Funfetti Cake Layers

1½ cups (185 g) sifted cake flour: Keeps the texture light.
1 teaspoon baking powder: For the rise.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Additional leavening.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors.
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing.
1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar: Sweetens the layers.
3 large eggs: Adds richness.
½ cup (120 g) cultured buttermilk: For texture and flavor.
¼ cup (54 g) neutral vegetable oil: Ensures moisture.
1 tablespoon high-quality vanilla extract: Pure flavor.
½ cup (80 g) rainbow confetti sprinkles: The fun part!

Optional:
Whipped cream topping and sliced fresh strawberries for garnishing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

1. Prep the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, rinse and hull them. For frozen, let them thaw slightly. Blend them in a blender until smooth.
   
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine blended strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out the juices.
   
3. Add Cream and Buttermilk: Stir in heavy cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
   
4. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours or until cold.
   
5. Churn: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency.
   
6. Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.
   

Step 2: Prepare the Funfetti Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   
4. Add Eggs and Wets: Incorporate eggs one at a time. Then add buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
   
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the sprinkles gently.
   
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   
7. Cool: After baking, allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn them onto wire racks to cool completely.
   

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Level the tops of the cooled cakes, if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry ice cream on top without completely freezing it.
   
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it down.
   
3. Frost the Top: Spread more strawberry ice cream on top of the second layer, smoothing it out as evenly as possible.
   
4. Freeze Again: Return the assembled cake to the freezer for 1-2 hours or until firm.
   
5. Garnish: Before serving, top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries if desired.
   

Tips & Tricks On Making Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

Use Quality Ingredients: The better the strawberries and cream, the tastier your ice cream will be. Always go for fresh and high-quality products.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Test for Doneness: For the cake, stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the Ice Cream Layer Set: Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least a few hours after assembly to ensure it holds its shape when sliced.
Experiment with Sprinkles: You can use different kinds of sprinkles or even chocolate chips for a unique twist.

Nutrition Information

While indulging in dessert is a joy, being informed allows for smarter choices. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 5g

These values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How Do I Store This Dish?

If you find yourself with leftovers (and trust me, that's uncommon!), store the cake in an airtight container in the freezer. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn and maintain its freshness. Always serve slightly softened for optimal texture and flavor. The cake can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer, but who could wait that long?

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake?

Almond Milk Instead of Buttermilk: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk's tang.
Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream to make the ice cream; it adds a unique tropical flavor.
Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make the cake gluten-free. Be sure to check if the flour includes a binder like xanthan gum.
Other Berries: Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor profile.
Swap Sprinkles: Use chocolate sprinkles or themed sprinkles for different occasions, like holiday colors for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter.

Conclusion

Strawberry Funfetti Ice Cream Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings joy with each bite. This cake is especially perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.

With its soft cake, refreshing ice cream, and sprinkles, this dessert captures what it means to indulge in something fun and delicious. Try it for yourself and see how it can light up your dining table. Trust me, this cake is sure to become a household favorite, just like it has in mine! So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and let the festivities begin. Happy baking!

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