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Meet your new favorite summer dessert: the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundae! This dreamy take on classic strawberry shortcake layers buttery pound cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of sweet strawberry syrup for a refreshing treat!
This strawberry shortcake ice cream sundae recipe takes all the classic elements of strawberry shortcake (buttery pound cake, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream) and turns them into a scoop-able treat that’s perfect for those “too hot to bake” kind of days.
When I first started making these sundaes, they quickly became our family’s go-to dessert for impromptu backyard gatherings and weeknight treats. Especially when strawberries are in season, I like to make some homemade strawberry syrup and use the cooked-down strawberries on top of these sundaes. It turns something so simple into a special treat that my family can’t get enough of!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Sweet berry flavors are balanced with the rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream.
- Texture: Tender cake, smooth ice cream, and juicy berries create perfect contrast in each bite.
- Ease: Just a five-minute assembly with easy to find store-bought ingredients!
- Pros: Highly customizable while maintaining classic strawberry shortcake flavors.
- Considerations: Prep all the components before scooping the ice cream to prevent melting!
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundae Ingredients
- Strawberry Topping: You can use a store-bought strawberry sauce or topping, or use the strawberries from my strawberry syrup recipe!
- Pound Cake: Store-bought pound cake is the easiest way to go here. Cut it into bite-sized cubes for easy eating!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For the creamy, cool layer.
- Whipped Cream: You can use homemade whipped cream, canned, or even a whipped topping like Cool Whip.
- Toppings: Fresh strawberries, peanuts, and maraschino cherries are all great options for toppings if you’d like!
How To Make The Best Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Assemble
In serving bowls or glasses, layer pound cake cubes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
Step 2 | Add Toppings & Serve
Add a dollop of whipped cream, and the extra fresh strawberries, peanuts, or cherries if using.
Eat immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Toast the pound cake if desired. Lightly toast the pound cake cubes in butter on a skillet or bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for extra crunch and flavor.
- Assemble with layers. Start with pound cake, then ice cream, followed by syrup and toppings for the best balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Make it fancy! Especially if serving at a special occasion, it can be fun to serve your strawberry shortcake ice cream sundaes in parfait glasses or mason jars for a fun presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cake options: Try angel food cake for a lighter texture, traditional shortcake biscuits cut into pieces, or vanilla butter cake for something softer and fluffier.
- Ice cream flavors: While vanilla is classic, strawberry ice cream intensifies the berry flavor, or try butter pecan for a nutty twist.
- Fruit swaps: Peaches, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote can replace or complement the strawberry topping.
- Add texture: Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, shortbread cookie pieces, or toasted coconut for added crunch.
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Recipe FAQs
Strawberry shortcake is a classic American dessert featuring sweet biscuits or cake topped with macerated fresh strawberries and whipped cream. These sundaes are based on that concept, but made with ice cream for the perfect summer treat!
Chill your serving dishes in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembling, and work quickly when building your sundaes. It is best to prep everything before hand! So cut the pound cake into cubes and have all your toppings ready before assembling and serving.
Yes, you could use strawberry ice cream or another flavor that pairs well with strawberries, like butter pecan, chocolate, or cookies and cream!
Storage
Storage: These strawberry shortcake sundaes are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. If you need to prepare components ahead of time, store each element separately: keep strawberry topping refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, cube and store pound cake at room temperature for 2 days (or freeze for longer), and keep ice cream in the freezer until ready to serve.
Freeze: For partially eaten sundaes (though I doubt you’ll have any!), they don’t store well once assembled as the textures change significantly when frozen and thawed, but you can pop them in the freezer for a few hours and finish it later if you need to.
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundaes
Ice cream sundaes stand perfectly on their own as a dessert, and are great to serve at a summer barbecue or picnic! Pair with strawberry iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing contrast, or serve alongside coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up.
For a dessert party, create a sundae bar with various toppings so guests can customize their own creations. If you’re hosting a special occasion, desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberries, cannoli dip, or shortbread cookies would go great with these sundaes!
Other Recipes to Try
- Pistachio Cake
- Banana Icebox Cake
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
- Blueberry Cheesecake Pie
- Strawberry Banana Bread
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundae
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberry topping, store-bought or homemade strawberry topping
- 4 slices store-bought pound cake, cut into cubes
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup whipped cream, homemade, whipped topping, or canned whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, slice, peanuts, chopped, and maraschino cherries (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- In serving bowls or glasses, layer pound cake cubes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream, and the extra fresh strawberries, peanuts, or cherries if using.
- Eat immediately for the best texture and flavor.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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