Ingredients
Method
The Strawberry Cream Cake
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions.
- If time permits, whip the 3 egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the batter for a fluffier texture.
- Pour the batter into two round or square cake pans and bake as directed.
- While the cake bakes, toss the 4 cups of chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a bowl and let them sit to release their juices.
- Allow the baked cakes to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whisk together the softened cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture.
- Continue mixing on high speed until the frosting comes together to form stiff, luxurious peaks.
- Place one cooled cake layer onto a serving platter and spread a thick layer of frosting over the top.
- Use a slotted spoon to sprinkle a layer of the macerated chopped strawberries over the frosting.
- Cover the strawberries with another thin layer of frosting, then place the second cake layer on top.
- Slather the remaining frosting completely over the top and sides of the cake.
- Spoon the remaining syrupy strawberries over the very top of the frosted cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
The Strawberry Ice Cream
- Stir together the half and half, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Whisk the 4 large egg yolks in a bowl until pale and frothy.
- Continue whisking vigorously while you slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot half and half mixture into the eggs to temper them and prevent scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg liquid from the bowl back into the saucepan and return it to the heat.
- Continue stirring until the liquid thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place a clean bowl into a larger bowl filled with ice cubes to create an ice bath.
- Pour the thickened custard from the pan through a fine-mesh strainer or colander into the chilled bowl to catch any solid pieces.
- Whisk in the 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream and the vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is completely cool.
- Pour the cooled custard into an ice cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Add the 2 cups of chopped strawberries during the final minutes of the churning cycle.
- Serve soft right from the machine, or transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.