These homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars bring the classic treat right to your home. With a creamy strawberry ice cream base and a crunchy cookie coating, they offer the perfect combination of sweet and crispy. Ideal for hot days or when you’re craving a nostalgic dessert.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, cold
- 2 cups shortbread cookies (or vanilla cookies)
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Puree the strawberries with sugar in a food processor or blender, leaving some texture. Set aside.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Add vanilla and cold condensed milk, then whip to stiff peaks.
- Fold in the strawberry puree.
- Spoon the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving space for expansion. Add sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- To make the cookie crumb, pulse the cookies into medium crumbs in a food processor. Remove half and set aside.
- Add freeze-dried strawberries to the remaining cookie crumbs and pulse until fine. Combine both crumbs and stir in the melted butter.
- Once frozen, remove the bars from molds and coat with the cookie crumb mixture. Press crumbs gently to adhere.
- Return to the freezer to set for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 per bar
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 3g
Why You Should Make Your Own Ice Cream Bars
Making your own ice cream bars allows for complete control over the ingredients and flavors. This customization results in a fresher, more personalized dessert. You can also experiment with different types of coatings, fillings, and sweeteners, making these bars a perfect choice for anyone looking to create something unique.
How to Achieve the Perfect Ice Cream Base
The key to creating the perfect ice cream base is the texture. Whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks ensures a light and airy texture, while the addition of sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth consistency. These elements combine to give the bars a luxurious mouthfeel without requiring an ice cream machine.
The Role of Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are integral to this recipe, providing a natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor. Pureeing them with sugar enhances their natural taste while retaining some of their texture. This method gives the ice cream a fresh, fruity taste, with occasional strawberry chunks for added texture.
Alternative Sweeteners for a Healthier Option
For those looking to reduce sugar intake, there are various alternatives to sweetened condensed milk, such as using coconut milk or almond milk. Natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can also be used in place of regular sugar, making this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Exploring Different Cookie Coatings
The cookie coating on these ice cream bars adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. While shortbread cookies are the typical choice, you can experiment with other cookies, such as graham crackers or even chocolate chip cookies, to create a unique flavor profile.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries for Extra Flavor
Freeze-dried strawberries are a great addition to the cookie coating, enhancing the strawberry flavor and providing a unique texture. Their concentrated taste adds an extra burst of berry goodness, making them a perfect pairing for the fresh strawberry ice cream.
How to Mold the Ice Cream Bars
When molding the ice cream bars, it’s important to ensure the molds are well-greased or lined for easy removal. Leaving space in the molds allows the ice cream to expand as it freezes, preventing it from spilling over the edges and ensuring a perfect shape.
Freezing Time for Perfect Results
Freezing the bars for at least 6 hours or overnight is crucial for achieving the right texture. The bars need to be completely frozen solid to maintain their shape when removed from the molds and to ensure the ice cream doesn’t melt prematurely when served.
How to Coat the Ice Cream Bars in the Cookie Crumb Mixture
After freezing, the bars are coated in a mixture of crumbled cookies and freeze-dried strawberries. Gently pressing the crumbs onto the ice cream ensures an even coating, which enhances both the flavor and texture of the final product. This coating adds a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Making the Bars Ahead of Time
One of the advantages of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Since the bars need to freeze for several hours, preparing them a day in advance is ideal. This allows you to focus on other tasks or enjoy your time while the bars set in the freezer.
How to Store Homemade Ice Cream Bars
For optimal freshness, store the homemade ice cream bars in an airtight container. Wrapping each bar individually or covering them with plastic wrap helps to prevent freezer burn, preserving the texture and flavor for longer periods.
Fun Variations on the Recipe
Although the classic strawberry shortcake flavor is delicious on its own, you can experiment with various additions. For instance, try swapping strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You could also add chocolate chips to the cookie crust for an extra layer of flavor.
Incorporating Dairy-Free Alternatives
For those avoiding dairy, it’s easy to make these bars dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free butter for the cookie coating. With these substitutions, the recipe remains just as creamy and flavorful without the dairy.
Making Smaller Batches for More Variety
If you’re looking to experiment with different flavors, consider making smaller batches. This allows you to try different combinations of fruits, nuts, or cookies, so you can create a variety of ice cream bars to suit everyone’s preferences.
Creative Presentation Ideas
When serving these homemade bars, get creative with presentation. Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top, or sprinkle the bars with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Adding mint leaves or additional fresh berries can elevate the visual appeal of the dessert.
Perfect for Outdoor Parties
Homemade ice cream bars are perfect for outdoor events. Their individual serving size makes them easy to eat without needing plates or utensils, and they’re refreshing on hot days. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or picnic, these bars are sure to be a hit with guests.
Making Ice Cream Bars for Special Occasions
These homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration. You can easily customize them to suit the occasion by adjusting the coating or adding festive toppings to make them more visually appealing.
Kid-Friendly Recipe
This recipe is also kid-friendly, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought ice cream bars. Children will love the creamy texture and sweet, fruity flavor, and they can even help with the process of making and coating the bars, making it a fun family activity.
The Versatility of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a versatile dessert that can take on many forms. From cakes to frozen bars, the classic combination of strawberries, cream, and biscuits or cookies can be adapted to suit a variety of preferences and dietary restrictions.
Why Homemade is Always Better
Making strawberry shortcake ice cream bars at home allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Homemade desserts are free from the artificial preservatives and additives often found in store-bought treats, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful dessert experience.
Conclusion
Homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars offer a delicious and customizable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy, fruity ice cream base and crunchy cookie crust, these bars are a refreshing and satisfying treat. Whether enjoyed on a hot day or served at a party, they’re sure to delight everyone who tastes them.