Are you ready to cool off with a delicious treat? Strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are the perfect way to beat the heat! I’ll show you how to make these easy and delightful bars using fresh strawberries and simple ingredients. Whether you're enjoying a sunny day or celebrating a special occasion, these bars will be a hit. Let’s dive into the fun of making your very own strawberry shortcake ice cream bars!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream creates a rich and creamy texture that is simply irresistible.
- Fresh Strawberries: The macerated strawberries add a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of the ice cream perfectly.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings or mix-ins, making each batch unique and tailored to your taste.
Ingredients
Fresh ingredients needed
To make these ice cream bars, you need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Fresh strawberries are key for great flavor. Choose ripe, sweet berries. The sugar helps draw out the juices. Lemon juice brightens the taste and adds a zing.
Pantry staples required
This recipe also needs:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 cup shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Softened vanilla ice cream makes mixing easy. Shortbread cookies add a nice crunch. Whipped cream gives a light, fluffy texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
Optional toppings for garnish
You can add toppings if you like:
- Additional crushed cookies
- Extra strawberry slices
These toppings make your bars look pretty and taste even better. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a nice touch too. Enjoy making your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of macerated strawberries
To start, take 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Hull and slice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, add the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Toss these together well. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their sweet juices. You want those juices to mix with the sugar for a delicious flavor.
Mixing the ice cream base
Next, grab another bowl. In it, add 2 cups of softened vanilla ice cream. Also, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients together until they blend well. The salt helps enhance the flavors. Once mixed, fold in 1 cup of crushed shortbread cookies. Be gentle so the cookies stay chunky and crunchy in the ice cream.
Assembling the ice cream bars
Now it’s time to layer everything. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. Spoon half of the ice cream mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Next, layer the macerated strawberries evenly over this first ice cream layer. Finally, add the rest of the ice cream mixture on top and smooth it out again.
Freezing and serving tips
Cover the pan with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This helps it set well. After freezing, remove the bars using the parchment overhang. Cut them into nice, neat bars. Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add extra crushed cookies or strawberry slices on top for that special touch. Enjoy your treat!
Tips & Tricks
How to choose the best strawberries
When picking strawberries, look for bright red color. They should feel firm and juicy. Avoid any with soft spots or white patches. Fresh strawberries have a sweet aroma. If you can, buy them from a local market. They taste better and support local farms.
Freezing time advice
For the best texture, freeze the bars for at least 4 hours. This allows them to set well. If you freeze them longer, they will still taste great. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before cutting. This helps them soften a bit for easy slicing.
Serving suggestions for enhanced flavor
To make your bars extra special, add whipped cream on top. Crushed cookies give a nice crunch. Fresh strawberry slices also add color and flavor. Serve them on chilled plates for a fun touch. A sprinkle of crushed cookies around the plate looks pretty, too.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your ice cream bars.
- Crushed Cookies: For an extra crunchy texture, slightly toast the crushed shortbread cookies in the oven before folding them into the ice cream.
- Softened Ice Cream: Make sure your vanilla ice cream is softened but not melted to ensure it mixes well without losing its texture.
- Freezing Time: For best results, allow the ice cream bars to freeze overnight for a firmer texture that’s easier to cut.
Variations
Alternate fruit options
You can swap strawberries for other fruits. Ripe peaches, blueberries, or raspberries work well. These fruits add unique flavors while keeping the dessert fresh. Just slice them up and follow the same steps. The fun part is mixing and matching your favorites!
Dairy-free or vegan adaptations
To make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, choose coconut or almond milk ice cream. They taste great in the bars. Use vegan whipped topping instead of regular whipped cream. Be sure to check labels for dairy-free cookies. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat!
Different cookie bases to use
While shortbread cookies are classic, you can try other options. Graham crackers or chocolate cookies add a fun twist. Crush them the same way you would shortbread. The different flavors create a new ice cream bar experience. Experiment with what you have at home!
Storage Info
Best practices for freezing
To keep your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh, wrap them tightly. Use plastic wrap or foil to cover each bar. This prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors intact. Place the bars in an airtight container if possible. Label the container with the date. This helps you track how long they have been stored.
Duration for optimal freshness
These bars can last in the freezer for up to three months. However, for the best taste and texture, eat them within one month. Over time, the ice cream may lose its creamy texture. The strawberries may also become less flavorful. Enjoy your bars fresh for the best experience!
How to re-thaw for serving
When you are ready to serve, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. This softens the ice cream just enough for easy cutting. For a perfect treat, top each bar with whipped cream and extra strawberries before serving.
FAQs
How to make strawberry shortcake ice cream bars without an ice cream maker?
You can make strawberry shortcake ice cream bars without an ice cream maker. Start by mixing softened vanilla ice cream with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then, fold in crushed shortbread cookies. Layer half of this mix in a pan, add macerated strawberries, and top with the rest of the ice cream mix. Freeze it for at least four hours. This gives you the same creamy texture as churned ice cream.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This helps keep your bars from becoming too watery. Frozen strawberries work well, but fresh ones usually taste better. They add a nice texture and flavor to your bars.
What is the nutritional information for strawberry shortcake ice cream bars?
Each bar has about 150 calories. They contain 8 grams of fat and 18 grams of sugar. You also get about 1 gram of protein per bar. Keep in mind that these numbers can change based on the brands you use. Check the labels on your ingredients for exact values.
Where can I buy pre-made strawberry shortcake ice cream bars?
You can find pre-made strawberry shortcake ice cream bars in most grocery stores. Look in the frozen dessert section. Some popular brands offer these tasty treats. You might also find them at specialty ice cream shops during summer.
How long do these ice cream bars last in the freezer?
These ice cream bars can last about two months in the freezer. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to wrap them well if you plan to store them for a long time. This helps keep their flavor fresh.
This blog post covered how to make delicious strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. You learned about fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, mixing, and assembly. Tips on choosing strawberries, freezing, and serving enhance your bars. Variations like using different fruits or cookie bases cater to all diets. Finally, storage info ensures your treats stay fresh. Enjoy making these bars and share them with friends! They are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
