If you love ice cream and strawberries, get ready for a treat! Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are perfect for warm days or any time you crave a sweet snack. I’ll show you how to make these easy, delicious bars at home, using fresh ingredients and simple steps. Let's dive into the world of creamy ice cream, real strawberries, and cookie crunch. You’ll impress everyone with this delightful dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries makes these ice cream bars bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, perfect for summer treats.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are a breeze to prepare, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk creates a luxuriously creamy ice cream that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable Layers: Feel free to mix and match cookie crumbs or add other fruits to the layers, allowing you to personalize each batch to your liking.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries and Sugar
To start, you need ripe strawberries. Use about 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Make sure to hull and slice them. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This sugar will bring out the sweet juice of the strawberries. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. After that, mash half of the strawberries with a fork. Keep some chunks for texture!
Ice Cream Base Components
Next, let’s create the ice cream base. You will need 1 ½ cups of chilled heavy cream. This makes the ice cream creamy. Add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and a rich flavor. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that classic taste. A pinch of fine salt brings out all the flavors. For a zesty kick, add ½ teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
Cookie and Crust Ingredients
Now, we need the cookie crust. You will need 1 cup of crushed shortbread cookies. These add a buttery flavor. Also, use ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs for crunch. This mixture gives the bars a nice texture. When you layer these ingredients, it creates a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
Start by hulling and slicing 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Place them in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them in sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries soften and release their sweet juices. After that, mash half of the strawberries with a fork. Aim for a chunky mix, with some pieces left whole for texture. Set this aside for later.
Making the Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1 ½ cups of chilled heavy cream. Whisk it for a moment until it gets a bit thick. Next, mix in 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest, and a pinch of fine salt. Whisk everything until it is well combined. The mixture should feel creamy and rich.
Layering and Freezing
Now, it’s time to layer your treat. Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. Pour half of the ice cream mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Next, sprinkle half of the crushed shortbread cookies and graham cracker crumbs over this layer. Press them down lightly to stick. Pour the rest of the ice cream mixture on top. Smooth it out again with a spatula. Finally, scatter the remaining cookie and crumb mix over the top. Lightly press them down as well. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 6 hours. When it’s solid, remove the ice cream slab using the parchment paper. Cut it into bars and enjoy your refreshing treat!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Strawberries
To make great strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, pick fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red and firm. Avoid any with soft spots or mold. Sweetness matters, so taste a berry before buying. Fresh strawberries will shine in your dessert.
Creating the Perfect Texture
For the best texture, mash half of the strawberries and leave the rest chunky. This gives your ice cream both smoothness and fun bites. When making the ice cream base, whisk it just until it thickens slightly. Over-mixing can make it too airy. The right mix leads to a creamy, rich texture.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Presentation makes a difference. Serve the bars on a colorful platter. Add fresh mint leaves and strawberry slices on top for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce for extra flair. These small touches make your dessert look fancy and inviting. Enjoy the fun of sharing these tasty treats!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for ripe, fresh strawberries. They will enhance the overall taste of your ice cream bars.
- Chill Your Equipment: Before whipping the cream, chill your mixing bowl and whisk. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve a better volume.
- Layering Technique: To avoid mixing layers, ensure that each layer is spread evenly and gently pressed down before adding the next. This will keep your bars visually appealing.
- Let Them Set: For best results, let the bars freeze overnight. This ensures they are fully set and easier to cut into neat bars.
Variations
Alternative Fruits or Flavors
You can swap strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Each fruit brings its own taste. You can mix and match flavors to find your favorite. Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for a twist. This gives a fun crunch to your bars.
Substituting Cookies or Crusts
Shortbread cookies and graham crackers are classic choices. But you can change them up. Use crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers instead. This can change the taste and texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try almond flour cookies. They can make a tasty, crunchy base.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Options
Making these bars vegan is easy. You can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. For sweetened condensed milk, try coconut milk mixed with sugar. This gives a creamy texture without dairy. Use vegan cookies or crusts to keep it plant-based. These swaps make the bars just as tasty and enjoyable.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After you enjoy your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, you may have some left. To store them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container. This helps keep the bars fresh and prevents freezer burn.
Best Freezing Practices
Freezing your ice cream bars properly is key. Always cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap before freezing. This keeps air out and locks in flavor. Make sure your freezer is at a steady 0°F (-18°C). This helps your bars freeze evenly and stay firm.
Shelf Life of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
These delicious ice cream bars last for up to two weeks in the freezer. After that, they may lose texture and flavor. For the best taste, try to enjoy them within this time frame. Always check for any ice crystals or off smell before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them first. This helps them release juices, like fresh ones do. After thawing, drain excess water and mash them similar to fresh strawberries. This way, your ice cream bars will still taste great.
How to make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars without heavy cream?
You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a blend of yogurt and milk. This will change the flavor and texture a bit. For a thicker mix, use full-fat coconut cream. If you want a lighter option, go for yogurt and milk. Mix them well to achieve a smooth base.
What is the nutritional information for these bars?
Each bar has about:
- 150 calories
- 8 grams of fat
- 18 grams of carbs
- 2 grams of protein
This is an estimate based on my recipe. Keep in mind that toppings and serving sizes can change these numbers. Enjoy these bars as a sweet treat!
This blog post covers all you need to know about making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. We explored the best ingredients, like fresh strawberries and the perfect cookie crust. Step-by-step instructions help you prepare and layer the dessert. Useful tips show how to choose the right strawberries and present your bars beautifully. Don't forget to try variations with different fruits or even vegan options. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. Now, it’s time to create your own delicious treats and enjoy every bite!
