Craving something cool and tasty? Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are the answer! This frozen treat combines fresh strawberries, creamy ice cream, and crunchy shortbread for a perfect summer snack. I’ll guide you through easy steps to make these bars at home. Plus, I’ll share tips and fun variations to try. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this refreshing delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity Flavor: This recipe brings together the sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a perfectly refreshing treat.
- Easy to Assemble: No need for baking! This layered dessert is simple to put together, making it perfect for a quick summer indulgence.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 9-12 servings, these bars are ideal for parties, picnics, or just enjoying with family and friends.
- Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap in other berries or cookie types to make this recipe your own!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make these tasty Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars, gather these items:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies (plus extra for topping)
- Parchment paper
Substitutions for Ingredients
You can swap some ingredients based on your needs:
- Fresh strawberries can be replaced with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Vanilla ice cream can be switched for any flavor you like, such as strawberry or cookies and cream.
- Heavy whipping cream can be replaced with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Shortbread cookies can be swapped for graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a different taste.
Nutritional Information
These bars offer a mix of sweet and creamy flavors. Each bar has about:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
These numbers can vary based on your ingredient choices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
Start by hulling and slicing two cups of fresh strawberries. Place them in a medium bowl. Add two tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Toss the strawberries until they are fully coated. Let them sit for about ten minutes. This helps the strawberries release their juices. The sweet and tangy mix makes a great layer in your bars.
Layering the Ingredients
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal. Spread half of the crushed shortbread cookies evenly in the dish. Next, mix the softened vanilla ice cream with half of the macerated strawberries. Pour this ice cream mixture over the cookie layer. Smooth it out with a spatula. Add another layer of crushed shortbread cookies on top of the ice cream.
In a separate bowl, whip one cup of heavy cream. Add four tablespoons of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the remaining macerated strawberries. Spread this strawberry whipped cream mixture over the cookie layer in the dish. Smooth it out evenly and top it with any extra crushed cookies.
Freezing the Bars
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least four to six hours. This helps the bars set completely. Once frozen, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or bars. Serve on a chilled plate and enjoy your homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Whipped Cream
To make perfect whipped cream, start with cold tools. Use a chilled bowl and beaters. Pour in heavy cream, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Avoid over-mixing, as it can turn into butter. Gently fold in the remaining strawberries to keep the texture light and fluffy. This adds a delicious strawberry flavor to the cream.
Choosing the Best Vanilla Ice Cream
Select a high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best taste. Look for ice creams made with real vanilla and fewer additives. Softened ice cream blends well with the strawberries. You want it smooth for easy layering. If you prefer a lighter option, choose a low-fat vanilla ice cream. Just remember, the flavor will differ slightly but can still work well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars on chilled plates. This keeps them cold longer. Garnish with whole strawberries for a pop of color. Add an extra dollop of whipped cream on top for richness. You can also sprinkle more crushed shortbread cookies over the bars for an inviting crunch. For fun, pair these bars with fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your ice cream bars.
- Let Ice Cream Soften: Make sure your vanilla ice cream is softened to room temperature for easier mixing with the strawberries.
- Freezing Time: Allow enough freezing time (4-6 hours) to ensure the bars are fully set for easy slicing and serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with whole strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
Variations
Different Fruit Combinations
You can switch up the strawberries for other fruits. Ripe peaches, sweet blueberries, or tart raspberries work great. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. This change keeps your ice cream bars exciting and fresh. You can mix two or more fruits for a fun twist. Try a berry blend for a colorful treat!
Alternative Ice Cream Flavors
While vanilla ice cream shines in this recipe, you can try other flavors. Strawberry ice cream adds more strawberry taste. For a chocolate twist, use chocolate ice cream. You can also try cookie dough or mint chocolate chip. These flavors bring a new vibe to your bars. Experiment with what you love most!
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies. Almond flour or coconut flour cookies work well. For a dairy-free option, choose coconut or almond milk ice cream. These swaps let everyone enjoy this treat. You can have the same great taste while keeping it friendly for different diets. Enjoy making your own version!
Storage Info
How to Properly Store Leftover Bars
To keep your leftover strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh, wrap them well. Use plastic wrap or foil. This keeps ice crystals from forming. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container. Store them in the freezer for the best taste.
Freezing Tips for Best Results
If you plan to freeze the bars, let them set fully. After freezing, keep them at a steady temperature. Avoid opening the freezer often. This helps maintain the bars' texture. For best results, eat them within a month. They taste best when fresh.
Shelf Life and Reheating Instructions
These bars can last up to two weeks in the freezer. They won’t spoil, but the flavor may fade. If you want to serve them warm, let them sit out for a few minutes. This softens them just enough for easy cutting. Enjoy your tasty treat!
FAQs
How can I make these bars more nutritious?
You can add more fruit for fiber. Consider mixing in blueberries or raspberries. These fruits will boost the flavor and color of your bars. Use Greek yogurt instead of some ice cream for protein. You can also swap some heavy cream for low-fat cream. This keeps the creaminess while cutting fat.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw them first and drain excess juice. They may be softer, but they still add great flavor. You can follow the same steps for mixing them with sugar and lemon juice. This keeps the sweetness and tartness intact.
What can I substitute for shortbread cookies?
You can use graham crackers for a tasty twist. They give a nice crunch and blend well. Another option is vanilla wafers, which add a different flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies. Just make sure they are crushed well to form a good base.
You learned about making delicious strawberry bars. We covered the best ingredients and their substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for great results. You can enjoy various fruit and ice cream flavors or enjoy gluten-free options. Proper storage ensures freshness and taste.
These bars are easy to make and fun to eat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing with friends!
