Craving a sweet summer treat? Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are here to satisfy! With layers of fresh strawberries, creamy goodness, and crunchy shortbread, these bars offer a cool twist on the classic dessert. I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this delightful treat at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s easy and fun to make! Let’s jump into the delicious details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries gives these ice cream bars a delightful and vibrant taste that truly captures the essence of summer.
- No Churn Required: This recipe is incredibly easy and doesn’t require an ice cream maker, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy homemade treats.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 generous bars, these ice cream treats are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet indulgence on a hot day.
- Customizable Topping: The optional white chocolate drizzle adds a touch of elegance, but you can also customize with other toppings like nuts or additional fruit.
Ingredients
List of Fresh Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh strawberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
List of Dairy Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
List of Other Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Fresh strawberries bring brightness to these bars. You need a pound of hulled and sliced berries. The sugar helps draw out their juicy flavor. A tablespoon of lemon juice adds a nice zing.
For the creamy base, you will need one and a half cups of heavy cream. This makes the bars rich and smooth. A cup of sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness, while one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma.
The crunch comes from one and a half cups of crushed shortbread cookies. These cookies create a great texture. If you like, add half a cup of white chocolate chips for a sweet drizzle on top. This extra touch makes the bars even more special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberry Mixture
1. Take a medium bowl. Add 1 pound of sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
2. Stir gently. Let this sit for 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries release juice.
3. After 15 minutes, mash half of the strawberries with a fork. Keep some chunks for texture.
Making the Ice Cream Base
1. In a large bowl, pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
2. Whip the cream using a mixer on medium speed. Stop when soft peaks form.
3. Add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Fold gently until combined.
4. Carefully fold in the mashed strawberries and the chunks. This keeps the fluffiness.
Assembling the Bars
1. Grab a 9×9 inch baking dish. Spread half of the 1 1/2 cups of crushed shortbread cookies on the bottom.
2. Pour half of the strawberry ice cream mixture over the cookies. Spread it evenly.
3. Add the rest of the crushed cookies on top. Pour the rest of the ice cream mixture over that. Smooth the top.
4. Place the dish in the freezer. Freeze for at least 5 hours until firm.
Now, you have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
How to avoid overwhipping cream
When whipping cream, use medium speed on your mixer. Stop when you see soft peaks form. Overwhipping makes the cream grainy and hard. You want fluffy and light cream for your ice cream bars.
Importance of macerating strawberries
Macerating strawberries is key to great flavor. Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out the juice and softens the fruit. It adds sweetness and a nice texture to your bars.
Presentation Ideas
Serving suggestions with garnishes
When serving, place the bars on a bright plate. Top them with fresh strawberry slices and a mint sprig. The colors pop and make the dessert look inviting. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a fun touch.
Creative serving dish options
Think outside the box for serving. Use clear cups or bowls to show off the layers. A wooden board can add a rustic feel. Whatever you choose, make it appealing to the eyes!
Recommended Tools
Essential kitchen tools for making ice cream bars
You need a few key tools. A medium mixing bowl is great for the strawberries. A large mixing bowl is needed for the cream. An electric mixer helps whip the cream well. Finally, you will need a rectangular baking dish to freeze the bars.
Best storage containers for freezing
Use airtight containers to store your ice cream bars. They keep the bars fresh and prevent freezer burn. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. Just make sure to label them with the date!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Seasonal strawberries will yield the sweetest and juiciest results.
- Properly Whip the Cream: Be cautious not to overwhip the cream; it should be fluffy and light. Stop whipping as soon as soft peaks form to maintain a creamy texture.
- Layering Technique: For a visually appealing presentation, layer the ice cream mixture and crushed cookies evenly. This ensures each bar has a balanced amount of strawberry and cookie crunch.
- Freezing Time: Allow ample freezing time for the bars to set completely. If you’re in a hurry, consider spreading the mixture in a thinner layer for quicker freezing.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can switch up the flavors of your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Adding other fruits can be fun! Blueberries add a nice pop of color and flavor. Peaches are sweet and juicy, perfect for summer. You can also mix fruits to create your own blend.
You can change the cookie base too. Instead of shortbread cookies, why not try chocolate chip cookies? They add a rich taste to the bars. The mix of chocolate and strawberry is simply delightful.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free shortbread cookies. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. You can also make your own cookies using almond flour or rice flour.
For dairy-free needs, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can find sweetened condensed coconut milk for a similar taste. These swaps keep the bars creamy and delicious without dairy.
Chocolate and Nut Add-ins
Adding nuts can give your ice cream bars a nice crunch. Chopped almonds or pecans work well. They also add healthy fats and protein. Just mix them in with the strawberries for extra flavor.
You can drizzle different kinds of chocolate on top too. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste, while milk chocolate is sweeter. Melt it down and use a spoon to create a beautiful drizzle. It makes your bars look fancy and adds even more flavor.
Storage Info
How to Store Ice Cream Bars
To keep your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps their flavor intact. Make sure the bars are well covered to stop any ice crystals from forming. If stored properly, these bars last up to two weeks in the freezer.
Thawing and Serving
Before serving, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. This softens them a bit, making them easier to slice. When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife. Dipping the knife in warm water helps create clean lines. Wipe the knife between cuts for the best results.
Signs of Spoilage
Check your ice cream bars for signs of spoilage. If you see ice crystals on the surface, they may not taste as good. If the bars smell off or have changed color, it is best to throw them away. Always trust your senses; if something seems wrong, it is better to be safe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first. Pat them dry to remove extra moisture. This step helps keep your ice cream bars from getting icy.
How long do these ice cream bars take to set?
These ice cream bars need at least five hours to freeze. For the best result, you can leave them overnight. This time helps them become firm and easy to slice.
What is the best way to drizzle chocolate on top?
To drizzle chocolate, melt white chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat in short bursts to avoid burning. Once melted, use a spoon to drizzle it over the bars. Let the chocolate cool and harden before slicing.
Are these bars suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for sharing. Each recipe makes twelve bars. You can double the recipe for larger gatherings and still have tasty treats for everyone.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars in advance. They keep well in the freezer. Just store them in an airtight container. You can make them a few days ahead for a stress-free treat!
You now have all the steps to make tasty ice cream bars. We covered fresh fruits, dairy, and other tasty ingredients. You learned how to layer, freeze, and serve these treats. Remember to keep your bars safe in the freezer and check for spoilage. Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or cookies. With these tips, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy making and sharing these fun dessert
