A nostalgic frozen treat reinvented for homemade indulgence, these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are creamy, fruity, and coated in a buttery shortbread and strawberry crumb topping. Perfect for summer, these bars bring together the classic strawberry-vanilla combo in a frozen dessert that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
1.For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
2.For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1½ cups frozen strawberries, thawed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
3.For the Crumb Coating:
- 16 golden sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos)
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour half of the mixture into the lined pan and spread evenly. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- While freezing, prepare the strawberry layer: mash thawed strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until a thick puree forms.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the semi-frozen vanilla layer. Return to the freezer for another 30 minutes.
- Top with the remaining vanilla ice cream mixture and freeze for at least 6 hours or until fully set.
- Prepare the crumb coating: place cookies and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse into coarse crumbs. Mix in melted butter until combined.
- Once the bars are frozen solid, lift them out of the pan and cut into bars.
- Roll or press each bar into the crumb mixture until fully coated. Return to freezer until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
The History Behind Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars have their roots in the nostalgic frozen novelties many grew up enjoying from ice cream trucks or grocery store freezers. Originally inspired by the popular American dessert, strawberry shortcake, this frozen version captures the same flavors and textures but in a hand-held, refreshing bar. The classic combination of vanilla, strawberry, and crumbly cookie coating has made this treat a perennial favorite.
The Inspiration of Classic Strawberry Shortcake
The concept of strawberry shortcake dates back centuries, combining buttery biscuits or cake with fresh strawberries and cream. This iconic dessert provided the flavor profile for the ice cream bar version, which cleverly transforms the components into frozen layers and crumb coatings to mimic the original dessert in texture and taste.
Texture and Flavor Experience
What makes these bars so enjoyable is the layered experience they offer in every bite. The creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts with the slightly tart strawberry middle, while the outer cookie-strawberry crumb layer adds both crunch and flavor depth. Each layer is designed to enhance the one before it, creating a balance of smooth, fruity, and crunchy textures.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Versions
While store-bought bars have long been a staple, making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars at home elevates the treat. You can control the ingredients, ensuring quality and freshness, and even customize flavors and textures. Homemade versions also tend to be richer and more authentic in flavor, with less artificial taste and no preservatives.
Why Freeze in Layers?
Freezing the bars in layers is essential for structure and flavor separation. It helps each component set properly and prevents them from mixing, preserving the clean, distinct layers of vanilla and strawberry. This step-by-step freezing also makes the final product easier to cut and coat, providing sharp visual appeal and clean flavor profiles.
The Role of Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Freeze-dried strawberries are not only added for flavor but also for visual appeal and texture in the crumb coating. Their concentrated flavor boosts the strawberry presence, while their dry, crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth ice cream. They’re also more stable in coatings than fresh or frozen strawberries.
Golden Sandwich Cookies as the Crumb Base
Golden sandwich cookies, often likened to Golden Oreos, offer a rich, buttery base that mimics the biscuit element of a traditional strawberry shortcake. When processed into crumbs and mixed with butter, they create a perfect coating that sticks to the frozen bars while adding sweetness and crunch.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the beauties of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap the strawberry filling for raspberry or blueberry for a different fruit twist. You can also add in extra mix-ins like crushed nuts or chocolate chips, or even create a layered Neapolitan version with chocolate and vanilla.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Desserts
These bars are ideal for make-ahead treats, as they store well in the freezer and retain their texture and flavor for days. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just looking for something sweet on hand, these bars can be prepared in advance and pulled out when needed.
A Hit with Kids and Adults Alike
Because of their bright color, nostalgic taste, and satisfying crunch, Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars appeal to both children and adults. They’re fun to make together, serve at birthdays, or enjoy as a personal indulgence after dinner.
Dietary Alternatives
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be adjusted to be dairy-free or gluten-free. Using coconut cream or almond milk-based condensed milk substitutes the dairy, while gluten-free sandwich cookies can easily replace the standard cookie base. These simple swaps make the recipe more inclusive.
Visual Appeal and Plating Ideas
Visually, the bars are stunning. The layered color and textured crumb coating make them appealing for photography or elegant dessert platings. You can serve them on small dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprig of mint for a gourmet touch.
Storage and Longevity
Properly stored in an airtight container, these bars can last in the freezer for up to two weeks without losing quality. Wrapping them individually in parchment or plastic wrap before storing also helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the coating’s crispness.
Ideal Equipment to Use
While no fancy equipment is required, using an electric mixer helps whip the cream more efficiently. A food processor is ideal for making the crumb topping, and a quality 8×8 pan ensures even freezing and easy cutting. Parchment paper also makes removing the bars hassle-free.
Flavor Pairings
These bars pair well with beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with fruit. You can also serve them alongside other desserts like fruit tarts or macarons at a dessert table to offer contrast and variety.
Kid-Friendly Cooking Project
The recipe is simple enough that kids can get involved in the process. From crushing cookies for the crumb coating to layering and assembling the bars, it’s a fun family-friendly kitchen activity that ends in a delicious reward.
Party or Event Use
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are excellent for birthday parties, cookouts, or summer celebrations. You can make them in advance, and they’re easy to grab and go, making them perfect for larger gatherings without needing utensils or dishes.
Potential as a Business Product
If you’re into homemade food businesses, these bars could be a great product to sell at farmers’ markets or pop-up dessert shops. Their nostalgic charm, bold flavor, and ease of packaging make them marketable and appealing to customers looking for artisanal frozen treats.
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
You can reduce sugar content by using sugar-free condensed milk or reducing the amount of sweetener in the strawberry puree. Using whole wheat cookies or oatmeal cookies instead of standard sandwich cookies adds fiber and reduces refined flour content.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. From the creamy vanilla base to the tangy strawberry center and crunchy cookie coating, each element is thoughtfully crafted to bring joy in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or even a business idea, their simplicity and charm make them a standout recipe worth mastering.
