Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe

Indulge in a delightful summer treat with this homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar recipe. This recipe combines the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the tartness of strawberry sorbet, all enshrined in a crumbly shortcake crust. The strawberry crumble not only provides a delightful crunch but also a burst of fruity flavor, making this treat a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Photos of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe

The main ingredient that may not be readily available in your pantry is freeze-dried strawberries. These can be found in the dried fruit section of your local grocery store or online. They provide a concentrated strawberry flavor that fresh strawberries can't. Similarly, milk powder might not be a common pantry item, but it's easily found in supermarkets. It lends a dairy richness to the crumble.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar

Flour: This is used to provide structure to the strawberry crumble.

Milk powder: It adds a creamy, dairy richness to the crumble

Powdered sugar: This sweetens the crumble.

Cornstarch: It helps to thicken and bind the crumble together.

Freeze dried strawberries: These give the crumble a concentrated strawberry flavor.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweet flavors of the dessert.

Unsalted butter: It adds moisture and richness to the crumble.

Vanilla ice cream: This is the main component of the ice cream bar.

Strawberry sorbet: It adds a tart, fruity element to balance the sweet vanilla ice cream.

One reader, Kerry Gatewood says:

This strawberry shortcake ice cream bar recipe is a game-changer! The combination of vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet, and the crumbly strawberry topping is pure bliss. It's a delightful treat that's perfect for a sunny day. I highly recommend trying it out - it's a real crowd-pleaser!

Kerry Gatewood

Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

How to soften ice cream and sorbet: Remove the ice cream and sorbet from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes until they are soft enough to spread easily.

How to line a baking dish with plastic wrap: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap in the baking dish, making sure it overhangs on all sides. This will make it easier to lift the frozen dessert out of the dish for cutting and serving.

How to pulse ingredients in a food processor: Place the ingredients in the food processor and process in short bursts until the mixture resembles small crumbs. Be careful not to over-process, as this can turn the mixture into a paste.

How to cut the frozen dessert into shapes: Use a sharp knife to cut the frozen dessert into desired shapes, such as squares or rectangles. Press the shapes into the remaining strawberry crumble, then refreeze before serving.

How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Munch on these fruity ice cream bars to stay cool on a hot summer day! It’s packed with vanilla ice cream and a rich strawberry sorbet for a tastier treat.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Freeze Time: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupflour
½cupmilk powder
¼cuppowdered sugar
2tspcornstarch
½cupfreeze dried strawberries
1pinchsalt
4tbspunsalted butter,melted
2pintsVanilla Ice Cream*
½pintStrawberry Sorbet*

Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with plastic wrap, then remove ice cream and sorbet from the freezer to soften.
Pulse the flour, milk powder, powdered sugar, cornstarch, freeze dried strawberries, melted butter and salt in a food processor until small crumbs form.
Sprinkle a third of the mixture in to the bottom of the pan.
Spread half the vanilla, then the sorbet then the remaining vanilla ice cream and sprinkle a third of the crumb topping on top of the ice cream. Freeze until firm.
Cut into desired shapes and press the shapes in the remaining strawberry crumble, then refreeze.
Serve frozen, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Check out this recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream to go with these sweet ice cream bars!
Try this Strawberry Sorbet Recipe to pair into these ice cream bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 155.16kcal
Fat: 7.63g
Saturated Fat: 4.74g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.31g
Carbohydrates: 19.32g
Fiber: 0.58g
Sugar: 14.94g
Protein: 2.67g
Cholesterol: 26.03mg
Sodium: 51.78mg
Calcium: 80.95mg
Potassium: 131.22mg
Iron: 0.12mg
Vitamin A: 73.59µg
Vitamin C: 6.93mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

When pressing the ice cream bars into the remaining strawberry crumble, ensure to cover all sides evenly for a balanced taste and texture in every bite. Also, to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly during this process, you can work in batches, keeping the rest of the bars in the freezer until ready to coat.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Frozen Dessert

Prep ahead: Prepare the crumb mixture and freeze-dried strawberries in advance to save time when assembling the ice cream bars.

Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought vanilla ice cream and sorbet to cut down on preparation time.

Chill baking dish: Place the baking dish in the freezer before assembling the ice cream bars to help them set faster.

Quick freeze: After assembling the bars, place them in the coldest part of the freezer to speed up the freezing process.

Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream bars into clean, uniform shapes for a professional presentation.

Double batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing extra bars for future enjoyment.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe

flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, and it adds a nutty flavor to the shortcake.
milk powder - Substitute with coconut milk powder: Coconut milk powder can provide a subtle tropical flavor to the shortcake, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can bring a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the shortcake, enhancing its flavor profile.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, and it has a neutral taste, allowing the other flavors to shine through.
freeze dried strawberries - Substitute with freeze dried raspberries: Freeze dried raspberries can provide a tart and tangy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the shortcake and adding a vibrant color to the dessert.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the shortcake.
vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: Coconut milk ice cream can provide a creamy, dairy-free option with a hint of tropical flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.
strawberry sorbet - Substitute with raspberry sorbet: Raspberry sorbet can offer a similar fruity and refreshing element to the dessert, while adding a different berry flavor to the overall composition.

How to Beautifully Present Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Elevate the ice cream bar: Create a stunning presentation by carefully shaping the ice cream bars into elegant shapes, such as rectangles or circles, using a sharp knife. This will add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Enhance the visual appeal by adorning the plate with fresh, vibrant strawberries. Their bright color and natural beauty will complement the flavors of the dessert.
Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Add a touch of finesse by drizzling a luscious strawberry coulis over the plate. The vibrant red hues will create a visually striking contrast against the creamy ice cream bars.
Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, delicately dust the plate with a fine sprinkling of powdered sugar to create an air of elegance and sophistication.
Accompany with a vanilla bean: Place a split vanilla bean on the plate as a decorative element. The aromatic presence of the vanilla bean will captivate the senses and add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of whimsy and elegance by incorporating delicate, edible flowers as a garnish. Choose flowers that are safe for consumption and complement the flavors of the dessert.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's perfect for creating the crumb mixture for the ice cream bars.
8x8-inch baking dish: This baking dish is the perfect size for assembling and freezing the ice cream bars.
Plastic wrap: Used to line the baking dish and to cover the ice cream bars while freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients and butter to create the crumb mixture for the ice cream bars.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients such as flour, milk powder, powdered sugar, and cornstarch.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for spreading the ice cream and sorbet layers evenly in the baking dish.
Knife: A knife is needed for cutting the frozen ice cream bars into desired shapes.
Freezer: The freezer is essential for firming up the ice cream bars at various stages of the recipe.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Once the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are completely frozen, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and to maintain their shape.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface of the bars.
Label the container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of how long the bars have been stored in the freezer.
For best quality, consume the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars within 1-2 months of freezing. However, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before unwrapping and enjoying.
If you have any leftover crumble mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can use it as a topping for other desserts or ice cream.

Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

The strawberry shortcake ice cream bar recipe is a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream and the fruity sweetness of strawberry sorbet. This frozen dessert is perfect for warm summer days and can be easily customized with different flavors of ice cream and sorbet. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a refreshing new form. Plus, the addition of freeze-dried strawberries adds a burst of flavor and a delightful crunch to each bite. It's a delightful dessert that's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Is Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars at Home Cost-Effective?

This strawberry shortcake ice cream bar recipe offers a moderate cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of basic ingredients like flour, milk powder, and freeze-dried strawberries keeps the cost reasonable. However, the need for vanilla ice cream and strawberry sorbet may slightly elevate the overall cost. Considering the delightful and refreshing nature of this dessert, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 8/10, as it provides a delicious and visually appealing treat that is worth the investment.

Is This Frozen Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?

The strawberry shortcake ice cream bar recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - flour, milk powder, powdered sugar, butter, and ice cream - are all high in calories, fat, and sugar. The freeze-dried strawberries do add some fruit to the mix, but they are overshadowed by the other less nutritious components. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, protein, or vitamins, making it more of an indulgent treat than a balanced snack.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar and rely more on the natural sweetness of the strawberries
Use low-fat milk powder and reduced-fat ice cream to cut down on the overall fat content
Incorporate more fresh or frozen strawberries into the recipe for an extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants
Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates to replace some of the processed sugar
Add a scoop of Greek yogurt to the ice cream mixture for a protein boost and a creamier texture

Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Frozen Treats

This strawberry shortcake ice cream bar recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet, and a crunchy strawberry crumble creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of freeze-dried strawberries adds a concentrated fruity flavor, and the addition of milk powder gives the bars a rich and creamy taste. The recipe is easy to follow and results in a refreshing and indulgent treat that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a sweet ending to a meal, these ice cream bars are a delightful and satisfying dessert option.

Enhance Your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Peaches with Honey and Mascarpone: Grilled peaches with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese, creating a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Tender Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection and glazed with a tangy balsamic reduction, adding a burst of flavor to complement the sweetness of the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.

Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears wrapped in crispy prosciutto, providing a delightful crunch and savory contrast to the creamy texture of the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.

Similar Frozen Dessert Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate your favorite vegetables and grill them to perfection for a healthy and delicious side dish or appetizer.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook beef short ribs in a flavorful broth until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds to create a creamy and nutritious pudding that makes for a refreshing dessert or breakfast option.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy broth to create a comforting and flavorful soup that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: Bake a creamy and tangy lemon cheesecake filling on top of a buttery graham cracker crust, then top with a sweet blueberry compote for a delightful dessert.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for This Frozen Treat

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant Caprese skewers, featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. A refreshing and light appetizer to start off any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy fettuccine pasta with tender grilled chicken and a rich, savory Alfredo sauce.

Beef Stir Fry: Savory beef strips stir-fried with colorful vegetables in a flavorful sauce, served over steamed rice.

Why trust this Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe:

This recipe uses real strawberries and vanilla ice cream to create a delicious and refreshing strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. The combination of freeze dried strawberries and strawberry sorbet adds a burst of natural flavor. The use of milk powder and unsalted butter ensures a rich and creamy texture. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a successful outcome, and the final product is a delightful treat that will impress anyone who tries it.

Want to share your experience making these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries. However, keep in mind that using fresh strawberries may alter the texture of the crumb topping.

Can I substitute the vanilla ice cream and strawberry sorbet with other flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your flavors. You can substitute the vanilla ice cream and strawberry sorbet with any flavors you prefer, such as chocolate, mint, or even a fruity sorbet like raspberry or mango.

How far in advance can I make these strawberry shortcake ice cream bars?

You can make these strawberry shortcake ice cream bars up to 3 days in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their freshness and texture.

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Yes, you can make this recipe without a food processor. You can simply mix the ingredients for the crumb topping by hand until they form small crumbs. It may take a bit more effort, but it can definitely be done.

Can I use a different size baking dish if I don't have an 8x8-inch dish?

Yes, you can use a different size baking dish if you don't have an 8x8-inch dish. Just keep in mind that using a different size dish may affect the thickness of the layers and the overall yield of the recipe. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.