Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Delightful Treat

Craving a cool summer treat? Look no further than strawberry shortcake ice cream bars! These delicious layers of creamy ice cream, fresh strawberries, and crunchy cookies will make your taste buds sing. In this post, I'll share easy steps and tips to help you make this delightful dessert at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a sweet treat everyone will love!

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients

- 2 cups fresh strawberries

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh strawberries are key to this treat. Their sweetness shines through. Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. The vanilla extract adds depth to the overall taste. Together, they create a fruity base that you will love.

Dairy Components

- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Heavy cream makes the ice cream rich and creamy. It gives a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and helps the ice cream stay soft. This mix creates a delightful base for your bars.

Cookie Elements

- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies

- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

The crushed shortbread cookies add a buttery crunch. They provide a nice contrast to the creamy ice cream. Graham cracker crumbs enhance the flavor and texture. Together, they form a tasty crust that holds everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Strawberries

First, we need to bring out the sweet flavor of the strawberries. Take 2 cups of fresh strawberries that are hulled and sliced. In a bowl, toss the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This step helps to draw out their juices. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. You will see the strawberries become softer and juicier.

Next, it’s time to mash some strawberries. Use a fork to mash half of the strawberries. You want them to be chunky but still look like strawberries. This will add texture to our ice cream. Set these mashed strawberries aside for later.

Making the Ice Cream Base

Now, we’ll create the ice cream base. In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of lemon zest. Finally, add a pinch of salt.

Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. You should see a smooth and creamy mixture. This is the heart of our ice cream bars.

Constructing Layers

Next, we will layer our ice cream and cookie crust. Start by lining a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to help lift the bars out later. Pour half of the ice cream mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.

Now, let’s add the cookie crust. Sprinkle half of the crushed shortbread cookies and graham cracker crumbs over the ice cream. Press them down gently so they stick.

Pour the remaining ice cream mixture on top of the cookie layer. Smooth it out with a spatula.

For the last layer, scatter the rest of the crushed cookies and graham cracker crumbs on top. Press lightly once more to make sure they adhere.

Finally, cover the dish with plastic wrap and freeze it for at least 6 hours. This will help the bars solidify and become easy to cut.

Once frozen, you can lift the ice cream slab out using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars and enjoy the delicious treat!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Creamy Texture

To make these bars creamy, use heavy cream. This cream has more fat, which gives a rich taste. It helps create a smooth and luscious ice cream base. For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whisking. This helps the cream whip faster and better.

When freezing, let your bars sit for at least 6 hours. This gives them time to set properly. If possible, freeze them overnight for the best texture. If you want to take them out early, check if they are solid before cutting.

Presentation Techniques

Make your bars pop when serving! Use a colorful platter to display them. This adds a fun touch. For garnish, add fresh mint leaves or extra strawberry slices. These bright colors make your dessert look even more inviting.

You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for a twist. This adds richness and taste. Presenting your dessert well makes it more fun to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to overmix the strawberries. If you do, they can turn mushy. You want some chunks to keep the texture nice.

Another mistake is not pressing the cookie layers firmly. If you don’t press down, the layers may fall apart. Make sure to press the cookie crust well when layering. This helps hold everything together when you cut the bars.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option

You can easily make a dairy-free version of these bars. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For sweetened condensed milk, look for coconut milk alternatives. This keeps the rich flavor while making it vegan. You still get that creamy texture, but without dairy.

Low-Sugar Version

If you want a low-sugar option, try using sugar substitutes. You can use stevia or erythritol instead of sugar. These options keep the sweetness without the calories. You can also find low-sugar sweetened condensed milk in stores.

Flavor Additions

Feel free to get creative with flavors. You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just chop them small so they blend well. Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for extra taste. These small changes can make your bars unique and fun!

Storage Info

Best Way to Store

To keep your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh, store them in the freezer. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty. When stored correctly, they last up to three months in the freezer. You can enjoy their creamy goodness for a long time.

Reheating Techniques

After freezing, there is no need to reheat these bars. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for about five minutes. This softens them just enough for easy cutting. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Serve the bars on a colorful platter for a fun touch.

Avoiding Ice Crystals

To avoid ice crystals, cover your ice cream bars well. Use plastic wrap or a tight lid on the container. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain a smooth texture. Freezing them as soon as you make them also helps. Quick freezing reduces ice crystal formation, which keeps your bars creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, the texture might change. Fresh strawberries give a firmer bite. Frozen fruits can become mushy when thawed. You may lose some of that lovely crunch. If you choose frozen strawberries, let them thaw first. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery mix.

How do I serve these bars?

To serve these bars, I recommend using a warm knife. This helps cut through the ice cream easily. Dip the knife in hot water, then wipe it dry. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. A clean cut makes for a neat presentation. Serve them on a colorful plate for a fun look.

What are some toppings I can use?

You can add many fun toppings! Here are a few ideas:

- Whipped cream

- Fresh strawberry slices

- Chocolate drizzle

- Extra crushed cookies

- Chopped nuts

Mix and match these toppings to find your favorite combo. They add flavor and make your bars even more special!

This blog post covered how to make delicious ice cream bars. We looked at key ingredients like fresh strawberries, heavy cream, and cookie elements. I provided step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to avoid mistakes and achieve the best texture. Plus, we explored fun variations and storage tips.

Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your homemade ice cream bars. Enjoy making these tasty treats!