Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

As summer rolls around and the temperatures soar, nothing quite beats the sweltering heat like a cool and delightful treat. Enter Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars—a combination of creamy strawberry and vanilla ice cream, enriched with bright bursts of strawberry preserves and wrapped in a crisp, sugary cookie crust. With their eye-catching layers and vibrant colors, these ice cream bars are as beautiful to behold as they are to consume.

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Complete Ingredients List

• 1 pt. strawberry ice cream
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 1 pt. vanilla ice cream
• 1 (5.25-ounce) package crispy sugar cookies
• 1 (0.8-ounce) package freeze-dried strawberries

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment with flavors, here are some great alternatives:

• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Replace both ice creams with dairy-free varieties, such as coconut, almond, or soy-based ice creams.
• Gluten-Free Cookies: Use gluten-free sugar cookies or even crushed gluten-free graham crackers to create the crust.
• Flavor Variations: Explore different ice cream flavors such as blueberry, raspberry, or even cookies and cream for a unique twist on traditional strawberry shortcake.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream Mixture

Start by scooping the strawberry ice cream into a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to stir the ice cream until it becomes soft enough to spread easily. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the lovely swirls of strawberry intact. Next, add 1/4 cup of strawberry preserves to the bowl. Gently fold the preserves into the ice cream for just 3 or 4 strokes, creating delightful ribbons of fruit.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Ice Cream Mixture

In another large bowl, scoop the vanilla ice cream and, similar to step one, stir until it is just spreadable. This will ensure that when you combine it with the strawberry mixture, both textures will meld beautifully.

Step 3: Layer the Ice Cream Mixtures in Molds

You will need 8 popsicle molds for this recipe. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of each popsicle mold, followed by 1 1/2 tablespoons of the vanilla ice cream mixture. Continue to alternate adding the two mixtures until each mold is full. If you like, you can use a butter knife or popsicle stick to create swirls for extra visual appeal.

Step 4: Insert Sticks and Freeze

Once the molds are full, place the sticks into the tops of the popsicles. Check that the sticks are upright and properly centered. Now, freeze the molds for at least 4 to 6 hours until the ice cream is completely solid.

Step 5: Prepare the Coating

While the popsicles are freezing, take the crispy sugar cookies and place them in a large zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin, crush them until they are about the size of rice grains. Some larger crumbs are perfectly fine, as they add texture to the coating. Next, crush the freeze-dried strawberries in the same bag until they are similarly sized. Once you’ve completed this, combine the cookie crumbs and freeze-dried strawberries in a shallow dish, mixing to create a colorful coating.

Step 6: Coat the Popsicles

After the ice cream bars are fully set, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them. Gently wiggle each popsicle out of its mold. Now, press each bar into the cookie and strawberry mixture, coating them thoroughly. This will create a delightful crunch that will complement the creamy ice cream.

Step 7: Final Freeze & Storage

For best texture and to keep them firm, either serve the bars immediately or lay them on a cookie sheet and freeze for an additional 30 minutes. Once completely solid, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

The ideal temperature for serving these ice cream bars is, appropriately, frozen. You want them to be firm enough to hold their shape while still being soft enough to bite into easily. When plating, you can arrange multiple bars on a platter, garnished with fresh strawberries or mint leaves to add a pop of color.

To cut the bars in half for a bite-sized treat, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water. This makes for a cleaner cut and a more visually appealing presentation.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

While the bars are delightful on their own, adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience further. Consider pairing these bars with a scoop of your favorite sorbet or a refreshing glass of lemonade for a complete summer treat.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Best Storage Methods

The best way to ensure your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars maintain their delightful texture and flavor is by storing them in the freezer. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They will last for up to a month when stored this way, although they’re likely to be gobbled up well before that!

Reheating or Freezing Tips

Since these bars are designed to be enjoyed frozen, there’s no need for reheating. If they become too hard to bite into right out of the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before diving in. If only partially melted, you can put them back in the freezer to regain their firmness.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

When making these delightful ice cream bars, there are a few common pitfalls to watch for:

• Overmixing the ice cream once you add the strawberry preserves can result in a less vibrant color and flavor.
• Not allowing enough time for freezing can lead to bars that are too soft and won’t hold their shape when served.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use High-Quality Ice Cream: The flavor of your ice cream serves as the foundation for this dessert. Opt for quality brands with real strawberries for the best results.
• Keep It Soft: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make the mixing process easier.

Fun Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Feel free to play around with the base flavors! You could use:

• Mango or peach ice cream for a tropical twist.
• Dark chocolate or cookie dough ice cream for a richer flavor profile.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

To cater to different dietary needs:

• Vegan: Use coconut milk or almond milk-based ice creams and replace cookies with dairy-free alternatives.
• Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free ice creams and sweeteners for low-carb alternatives to make the treat accessible to those watching their sugar intake.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your bars are too soft and fall apart, it could be due to not freezing them long enough. To salvage them, place them back in the molds and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours. If they feel too hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few moments before serving.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! The beauty of these ice cream bars is their ability to be made in advance and stored in the freezer for later enjoyment. Make them the day before a gathering, and they’ll be perfectly ready for your guests.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use crushed nuts or chocolate chips instead for crunch. Additionally, if strawberry ice cream isn’t available, any berry flavor can serve as a delightful substitute.

By following this complete guide, your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars will not only be a visual delight but also a delicious treat that everyone will love. Get ready to whip up this unforgettable dessert that promises to bring a smile to anyone who has the pleasure of indulging in this frozen delight. Enjoy!

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