Looking for a delightful treat that combines summer's best flavors? Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches are the answer! With juicy strawberries, creamy ice cream, and homemade cookies, this dessert is a fun twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for warm days or any occasion, these sandwiches are not just tasty—they're easy to make at home. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps you'll need to create this yummy dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy ice cream creates a delightful summer treat that bursts with flavor.
- Homemade Goodness: Making the cookies and ice cream from scratch ensures you know exactly what goes into your dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: These ice cream sandwiches are great for parties or family gatherings, making it easy to serve a crowd.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out strawberries for other fruits or add different flavorings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Baking Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (one for ice cream, one for cookies)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whipped cream
Gather these ingredients before starting. Fresh strawberries make this treat bright and sweet. Heavy cream adds a rich texture to the ice cream. Sweetened condensed milk brings a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the strawberries.
For baking, all-purpose flour is essential for the cookies. Baking powder and baking soda help the cookies rise and become fluffy. Unsalted butter ensures we control the salt in our mix. Brown sugar adds depth to the cookie flavor.
Additional ingredients like granulated sugar help macerate the strawberries, enhancing their sweetness. Vanilla extract gives both the cookies and ice cream a warm, inviting flavor. The egg binds the cookie dough together, making it easy to shape. Finally, whipped cream adds a light touch when assembling the sandwiches.
Having all these ingredients ready will make your cooking experience smooth and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
To start, you need fresh strawberries. First, hull and slice 2 cups of strawberries. In a bowl, mix the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar coats the berries. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This process is called macerating. It draws out the juices and makes the strawberries sweeter.
Making the Ice Cream
Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Whip this mixture until soft peaks form. It should look light and fluffy. Now, gently fold in half of your macerated strawberries. Reserve the other half for later. Transfer this ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it is firm.
Preparing and Baking the Cookies
Now, let’s make the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In one bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drop spoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part—assembling the sandwiches! Take one cookie and add a scoop of the strawberry ice cream on top. Then, add a dollop of whipped cream. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. For a firmer treat, freeze the assembled sandwiches for an extra hour before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve immediately, garnishing with the reserved macerated strawberries on the side.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Ice Cream Texture
To make great ice cream, soft peaks are key. Soft peaks mean the cream holds its shape but is still creamy. You want to whip the heavy cream until it looks fluffy. When you fold in the strawberries, be gentle. This keeps the texture light and airy.
Cookie Consistency
Baking time matters so much. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for golden edges. They should feel soft but not raw. Avoid overmixing the dough. This keeps the cookies tender and perfect for holding ice cream.
Assembly Suggestions
When it’s time to serve, use a fun approach. Start with a cookie, scoop some ice cream, and add whipped cream. Place another cookie on top to complete your sandwich. For garnishing, use the reserved strawberries. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or crushed almonds adds a nice touch, too. A sprig of mint looks great and adds color.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, always use fresh, ripe strawberries. They will enhance the sweetness and overall taste of your ice cream sandwiches.
- Chill the Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool completely before assembling. This helps the ice cream stay firm and prevents the cookies from becoming soggy.
- Customize Your Ice Cream: Feel free to add crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or other fruits into your ice cream mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Presentation Matters: Garnish your ice cream sandwiches with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkling of crushed nuts to make them look even more appealing.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavors of your ice cream sandwiches easily. Try using other berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add new tastes and colors. You can also use peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist. For ice cream, pick different flavors too! Vanilla, chocolate, or mint can make fun options. You can even mix flavors by swirling them together.
Alternative cookie options
If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat! You can also add chocolate chips to your cookie dough. They melt into the cookie, adding a rich taste. This makes your sandwiches even more special.
Presentation Variations
Toppings can make your sandwiches look amazing! Try crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You can also use fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. When serving, arrange the sandwiches on a pretty platter. This makes them fun to share at parties or family gatherings.
Storage Info
Storing Ice Cream Sandwiches
Store your ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. Place parchment paper between sandwiches to avoid sticking. You can freeze them for up to two weeks without losing flavor.
Storing Ingredients
Keep strawberries fresh by placing them in the fridge. Store them in a container with a lid, but don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them. For cookies, keep them in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to five days. Store ice cream in its original container or in a freezer-safe tub. This helps maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating Techniques
If you want warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for five minutes. This revives their soft texture. Avoid reheating ice cream; it should stay creamy. Enjoy your sandwiches cold for the best taste!
FAQs
How can I make these ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?
You can prepare the ice cream and cookies a day in advance. Just store the ice cream in a container in the freezer. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, assemble the sandwiches. They will taste fresh and delicious!
Can I use store-bought cookies for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Store-bought cookies save time. Choose cookies that are thick and sturdy. They should hold the ice cream well. However, homemade cookies add a special touch to your sandwiches.
What are some good alternatives for sweetened condensed milk?
You can use evaporated milk and sugar as a substitute. Mix one cup of evaporated milk with one cup of sugar. Another option is to use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. This will add a unique flavor to your ice cream.
How do I achieve a firmer ice cream sandwich?
To make firmer sandwiches, freeze the assembled sandwiches for an extra hour. This step helps the ice cream set well between the cookies. You can also make the ice cream a bit firmer by whipping it longer.
What is the best way to serve leftover sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in the freezer. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh for later. When ready, take them out and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to bite into!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious ice cream sandwiches. We covered fresh ingredients like strawberries and cream, and baking essentials like flour and sugar. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing strawberries, making ice cream, and baking cookies. We discussed tips for perfecting texture and offered variations for flavors and presentations.
In conclusion, this treat is fun to make and enjoy. Experiment with different fruits and flavors to find your favorite combo. Happy baking!
