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You need 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Make sure they are ripe and sweet. Hull and slice them into small pieces. This helps release their juices. The strawberries add a bright flavor to the bars. You will use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Whipping cream makes the bars creamy and rich. It forms stiff peaks when whipped well. This gives the bars a nice texture. You need 1 cup of crushed shortbread cookies. These cookies add crunch and sweetness. They mix well with the cream. You can use extra cookies for topping. - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted - Pinch of salt The sugar helps sweeten the strawberries. Sweetened condensed milk makes the mixture creamy. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. Melted white chocolate gives a nice touch to the bars. A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Hull and slice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This helps the strawberries release their juices. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. You'll see them soften and become juicy. This sweet mix will add flavor to your bars. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Use a mixer to whip the cream until you see stiff peaks. This will take a few minutes. Once done, gently fold in 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for taste. Mix well until everything blends smoothly. Now, fold in 1 cup of crushed shortbread cookies. This adds a nice crunch to your bars. For a fun twist, drizzle in some melted white chocolate. Fold gently to create a marbled look. Grab a rectangular dish lined with parchment paper. Spoon half of your cream mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. Next, layer the juicy strawberries on top. Then, add the rest of the cream mixture over the strawberries. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 to 6 hours. This will help the bars set fully. When the bars are frozen, take them out of the dish. Cut them into bars. For a sweet finish, dip the top of each bar into melted white chocolate. Sprinkle extra crushed shortbread cookies on top for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars right away. You can also store them in an airtight container in the freezer for later. When picking strawberries, look for bright red ones. They should feel firm and smell sweet. Avoid dull or mushy berries. Fresh strawberries will make your ice cream bars taste great. If you can, buy organic strawberries. They often have better flavor and fewer chemicals. To whip cream well, start with cold heavy cream. Use a clean bowl and beaters. Whip until stiff peaks form, but don’t overdo it. Over-whipped cream can turn grainy. Fold the whipped cream gently with the other ingredients. This keeps the mixture light and airy. To boost flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the strawberries. This enhances their sweetness. Mix in a little extra vanilla extract in the cream for depth. You can also try adding a splash of almond extract. It adds a nice twist to the classic taste. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Strawberries: Make sure to select ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor in your ice cream bars. Whip Cream Properly: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture in the bars. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your dish with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the bars once frozen. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or sprinkles as toppings along with the crushed cookies for extra texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap strawberries for other fruits. Ripe peaches add a sweet twist. Fresh blueberries give a nice pop of color. Try raspberries for a tart bite. Each fruit brings its own flavor to the bars. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It still whips well and adds a light coconut flavor. Replace sweetened condensed milk with almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free chocolate for a fun topping. These swaps make the dessert lighter and healthier. You can make your bars even more fun with toppings. Try crushed nuts for a crunchy bite. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet touch. You can also use sprinkles for a festive look. Mix in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Let your imagination run wild! To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars fresh, use an airtight container. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap for extra protection. This step helps avoid freezer burn and keeps the flavor intact. Always store the bars in the coldest part of the freezer. Avoid placing them near the door, as the temperature can change often. Your bars will stay tasty for about three months in the freezer. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. To enjoy the best taste, try to eat them within this time frame. Mark the container with the date you made them to keep track of freshness. If your bars are too hard to eat, let them sit at room temperature for about five minutes. This time allows them to soften just enough without melting. Do not use a microwave, as it can ruin the texture. Enjoy your bars when they are creamy and delicious! Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars last about two months in the freezer. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain excess juice. This keeps your bars from getting too watery. Fresh strawberries do give a better flavor, though. You can use coconut cream or full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both will give a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try low-fat milk, but the bars will be less rich. Yes, you can use gluten-free shortbread cookies. Many brands offer gluten-free cookies that are very tasty. Just check the label to ensure they fit your needs. To make these bars without condensed milk, use a mix of yogurt and sugar. Combine 1 cup of yogurt with 1/4 cup of sugar. This mix will keep the bars creamy and sweet. You learned about the key ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars, including fresh strawberries and creamy components. I shared step-by-step instructions for making these tasty treats. Tips on choosing the best fruit and achieving perfect cream were also included. We explored fun variations for different diets and preferences. Proper storage info helps keep your bars fresh. Now, enjoy crafting this delicious dessert, knowing how to tweak it to fit your taste. Dive into your kitchen and get creative with your own bars!

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Delicious ice cream bars made with fresh strawberries and shortbread cookies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes until the strawberries are softened and juicy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Slowly fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  • Gently fold in the crushed shortbread cookies into the whipped mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  • Stream a little of the melted white chocolate into the mixture and fold gently to create a marbled effect.
  • In a parchment-lined rectangular dish (about 8x8 inches), spoon half of the cream mixture and spread it evenly. Layer the macerated strawberries on top, followed by the remaining cream mixture.
  • Cover it with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until set.
  • Once frozen, remove the dessert from the dish and cut it into bars.
  • Dip the top of each bar into the remaining melted white chocolate and then sprinkle extra crushed shortbread cookies on top.
  • Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.

Notes

For best results, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
Keyword bars, dessert, ice cream, strawberry