Introduction
Celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s season with a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of ice cream with the sweet, fruity essence of strawberries. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, they’re a refreshing and visually delightful treat.
Detailed Ingredients
200 ml heavy cream
200 ml whole milk
100 grams granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
150 grams fresh strawberries, chopped
100 grams shortcake or butter cookies, crushed
50 grams unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 bars
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely, creating a luscious and creamy base.
Add Vanilla
Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, allowing it to infuse the cream mixture with a warm and inviting aroma. Let this mixture cool to room temperature for the perfect creamy consistency.
Puree the Strawberries
Using a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. This vibrant mixture bursts with sweetness and delivers a refreshing fruity essence that captures the spirit of strawberries in every bite. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the Cookie Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed shortcake or butter cookies with the melted unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Mix until it’s well incorporated, creating a crumbly texture that adds a delightful crunch to each bar.
Layer the Mixtures in Molds
Begin layering in the ice cream molds by alternating the strawberry puree and cream mixture with layers of the cookie mixture. This technique forms delightful stripes of creamy sweetness against the crunchy cookie layers, creating a visually appealing treat.
Freeze the Ice Cream Bars
Insert sticks into the molds and place them in the freezer. Let them freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or until firmly set, ensuring that each bite will be refreshing and satisfying.
Serve and Enjoy
Once frozen, remove the ice cream bars from the molds. You will be greeted by a beautiful display of layers. Enjoy them immediately as a sweet treat, perfect for Valentine’s season or any occasion.
Notes
Choosing the Right Strawberries
Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for the puree; they will provide optimal flavor and sweetness to your ice cream bars.
Texture Tips
To achieve a well-balanced texture, it’s essential to allow the cream mixture to cool properly before mixing. This will help prevent unwanted melting and maintain that luscious creaminess in each bar.
Cookie Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cookies like graham crackers or oatmeal cookies for unexpected flavor combinations.
Presentation Ideas
For an extra touch, dip the tops of each ice cream bar in melted chocolate or sprinkle with additional crushed cookies before serving to elevate their appeal.
Storage Suggestions
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last for several weeks, but you’ll likely want to enjoy them long before that!
Cook Techniques
Heating Cream Mixture
In this step, gently heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely without boiling the mixture.
Pureeing Strawberries
Use a blender or food processor to puree the fresh strawberries until they achieve a smooth consistency. This will create a delightful flavor and texture for your ice cream bars.
Mixing Cookie Crust
Combine the crushed shortcake or butter cookies with melted butter and powdered sugar. This mixture provides a delicious crunchy layer in your ice cream bars.
Layering Ingredients
When filling the ice cream molds, alternate layers of the strawberry puree, the cream mixture, and the cookie mixture to create beautiful and distinct layers.
Freezing the Ice Cream Bars
After assembling the layers, insert sticks into the molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial for achieving a firm, enjoyable texture for your ice cream bars.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use a combination of whole milk and half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter option.
How do I remove the ice cream bars from the molds?
To easily remove the bars, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds or gently twist the molds.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor.
How long can I store the ice cream bars in the freezer?
The ice cream bars can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks when kept in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a delightful addition to any celebration, especially during the Valentine’s season. Their creamy texture and fruity taste make them a perfect treat for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Strawberry Banana Ice Cream Bars
Combine fresh strawberries with ripe bananas for a tropical twist. Layer the banana puree between the cream mixture and cookie base for added creaminess.
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Add a layer of chocolate fudge or crushed chocolate cookies between the strawberry puree and ice cream mixture for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combination.
Mixed Berry Shortcake Bars
Use a blend of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to create a mixed berry version, offering a burst of flavors and vibrant colors.
Coconut Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
Incorporate coconut milk into the ice cream mixture for a tropical flavor profile, and sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added texture.
Almond Crunch Shortcake Bars
Mix crushed almond cookies into the cookie layer for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
