Introduction
Celebrate the delightful essence of strawberry shortcake in a cool, creamy treat with these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. They’re the perfect dessert for a warm day or a sweet ending to any meal, combining the refreshing taste of strawberries with the nostalgic flavors of a classic shortcake.
Detailed Ingredients
Heavy cream: 500 ml
Sweetened condensed milk: 200 ml
Vanilla extract: 5 ml
Fresh strawberries (diced): 250 grams
Graham crackers (crushed): 150 grams
Unsalted butter (melted): 50 grams
White chocolate (melted): 100 grams
Sugar: 30 grams
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 hours (freezing)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the diced strawberries.
4. In another bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
5. Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
6. Spread the strawberry ice cream mixture evenly over the crust.
7. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top.
8. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely set.
9. Once set, remove from the freezer and cut into bars.
10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy and airy texture. Set it aside carefully to maintain its volume.
Step 2: Prepare the Condensed Milk Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract, stirring gently to blend the flavors. This mixture adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the ice cream.
Step 3: Incorporate the Mixtures
Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream’s airy texture. This step creates a velvety base for your ice cream.
Step 4: Add the Strawberries
Stir in the diced fresh strawberries, allowing their vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor to delight the mixture. Each bite will embody the essence of strawberry shortcake.
Step 5: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In another bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar, mixing thoroughly until it resembles wet sand. This mixture forms a deliciously crunchy crust.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a stable crust.
Step 7: Layer the Ice Cream Mixture
Spread the strawberry ice cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, ensuring every corner is filled with that delightful strawberry creaminess.
Step 8: Drizzle with White Chocolate
Using a spoon, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the ice cream mixture. This adds a sweet, creamy finish and a beautiful visual appeal to your bars.
Step 9: Freeze Until Set
Place the baking pan in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is completely set. This is the crucial step that transforms your mixture into bars.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
Once fully frozen, remove the pan from the freezer and cut into bars of your desired size. Serve immediately for that fresh, cool treat, or store them for later enjoyment.
Notes
Choose Fresh Strawberries
Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness will enhance the overall taste of your ice cream bars.
Customize Your Bars
Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped nuts or different berries for variety. You can also use flavored extracts for a twist on the classic recipe.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness. These bars can last for several weeks when stored correctly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these ice cream bars with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. They also go well alongside a refreshing fruit salad.
Dietary Considerations
For lactose-free options, seek out dairy-free alternatives for heavy cream and condensed milk. Enjoy the same delicious treat that suits your dietary needs.
Cook techniques
Whipping Cream
Start by using cold heavy cream for best results. Whip the cream using a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form, which will create a light and airy texture for your ice cream.
Folding Ingredients
When combining the sweetened condensed milk mixture with the whipped cream, use a gentle folding motion. This minimizes deflation of the whipped cream, keeping your mixture light and fluffy.
Crust Preparation
For the crust, ensure that the graham cracker mixture is well-combined with melted butter and sugar. Press it firmly into the baking pan for a sturdy base that holds together once frozen.
Layering
Spread the strawberry ice cream mixture evenly over the crust to ensure uniformity. This helps in achieving consistent flavors in every bite.
Drizzling Chocolate
When drizzling melted white chocolate over the top, work quickly before the ice cream starts to set. This will create an attractive and tasty topping.
FAQ
How long can I store the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars in the freezer?
You can store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
You can substitute graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You could use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk as an alternative.
Can I add other fruits to the ice cream bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the mixture for added flavor and variety.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of summer, offering a refreshing blend of strawberries and creamy goodness. These homemade treats are not only easy to prepare but bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Strawberry Banana Swirl Bars
Combine the strawberry mixture with mashed bananas for a tropical twist, adding an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the strawberry ice cream layer before freezing for a richer, chocolatey delight.
Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Incorporate some lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice into the cream mixture for a refreshing citrus kick that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Oreo Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Replace the graham cracker crust with crushed Oreos for a chocolatey contrast against the sweet strawberry ice cream.
Peach Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Substitute fresh strawberries with diced peaches for a seasonal variation that still captures the essence of a shortcake.
Nutty Strawberry Delight Bars
Add chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the graham cracker crust for an added crunch and flavor boost.
Mint Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Incorporate fresh mint leaves into the strawberry mixture for a refreshing herbal twist that enhances the berry flavor.
