Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are the perfect summer treat that combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with creamy ice cream. This delightful dessert is not only easy to make but also offers a refreshing way to cool down on hot days. With just four simple ingredients, these bars are ideal for parties, picnics, or a sweet indulgence after dinner. Their nostalgic taste and convenient format make them a must-try for any ice cream lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Minimal Ingredients: Made with just four ingredients, this recipe is simple and budget-friendly.
• Perfect for Sharing: Slice into 9 or 12 bars, making them easy to serve at gatherings.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Enjoy the familiar taste of strawberry shortcake in a fun ice cream form.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out the strawberries for other fruits!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes preparing your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan
• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool ensures even crushing of cookies and blending of ingredients for a smooth texture.
• Square pan: A square pan provides the perfect shape for cutting bars that are uniform in size.
• Rubber spatula: Helps in spreading the softened ice cream evenly without damaging the crust.

Ingredients

A perfectly nostalgic summer dessert made with only 4 ingredients!

For the Crust

• 35 Golden Oreo cookies
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup freeze dried strawberries

For the Filling

• 1 quart strawberry ice cream (softened)

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with foil or parchment paper. This will help you remove the bars easily once they are frozen.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Place Golden Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs.
2. Add freeze dried strawberries and pulse a few times to break them up slightly.
3. Pour in the melted unsalted butter, then pulse until the mixture is moistened.

Step 3: Press the Crust

Firmly press half of the cookie mixture into the bottom of the lined pan. Ensure it is packed tightly for a sturdy base.

Step 4: Add Ice Cream Layer

Spread softened strawberry ice cream evenly over the pressed crust, smoothing it out with a rubber spatula.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Crust

Sprinkle the remaining cookie mixture over the ice cream layer evenly, ensuring every bite has that crunchy topping.

Step 6: Freeze

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once fully frozen, slice into either 9 or 12 bars. Serve immediately for a refreshing treat!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars are sure to impress.

Classic Serving

• Serve chilled straight from the freezer for the best texture.
• Pair with fresh strawberries on the side for added flavor and freshness.

Toppings Galore

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent twist.

Fun Presentation

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cut bars in half and sandwich them between two cookies.
• Sundae Style: Serve bars in a bowl topped with nuts and cherries for a sundae experience.

Party Platter

• Create a dessert platter by arranging the bars with other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts.
• Use decorative skewers to serve smaller pieces for easy eating at parties.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Creating the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dessert.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality strawberry ice cream for the best flavor.
• Crush Cookies Fine: Ensure the Golden Oreos are finely crushed for a smoother crust.
• Freeze Properly: Allow enough time for the bars to freeze completely before slicing.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different ice cream flavors like vanilla or chocolate for variety.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal enjoyment, serve soon after slicing as they can melt quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Pairing sides with your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this sweet treat.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the bars.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This tangy sorbet serves as a light contrast to the creamy ice cream bars.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add crunch and pair well with the soft texture of the bars.
4. Peach Crumble: The warm, sweet peach crumble offers a comforting option alongside cold ice cream.
5. Pineapple Upside Down Cake: This fruity cake adds an exciting twist to your dessert table.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide an elegant touch and complement berry flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin the fun. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the lining step: If you don’t line your pan with foil or parchment paper, it will be difficult to remove the bars later. Always line the pan for easy removal and serving.

• Not softening the ice cream: Using hard ice cream makes spreading difficult. Allow your strawberry ice cream to soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before spreading.

• Over-pulsing the cookie mixture: Too much pulsing can turn your cookies into dust. Pulse just enough to achieve a fine crumb without losing texture.

• Leaving out freeze-dried strawberries: These add a burst of flavor and texture. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s essential for achieving that classic strawberry shortcake taste.

• Not pressing firmly enough: If you don’t press the crust mixture firmly, it may crumble when you slice the bars. Be sure to compact it well in the bottom of the pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

• If you want to store them longer, freeze them in an airtight container.
• Properly stored, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

• Oven: You can warm them slightly in a preheated oven at 200°F for about 5 minutes. This helps if they are too frozen.
• Microwave: For a quick thaw, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid melting.
• Stovetop: Place them in a covered skillet over very low heat for a few minutes until softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free cookies instead of Golden Oreos. Look for gluten-free sandwich cookies that have a similar texture.

Can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars?

Absolutely! You can swap out strawberry ice cream for other flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Adding fresh fruit or nuts is also an option.

How long do Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars take to freeze?

The bars typically need about 2 hours in the freezer to become solid enough for slicing and serving.

What are some serving suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars?

Serve them with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The combination of creamy strawberry ice cream with a crunchy cookie crust makes them perfect for summer gatherings or as an easy weeknight treat. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings, and enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars, a perfect summer treat that brings together the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake and creamy ice cream. This easy-to-make dessert features a crunchy Golden Oreo crust layered with luscious strawberry ice cream, making it an ideal choice for parties, picnics, or simply a sweet ending to dinner. With just four simple ingredients, these bars are not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or swap in different fruits. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 35 Golden Oreo cookies
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 quart strawberry ice cream (softened)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with foil or parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos into fine crumbs, then mix in freeze-dried strawberries.
3. Pour melted butter into the cookie mixture and pulse until moistened.
4. Press half the mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan.
5. Spread softened strawberry ice cream evenly over the crust using a rubber spatula.
6. Sprinkle remaining cookie mixture on top of the ice cream layer.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for about 2 hours or until solid.
8. Slice into bars and serve chilled.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes (freezing)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg