Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe

These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are pure nostalgia on a stick! Picture sweet strawberry and vanilla ice cream layers nestled over a buttery shortbread crust, all topped with a strawberry-speckled crumble. Each bite is creamy, crumbly, and bursting with berry flavor—perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or whenever you’re craving a treat that tastes just like your favorite childhood ice cream bar.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Classic Ice Cream Truck Vibes: These bars taste just like the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars you grew up loving—but with a homemade, buttery twist.
• Totally Customizable: You get to choose your favorite strawberry and vanilla ice creams, or even go dairy-free for allergy-friendly fun.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The pretty pink and white layers with that vibrant strawberry crumble look absolutely irresistible on any dessert table.
• Easy, No-Bake Assembly: No oven or fancy equipment required—just layer, freeze, slice, and serve for instant smiles!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Every ingredient in these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars plays a starring role, bringing you that iconic balance of buttery, fruity, and creamy flavors. Best of all, you only need a handful of staples for showstopping results.

• Shortbread or Shortcake Cookies: These give the crust that classic, crumbly base—plain vanilla shortbread or butter cookies are perfect here.
• Salted Butter: Provides moisture and rich, salty-sweet flavor for the cookie crust that ties everything together.
• Strawberry Ice Cream: Choose any brand you love—the intense strawberry flavor forms one of the creamy layers and puts the “strawberry” in these bars.
• Strawberry Jam: A thin layer amps up the fruity punch, and helps the vanilla ice cream adhere—seeded or seedless both work great.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla layer offers sweet balance and classic shortcake flavor—feel free to substitute with your favorite vanilla variety.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These crunch into a vivid, tangy “crumble” topping and can’t really be swapped, but in a pinch, a sprinkle of strawberry Jell-O powder might do.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later. Crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs (use a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin) and mix them with the melted salted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan—it should hold together, forming a rich, buttery base.

Step 2: Layer On the Strawberry Ice Cream

Let your strawberry ice cream soften on the counter for about 20 minutes. Spread it evenly over the cookie crust. Don’t worry if it’s a bit soft—just smooth it out! Then, freeze the pan for at least 2 hours (or until firm) to lock the layer in place.

Step 3: Add a Layer of Strawberry Jam

Once the strawberry ice cream is set, carefully spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on top. This extra fruity layer is what gives Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars that signature pop of berry flavor. Stick the pan back in the freezer for another hour.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla Ice Cream

Take your vanilla ice cream out to soften for about 20 minutes. Spread the vanilla layer over the jam—use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for swoopy, cloudlike perfection. We’re almost there!

Step 5: Top with Strawberry Crumble & Freeze

For the iconic strawberry crumble, break up a few more shortbread cookies into small bits (chunky is better than sandy!). Finely crush your freeze-dried strawberries and toss them with the cookie crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture thickly over the vanilla ice cream. Freeze everything until completely firm—about 4 hours or overnight if possible.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Lift the cold slab of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars out using the parchment paper. Slice into bars, savor that gorgeous cross-section, and get ready to delight family, friends, or—let’s face it—just yourself!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars with fresh strawberry slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of white chocolate for that true celebratory sparkle. Even a dollop of whipped cream on the side feels totally indulgent and palate-pleasing.

Side Dishes

These bars really shine as a dessert centerpiece, but if you want to build out your spread, serve alongside a simple berry fruit salad, crunchy biscotti cookies, or sparkling lemonade for the ultimate summer treat menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for colorful party trays, or slide wooden popsicle sticks into each bar before freezing for a true hand-held “ice cream truck” effect. For an extra fancy touch, tie each one up in wax paper and ribbon—party favor perfection!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars fresh and fabulous, store them tightly sealed in a freezer-safe container or wrap well with plastic wrap. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month—just slice only what you plan to serve and pop the rest back in quickly!

Freezing

This recipe is designed for freezer magic! Freeze the whole batch in the pan, or store pre-sliced bars between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Always keep them in the coldest part of your freezer for best texture.

Reheating

Since Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are meant to be eaten frozen, no reheating is needed. For perfect slicing, let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to soften just enough for a clean cut—they’ll hold their shape and still taste dreamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a true taste of summer, don’t miss out on these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. They’re guaranteed to spark joy and smiles around any table—give them a try and make your own sweet memories!

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