These homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a delightful nod to the classic Good Humor treats. Combining creamy layers of strawberry and vanilla ice cream with a crunchy coating of sugar cookies and freeze-dried strawberries, these bars offer a nostalgic and refreshing dessert option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pint strawberry ice cream
1/4 cup strawberry preserves
1 pint vanilla ice cream
5.25-ounce package crispy sugar cookies
0.8-ounce package freeze-dried strawberries

Directions

Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream Layer:
- Scoop the strawberry ice cream into a large bowl and stir until it becomes spreadable.
- Fold in the strawberry preserves gently, creating streaks without fully blending, about 3 to 4 folds.
Prepare the Vanilla Ice Cream Layer:
- In a separate bowl, scoop the vanilla ice cream and stir until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Ice Cream Bars:
- Spoon approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of each of the 8 (1/3-cup capacity) popsicle molds.
- Follow with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the vanilla mixture.
- Continue alternating between the strawberry and vanilla mixtures until each mold is filled.
- To achieve a marbled effect, use a butter knife or popsicle stick to gently swirl the mixtures together.
Freeze the Bars:
- Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and freeze until solid, approximately 4 to 6 hours.
Prepare the Crunch Coating:
- Place the sugar cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they are roughly rice-sized, ensuring some larger crumbs remain.
- Transfer the crushed cookies to a shallow dish.
- In the same bag, crush the freeze-dried strawberries to a similar consistency, leaving a few larger pieces for texture.
- Combine the crushed strawberries with the cookie crumbs in the shallow dish, mixing thoroughly.
Coat the Ice Cream Bars:
- Run warm water over the outside of the popsicle molds to loosen the bars. Gently remove each bar from its mold.
- Press each bar into the cookie and strawberry mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Final Freeze:
- Consume immediately or place the coated bars on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.
- For longer storage, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrients

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 300 per serving
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 150mg

A Nod to Nostalgia

The Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars have been a staple in ice cream trucks for decades. The combination of ice cream, strawberry flavor, and a crunchy coating makes for a nostalgic summer indulgence that many people associate with childhood memories. These homemade bars give you the chance to recreate that nostalgic treat at home, with the added benefit of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the freedom to customize the flavors and textures to your liking.

Whether you’re making these for a summer party, a family gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars bring back the joy of childhood summers while offering a modern twist with their easy-to-make, no-bake preparation. The addition of freeze-dried strawberries and sugar cookies elevates the classic recipe, offering a fun, flavorful contrast that’s sure to please anyone who loves a sweet and creamy dessert.

The Ice Cream Layers: Creamy, Sweet, and Flavorful

The foundation of these bars is, of course, the ice cream. These bars feature two delicious layers—strawberry and vanilla—that are rich, creamy, and perfectly textured. The strawberry ice cream provides a vibrant, fruity flavor, while the vanilla ice cream offers a smooth and subtly sweet contrast.

To make the strawberry ice cream layer, the strawberry ice cream is softened just enough to make it spreadable, and then strawberry preserves are gently folded in to add an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful, streaky appearance. This adds a nice touch of natural sweetness from the fruit and intensifies the flavor of the strawberries in the ice cream. The vanilla layer is prepared in the same way, resulting in a creamy base that complements the strawberry perfectly.

One of the best aspects of this ice cream bar recipe is the flexibility it offers. By using high-quality strawberry and vanilla ice cream, you can enhance the flavor profile of these bars. For an extra creamy texture, consider using premium ice cream brands with rich, full-fat content. This will result in a luxurious mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior.

The Marbled Effect: A Visual and Textural Delight

One of the most appealing aspects of these ice cream bars is the marbled effect created by the alternating layers of strawberry and vanilla ice cream. This visual contrast is not only stunning but also enhances the overall eating experience. As you bite into each bar, you’ll experience the blend of sweet, tangy strawberry ice cream and the smooth richness of vanilla, creating a balanced and delicious flavor combination in every bite.

To achieve the marbled effect, a simple tool like a butter knife or popsicle stick is used to gently swirl the strawberry and vanilla ice cream layers together. This step doesn’t require any special skills but results in a visually appealing design that makes the bars even more inviting. The marbling ensures that both flavors are present in every bite, adding an element of surprise and excitement as you enjoy the bar.

The Crunchy Coating: A Sweet and Textural Contrast

The magic of these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars lies in their crunchy exterior. While the ice cream itself is smooth and creamy, the coating adds a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire experience. The coating is made by crushing sugar cookies and freeze-dried strawberries, creating a mixture of sweet, crunchy cookie crumbs and fruity bits that cling to the ice cream bars. This combination not only adds flavor but also makes each bite feel more indulgent.

Sugar cookies provide the perfect base for the coating, offering a sweet and crumbly texture that complements the creaminess of the ice cream. Freeze-dried strawberries add an extra burst of flavor, contributing a tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the ice cream. The freeze-dried strawberries also help to create an appealing appearance, adding tiny pops of color to the cookie coating that make the bars look even more enticing.

Easy to Make, Easy to Enjoy

One of the best things about these homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars is how easy they are to make. With just six ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, and the only real effort required is assembling the layers and freezing the bars. The no-bake nature of the dessert makes it an ideal option for a quick summer treat without needing to heat up the kitchen.

To assemble the bars, all you need to do is layer the strawberry and vanilla ice cream mixtures into popsicle molds and freeze. Once they’ve frozen solid, you can easily coat them with the cookie and strawberry mixture, giving them that signature crunch. The whole process doesn’t take much time, and the results are well worth the minimal effort. These bars are perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the freezer for a sweet treat whenever you need it.

Versatility and Customization: A Dessert for Everyone

These homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can easily swap the ice cream for a dairy-free version and use a non-dairy substitute for the heavy cream in the filling. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness of the bars by controlling the amount of strawberry preserves or sweetener used.

For those who enjoy a bit of extra crunch, you can experiment with different types of cookies in the coating. Try adding crushed graham crackers, shortbread, or even ginger snaps for a unique twist on the classic recipe. You can also substitute freeze-dried strawberries with other freeze-dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even mango for a creative spin on the traditional flavor profile.

Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Summer Treat

These homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars offer the perfect combination of nostalgia, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood summers or simply looking for a refreshing dessert to enjoy, these bars deliver both in flavor and appearance. The creamy, marbled ice cream layers and the crunchy cookie and strawberry coating create a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

Their simplicity and versatility make them an ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just a treat to enjoy on a warm afternoon. The beauty of this dessert is that it’s easy to make, but its flavor and texture leave a lasting impression.

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the classic flavors of a strawberry shortcake with the fun of ice cream bars, look no further. This homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and indulge your sweet tooth, all while keeping things light and refreshing for the summer months. Try it today, and enjoy a cool, creamy treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

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