Introduction: A Classic Summer Favorite
Strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are a nostalgic frozen treat that brings back memories of ice cream trucks, poolside summers, and carefree childhood days. The store-bought versions have been a favorite for years, but making them at home means skipping the artificial flavors and enjoying a healthier, homemade alternative.
This DIY strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe is creamy, fruity, and crunchy with a texture that melts in your mouth. Even better, it requires no special equipment—this is a no-churn ice cream recipe that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a classic summer dessert or a fun homemade project, these bars are worth making from scratch.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
- Healthier than store-bought – No artificial flavors, just real strawberries and quality ingredients.
- Easy to make – A no-churn frozen dessert recipe that requires minimal effort.
- Crunchy and creamy – The perfect blend of smooth ice cream and crispy coating.
- Customizable – Make them vegan, dairy-free, or low-sugar to fit your dietary needs.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
The key to the perfect strawberry shortcake ice cream bars lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Using real ingredients creates a bar that is refreshing, creamy, and crisp all at once.
Ice Cream Base:
- Coconut milk or heavy cream – Provides a rich and creamy texture.
- Strawberry jam – Brings in a naturally sweet and fruity flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the taste and aroma.
Coating & Crunchy Crumb Topping:
- White chocolate – Forms a crisp coating that pairs beautifully with the creamy ice cream.
- Coconut oil – Helps the white chocolate melt smoothly.
- Freeze-dried strawberries – Intensifies the strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
- Puffed rice cereal or crushed shortbread cookies – Gives the bars a crunchy texture similar to the original store-bought version.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
This process is simple, but each step is important to achieve the best results. Here’s how to make strawberry shortcake ice cream bars from scratch.
1. Blend the Ice Cream Base
In a blender, combine:
- Coconut milk or heavy cream
- Strawberry jam
- Vanilla extract
Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or an 8-inch square pan if you plan to cut the bars later.
2. Freeze Until Firm
Place the mold or pan in the freezer and let the mixture set for at least 12 hours. This step ensures that the ice cream bars hold their shape and have the perfect consistency. If using an ice cream mold, insert wooden sticks before freezing.
3. Make the White Chocolate Coating
Melt white chocolate with a tablespoon of coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. This coating will create a thin and crisp chocolate shell that hardens instantly when it touches the frozen bars.
4. Prepare the Shortcake Crumb Coating
In a food processor or using a rolling pin, crush freeze-dried strawberries and puffed rice cereal or shortbread cookies until they form a fine crumb mixture. This coating gives the bars that signature crunchy texture.
5. Dip and Coat the Bars
- Remove the frozen bars from the molds. If they stick, run warm water over the molds for a few seconds and gently wiggle them free.
- Dip each bar into the melted white chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Roll the bars in the strawberry crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
6. Freeze Again & Enjoy!
Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer for another hour before serving. This allows the coating to fully set and keeps the bars firm.
Why These Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Are Better Than Store-Bought
- Real fruit flavor – Made with real strawberries instead of artificial flavors.
- No preservatives – Unlike commercial versions, these bars contain clean, natural ingredients.
- Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to make them vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free.
Homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars give you full control over ingredients and let you enjoy a refreshing frozen dessert with a flavor that’s fresh and authentic.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Use freeze-dried strawberries – They add an intense strawberry taste without extra moisture.
- Let the bars freeze fully – At least 12 hours ensures they stay firm when unmolded.
- Work quickly when coating – The chocolate hardens fast, so have your crumb mixture ready.
- Store properly – Wrap the bars tightly and place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to change up the classic recipe? Try these variations:
- Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars – Use coconut milk and dairy-free white chocolate for a fully plant-based version.
- Low-Calorie Version – Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt and use low-sugar jam to lighten it up.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist – Drizzle dark chocolate over the bars for an extra layer of indulgence.
More Frozen Treats to Enjoy
If you loved making strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, check out these other delicious homemade desserts:
- For another delightful dessert, try these chewy and nutty pistachio macarons.
- Pair your ice cream bars with these elegant red velvet macarons for a stunning dessert spread.
- Looking for more fruity desserts? Try this homemade apple and pear pie.
Why These Homemade Bars Are Better Than Store-Bought
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making your favorite treats at home. Here’s why these strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are even better than what you’ll find in a freezer aisle:
1. Made with Real Ingredients
Store-bought versions often contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and unnecessary additives. But when you make them at home, you’re using real strawberries, real cream, and real vanilla extract. That means better flavor, better texture, and no questionable ingredients.
2. Healthier with No Artificial Additives
Commercial ice cream bars tend to be loaded with sugar and artificial coloring to enhance their appearance. With this homemade version, you can control the sweetness and skip the artificial dyes, making them a much cleaner dessert choice.
3. Fully Customizable
One of the best parts about making these bars yourself is that you can adjust the ingredients to fit your diet and preferences. Want a dairy-free version? Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Need a lower-calorie option? Use Greek yogurt instead of cream. Looking for a gluten-free treat? Stick with puffed rice cereal instead of shortbread cookies.
4. More Intense Strawberry Flavor
Thanks to freeze-dried strawberries, these bars pack an even stronger strawberry taste than the store-bought ones. Since freeze-dried fruit retains all the flavor of fresh berries without adding extra moisture, it creates a crisp, flavorful coating that enhances the strawberry essence in every bite.
5. No Preservatives or Fillers
Many commercial ice cream bars contain stabilizers and preservatives to help them last longer on the shelf. But when you make them at home, you’re using fresh ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary fillers.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every Time
Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few key tricks that will help you get the best possible results. Follow these tips to make sure your bars come out just right.
Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries for Maximum Flavor
This is one of the biggest game-changers. Freeze-dried strawberries concentrate the berry flavor without adding extra liquid, ensuring a crispy and flavorful coating.
Let the Bars Freeze Fully
If you’re tempted to take the bars out early, be patient. 12 hours is the minimum freezing time to ensure they’re firm enough to coat and hold their shape. If they’re even slightly soft, they’ll fall apart when you dip them in the white chocolate.
Work Quickly When Coating
The white chocolate sets almost instantly on frozen bars. Make sure to have your strawberry crumb mixture ready so you can dip the bars immediately after coating them.
Use an Airtight Container for Storage
To keep your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasting just as good as the day you made them.
Soften Slightly Before Eating
Straight out of the freezer, these bars can be very firm. Let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before eating so the ice cream reaches the perfect creamy consistency.
Fun Variations to Try
The beauty of homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars is that you can get creative with flavors and textures. If you want to change things up, try one of these delicious variations:
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free white chocolate for the coating. The result? A creamy, plant-based frozen treat that’s just as satisfying as the original.
Low-Calorie Version
Looking for a lighter option? Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and low-sugar strawberry jam to cut back on sugar. The texture will still be creamy, but with fewer calories and more protein.
Chocolate Lovers’ Twist
For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the bars with melted dark chocolate after rolling them in the strawberry crumb coating. The contrast between white and dark chocolate adds depth to the flavor.
Berry Mix-Up
Instead of only using strawberries, try incorporating freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry twist. It’s a fun way to add more flavor and color to your ice cream bars.
How to Store Your Homemade Ice Cream Bars
To keep your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the bars from absorbing any odors.
- Keep them in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain their texture.
- Best enjoyed within one month for optimal freshness.
If stored properly, these bars will stay crisp, creamy, and full of flavor for weeks.
More Frozen Treats to Enjoy
If you enjoyed making these homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, here are a few more frozen and no-bake desserts you’ll love:
- For another delightful dessert, try these chewy and nutty pistachio macarons.
- Pair your ice cream bars with these elegant red velvet macarons for a stunning dessert spread.
- If you love no-bake treats, check out these easy pumpkin cheesecake balls.
- Enjoy a crispy twist on desserts with these homemade churro donuts.
- Looking for more fruity desserts? Try this homemade apple and pear pie.
Final Thoughts: Try This Recipe & Share Your Creations
Making strawberry shortcake ice cream bars at home is more than just a fun kitchen project—it’s a way to recreate a beloved childhood treat with better ingredients and even better flavor. With a smooth and creamy ice cream base, a crisp white chocolate shell, and a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumb coating, these bars are the ultimate frozen dessert for hot summer days.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, these homemade ice cream bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Let me know how yours turn out, and feel free to share your favorite variations. Happy freezing!