There’s something magical about biting into a strawberry ice cream bar on a hot summer day. For many of us, it brings back memories of chasing down the ice cream truck, coins clutched tightly in our hands, and savoring that creamy, fruity, crunchy goodness. But let’s be real—store-bought bars can’t compete with the flavor and satisfaction of making them at home. Plus, homemade means you can customize everything, from the creamy ice cream base to the sweet and crunchy coating. So, let’s dive into the recipe for this classic treat and discover how to make your very own strawberry ice cream bar.
As a kid, I was obsessed with those pink-and-white strawberry ice cream bars from the neighborhood ice cream truck. That first bite into the crumbly, crunchy coating followed by the creamy strawberry center was pure joy. Fast forward to now, and I’ve decided to recreate that experience—with a homemade twist. This recipe is not only fun to make but also uses fresh ingredients, making the nostalgia even sweeter.
Why Homemade Is Always Better
Store-bought strawberry ice cream bars are convenient, but they often lack the bold, fresh flavors you can achieve at home. By making your own, you control the ingredients, ensuring there are no artificial flavors or unnecessary additives. Plus, the process is surprisingly easy, and the result? A dessert that tastes like summer in every bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients For Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
The Essentials for Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The base for that rich and creamy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can): Adds sweetness without needing extra sugar.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, pureed): For that authentic, fruity flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Special Ingredients for the Crunchy Coating
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1 cup, crushed): These pack an intense strawberry flavor.
- Vanilla-flavored cookies (1 cup, crushed): Think shortbread or vanilla sandwich cookies for the perfect crunch.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Helps the crumbs stick to the bars.
Equipment You Will Need For Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
Tools You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
- Ice cream molds: For shaping your bars. Popsicle molds work great!
- Popsicle sticks: Adds the classic handheld touch.
- Food processor: For crushing cookies and freeze-dried strawberries into the perfect crumb.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for whipping the cream, mixing the base, and preparing the coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
How to Make the Creamiest Strawberry Ice Cream Base
- Prepare the strawberry puree: Wash, hull, and puree fresh strawberries until smooth. You can strain the mixture for a seedless texture if you prefer.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip—it should look fluffy, not grainy.
- Mix the base: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped cream. Then, fold in the strawberry puree until fully combined.
- Fill the molds: Pour the mixture into ice cream molds, leaving a little space at the top. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Creating the Perfect Strawberry Crunch Coating
- Prepare the crumb mixture: In a food processor, combine freeze-dried strawberries and vanilla-flavored cookies. Pulse until you have fine crumbs.
- Mix with butter: Add melted butter to the crumbs and mix until the coating has a slightly sticky texture.
- Set aside: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish for easy dipping.
Assembling and Freezing Your Bars
- Unmold the bars: Gently remove the frozen ice cream bars from the molds.
- Coat the bars: Dip each bar into the crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Final freeze: Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for another hour to set the coating.
Healthier Options for Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
If you’re looking to enjoy a strawberry ice cream bar without the guilt, there are plenty of ways to make a lighter version while keeping all the deliciousness intact. Here’s how:
- Cut back on sugar: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
- Incorporate Greek yogurt: Swap heavy cream with full-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to add creaminess and a boost of protein.
- Go gluten-free: Choose gluten-free vanilla cookies or crush almonds and oats as a replacement for the traditional crumb coating.
- Add nutrient-packed toppings: Mix in chia seeds, crushed nuts, or dark chocolate bits into the crumb layer for a nutritional punch.
These tweaks not only make your bars healthier but also cater to dietary needs like gluten-free or low-sugar options, ensuring everyone can enjoy this summer classic. Pair these lighter bars with a refreshing Strawberry-Banana Homemade Ice Cream for a health-focused treat duo!
Tips & Tricks For Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture Every Time
- Use cold ingredients: Cold cream whips better, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Don’t skimp on freezing time: Letting the bars freeze fully ensures they hold their shape when coated.
Storing and Serving Tips for Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
- Storage: Wrap each bar in parchment paper and store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Serving: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 1-2 minutes before eating for the best texture.
Variations and Substitutions Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
Creative Ways to Customize Your Ice Cream Bars
One of the best parts about making your own strawberry ice cream bars is the freedom to get creative. Here are a few fun ideas to customize your bars:
- Add a chocolate twist: Dip the bars in melted white or milk chocolate before rolling them in the crumb coating.
- Experiment with fruit: Substitute the strawberries with raspberries, peaches, or mangoes for a unique flavor profile.
- Layer for extra fun: Pour a thin layer of strawberry puree into the molds before adding the cream mixture for a swirled effect.
Feel free to think outside the box and make this recipe your own! For more inspiration, check out how to make a Strawberry-Banana Homemade Ice Cream for another fruity treat idea.
Dairy-Free and Alternative Ingredient Options
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, don’t worry—this recipe is easily adaptable. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use coconut cream: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
- Opt for almond or oat milk: Replace sweetened condensed milk with a vegan condensed milk or a thickened almond/oat milk mixture.
- Skip the butter in the coating: Use melted coconut oil instead.
Dairy-free doesn’t mean flavor-free! With these swaps, you’ll still get a delicious, creamy texture that’s perfect for summer.
FAQs About Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
What are strawberry shortcake ice cream bars made of?
Strawberry shortcake ice cream bars typically consist of a creamy vanilla or strawberry ice cream base, layered with real fruit or puree, and coated in a crunchy mixture of cookies and freeze-dried strawberries.
What flavors go well with strawberry ice cream?
Strawberry pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, and citrus flavors like lemon or orange. You can also try pairing it with nutty flavors like almond or pistachio for an upscale twist.
What are the ingredients in Good Humor bars?
Good Humor strawberry shortcake bars feature a vanilla ice cream center, strawberry-flavored coating, and a crumbly shortbread crust. This recipe replicates that nostalgic flavor while giving you the freedom to tweak ingredients.
Does strawberry ice cream have real strawberries?
Homemade versions like this one always use real strawberries for the freshest flavor. Store-bought options may use artificial flavoring, so making your own ensures you know exactly what’s inside.
Related Recipes
More Frozen Treats to Try at Home
Looking for more ideas to cool off during summer? Try a Carob-Covered Strawberries Recipe for a fun twist on classic strawberries.
Perfect Pairings for Your Ice Cream Bars
Pair your strawberry ice cream bar with a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for an indulgent dessert combo. The creamy and crumbly textures work together like a dream.
Conclusion About Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
Celebrate Your Sweet Success
There you have it—a recipe for the perfect strawberry ice cream bar that’s creamy, fruity, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible. You’ve mastered the art of combining fresh ingredients, creative coatings, and freezer-friendly techniques into one incredible dessert.
Why You’ll Love Making Strawberry Ice Cream Bars at Home
Not only are these bars a nostalgic nod to childhood treats, but they’re also a chance to have fun in the kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a Fourth of July party, a backyard BBQ, or just a quiet night in, they’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, you can experiment with flavors and make each batch uniquely yours.
So, grab your molds, whip up some cream, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade strawberry ice cream bars. You’ve earned it!