Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 8 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups strawberry ice cream, softened; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Golden Recipes

I often find myself dreaming of summer treats, and these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars have become my go-to indulgence. With their delightful balance of creamy ice cream and fresh strawberries, they hit the perfect note of sweetness and tanginess. The best part? I can make them at home, customizing them to my taste. Whether it's a weekday treat or a special occasion, these bars are a refreshing delight that never disappoints.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-27T11:57:36.493Z

Making these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars was an attempt to recreate memories of summer picnics filled with laughter and delicious treats. I love how the crunchy crumble complements the luscious ice cream, and the vibrant strawberries add a refreshing flavor that brightens every bite. The key is using fresh strawberries and letting the mixture freeze long enough to achieve that perfect bar consistency.

While preparing these bars, I discovered that layering the ice cream and strawberry mixture creates an appealing visual and taste experience. I recommend letting them thaw for a few minutes before slicing; it makes cutting much easier and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it will be worth the wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy ice cream layered with fresh strawberries
Crunchy shortcake base that adds texture
Perfectly sweet yet refreshing for summer days

Understanding the Shortcake Base

The shortcake base is essential for providing a sturdy yet tender foundation for your ice cream bars. It's made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. When you bake it, aim for a light golden color, which indicates it’s done. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on it around the 8-minute mark, as ovens may vary.

Using unsalted butter in the shortcake base lets you control the saltiness of your treat, which is especially important when layering with sweet strawberries and ice cream. If you're out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend; just ensure it has a binding agent if you're aiming for a similar texture.

Enhancing the Strawberry Layer

The fresh strawberries contribute both flavor and color to the ice cream bars. When choosing strawberries, look for bright red, firm fruit that gives slightly to pressure. Tossing them with sugar not only enhances their sweetness but also helps draw out their juices, creating a delicious sauce that will mingle with the ice cream. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to develop this syrup.

If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, though they may yield more liquid. To maintain the best texture, drain any excess juice after thawing to prevent your bars from becoming too soggy.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once the bars are ready, slice them into rectangles for easy serving. If you're not consuming them right away, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last for up to two weeks, but I recommend consuming them within a week for the best flavor and texture.

For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top just before serving or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for added crunch. These bars can also be enjoyed alongside a fresh fruit salad or served with a dollop of whipped cream on the side to enhance the dessert experience.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious bars:

For the Shortcake Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ice Cream Layer

2 cups strawberry ice cream, softened
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready for assembly.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars:

Prepare the Shortcake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until crumbly. Press the mixture into a lined 8x8-inch pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Mix the Strawberries

In another bowl, toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and set aside to allow the juices to develop.

Layer the Ice Cream

Once the shortcake base has cooled, spread the softened strawberry ice cream over it evenly. Spoon the strawberries and their juices over the ice cream, making sure they are well distributed. Cover with plastic wrap.

Freeze

Place the pan in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Once set, remove from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.

Cut into bars and enjoy this delightful treat!

Pro Tips

For best results, use high-quality strawberry ice cream and let the bars cool at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your ice cream doesn't spread easily over the shortcake base, it might be too firm. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before spreading to achieve a smoother consistency. This will make it easier to layer without disturbing the shortcake beneath.

Another common issue is the bars becoming too icy after freezing. If your ice cream is too hard after freezing, allow the bars to sit out for about 5 minutes before slicing to ease the process. Ensuring the ice cream is adequately softened before layering it on the base can also help prevent ice crystals from forming.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ice cream. Vanilla or coconut ice cream pairs nicely with strawberries and provides a delicious twist on the classic flavor. You can also create a mixed fruit version by adding blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries, making for a colorful and tasty treat.

For a dairy-free option, substitute regular ice cream with almond or coconut milk-based ice cream. You can also replace the butter in the shortcake base with coconut oil to keep the entire recipe vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! You can try using blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

→ How long will these bars keep in the freezer?

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use dairy-free ice cream and coconut oil as a substitute for butter.

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! These bars are perfect for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings.