Slipping into summer means uncovering sweet hidden gems, and these Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are just that! The combination of creamy coconut milk and luscious strawberry jam offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite that warms my heart and cools me down. With just seven simple ingredients, these bars are not only a delightful treat for kids and adults alike but also a healthier option compared to those store-bought snacks that often leave me feeling sluggish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a refreshing pick-me-up on a hot day, these ice cream bars are the perfect solution. Are you ready to dive into this scrumptious summer delight? Why make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars? Delectable Flavor Fusion: These bars combine creamy coconut milk with sweet strawberry jam, creating an irresistible balance that’ll delight your taste buds. Healthier Alternative: With only seven simple ingredients, they’re a guilt-free option that won’t leave you sluggish like store-bought treats. Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these refreshing delights, making them a perfect snack for family gatherings or summer picnics. Quick Prep Time: You can whip these up quickly, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the sun. Vegan-Friendly Option: Substitute dairy ingredients easily for a delicious vegan treat everyone can enjoy! Pair them with other refreshing recipes like Popper Skillet Tacos for a fun summer meal! Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Ingredients • These beloved Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars come together with just a few simple ingredients! For the Ice Cream Base Canned Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream – Provides creamy texture; use coconut milk for a dairy-free treat. Strawberry Jam – Adds delightful sweetness and fruitiness; opt for high-quality or homemade for the best flavor. Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and depth; a splash makes all the difference! For the Magic Shell Coating White Chocolate – Creates a smooth and sweet coating; dark chocolate can be a scrumptious alternative. Coconut Oil – Helps the coating melt smoothly; essential for that perfect chocolate shell. For the Crunchy Topping Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Offers intense strawberry flavor and delightful crunch; fresh strawberries can be used, but the texture will change. Brown Rice Crispies – Provides a fun crunch; crushed graham crackers can work as a tasty substitute. Now that you have all the ingredients at your fingertips, getting started on these delicious ice cream bars will be a breeze! Let’s turn your kitchen into a summer treat paradise. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Step 1: Prepare Ice Cream Base Begin by blending 1 can of coconut milk (or heavy cream), ½ cup of strawberry jam, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or blender on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sweet, creamy base will be the heart of your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars, so take a moment to ensure it’s perfectly mixed. Step 2: Mold Ice Cream Pour your luscious ice cream mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups, filling them to about three-quarters full to allow for expansion. Once filled, insert wooden sticks if using cups. Place the molds in the freezer and allow them to set for about 4 hours or until they are fully frozen and firm to the touch. This freezing time is crucial for achieving the right texture. Step 3: Make the Magic Shell While the ice cream bars are freezing, prepare the magic shell. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir; repeat this process until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly, as this will help it adhere better to your frozen bars when coating. Step 4: Prepare Coating To create the crunchy topping, take ½ cup of freeze-dried strawberries and ½ cup of brown rice crispies, then crush them together into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over with a rolling pin. Transfer this mixture into a shallow bowl, creating a delightful coating for your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. Step 5: Coat Bars Once the ice cream bars are fully frozen, carefully remove them from the molds. Dip each bar into the slightly cooled white chocolate mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Quickly roll the bars in your prepared strawberry and rice crispy crumb mixture, allowing the vibrant coating to stick well. The contrast of flavors will beautifully enhance your homemade creation! Step 6: Serve or Store You can enjoy your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars immediately for a delightful treat, or return them to the freezer for a firmer texture. If storing, place the bars in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 weeks. This way, you’ll always have a refreshing and healthier dessert at the ready, perfect for any warm day! How to Store and Freeze Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Airtight Container: Store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn for up to 2 weeks. This keeps your delicious Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars fresh and ready to enjoy. Labeling: If you make multiple batches, label the container with the date for easy tracking of freshness. Reheating Tips: When ready to enjoy, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for an optimal, creamy texture. Re-freezing: If the bars have softened, refreeze them promptly. However, repeated thawing and freezing may affect the texture, so enjoy them within the 2-week timeframe! Make Ahead Options These Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the ice cream base (coconut milk, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can create the magic shell coating and the crunchy topping (freeze-dried strawberries and brown rice crispies) up to 3 days ahead of time, keeping them in separate airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply mold the ice cream mixture and freeze for about 4 hours, then coat as directed. This way, you’ll have a delightful summer treat ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice, making your dessert planning both easy and enjoyable! What to Serve with Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Make your summer gatherings shine with delightful accompaniments that elevate the experience beyond just a sweet treat. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits perfectly balances the creamy sweetness of the bars while adding a refreshing crunch to every bite. Light Lemonade: This tangy beverage offers a refreshing zest that complements the sweetness in the ice cream bars, making every sip a summery delight. Grilled Peaches: Warm and caramelized, grilled peaches provide a lovely contrast in both flavor and temperature. The juicy flesh enhances the fruity experience of the ice cream. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combo of crunchy pretzels dipped in chocolate creates a satisfying contrast with the creamy dessert, perfect for sharing. Minty Iced Tea: Infused with fresh mint, this cooling drink not only quenches your thirst but also adds a light, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the rich dessert. Mini Cupcakes: Delightful and dainty, mini cupcakes can introduce new flavor profiles to the mix, letting guests indulge in a variety of sweet treats. Toasted Coconut Macaroons: These chewy morsels bring a wonderful coconut touch that enhances the tropical vibe of the homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Chilled Rosé Wine: A glass of chilled rosé provides a refreshing, fruity finish to your meal, exquisite for sipping alongside summer treats. Coconut Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent twist, serve these bars with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, enhancing the tropical essence of the dessert. Expert Tips for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Melting Chocolate: Melt white chocolate slowly to prevent burning. Use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds until smooth. Room Temperature Ingredients: If using heavy cream, ensure it’s at room temperature to avoid curdling when mixing with the other ingredients. Quick Coating: Work swiftly when coating the bars with chocolate and crumbs, as the shell sets quickly, making it easier to achieve that perfect crunch. Mold Choices: For best results, use popsicle molds; if you’re using paper cups, ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the ice cream mixture. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix flavors by adding pureed fresh strawberries or meringue cookies to the ice cream base for a unique twist on your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars! Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Customization Feel free to play with these flavor and texture twists that will make your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars uniquely yours! Dairy-Free: Use oat milk instead of coconut milk for a light and creamy vegan twist that’s just as satisfying. Nutty Flavor: Swap coconut milk with almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberry beautifully. Chocolate Delight: For a richer taste, replace white chocolate with dark chocolate and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your ice cream mixture. Berry Blast: Mix in some pureed fresh strawberries into your ice cream base for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace brown rice crispies with crushed gluten-free graham crackers for a delightful crunch without gluten. Zesty Kick: Add a hint of lemon zest to the ice cream mixture for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the sweetness. Spiced Touch: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or cardamom into the ice cream base for a warm, comforting flavor profile. Exotic Flavor: Experiment by incorporating purity mango or passion fruit puree into the mixture for a tropical twist. These personalized variations can elevate your dessert experience! If you’re in the mood for some savory summer bites to pair with these bars, consider whipping up some Asian Chicken Meatballs or lighten things up with delicious Spiced Salmon Potatoes. Enjoy your summertime treats! Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe strawberries? Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for berries that are bright red with a natural shine. They should be plump and firm, avoiding any with dark spots or signs of mold. If you’re picking berries yourself, the best time is late spring to early summer for peak flavor! What is the best way to store Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars? Store your delicious bars in an airtight container in the freezer. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you’re in the mood for a treat, just pull one out and enjoy it straight away! Can I freeze the ingredients for later use? Yes! You can absolutely freeze strawberries if they’re not in season. Wash and chop them, then lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep for up to 6 months and are perfect for making ice cream bars later! What if my chocolate coating isn’t smooth? No worries at all! If your chocolate seems clumpy, it may have overheated. Be sure you melt it in short bursts of 30 seconds in the microwave and stir in between until it’s completely smooth. If you encounter stubborn lumps, adding a small amount of coconut oil can help to achieve creaminess and smooth it out. Is there a vegan option for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars? Very much so! To create a vegan version, simply use canned coconut milk for the base and replace the white chocolate with a dairy-free chocolate option. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy goodness without any dairy! How do I prevent the ice cream bars from sticking to the molds? For easier removal, lightly grease the molds with a tiny bit of oil or warm the molds slightly under running water for a few seconds before pulling them out. This little trick can save you from the frustration of frozen treats that stick and break! Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Enjoy these Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars, a refreshing treat with creamy coconut milk and strawberry jam, perfect for summer. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Ice Cream Base1 can Canned Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream1/2 cup Strawberry Jam high-quality or homemade preferred1 teaspoon Vanilla ExtractFor the Magic Shell Coating1 cup White Chocolate dark chocolate can be used as an alternative1 tablespoon Coconut OilFor the Crunchy Topping1/2 cup Freeze-Dried Strawberries or fresh strawberries, texture will vary1/2 cup Brown Rice Crispies or crushed graham crackers as a substitute Equipment Mixing Bowlblender or hand mixerpopsicle molds or paper cupsmicrowave-safe bowlfood processorRolling Pin Method Preparation InstructionsBlend 1 can of coconut milk (or heavy cream), ½ cup of strawberry jam, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth.Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups and freeze for about 4 hours or until fully frozen.Combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and melt until smooth.Crush ½ cup of freeze-dried strawberries and ½ cup of brown rice crispies into fine crumbs to create a topping.Dip each frozen bar into the melted white chocolate, then roll in the strawberry and rice crispy mixture.Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor a vegan option, ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and consider adding flavors like pureed fresh strawberries. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
