The summer months bring with them a plethora of delightful desserts, but few capture the essence of the season as perfectly as Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. These frozen treats are a masterful blend of creamy ice cream, sweet strawberries, and crunchy shortcakes, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. But have you ever wondered how these delicious bars came to be?
The origin of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars can be traced back to the United States, where strawberry shortcake itself has a long history. Strawberry shortcake is believed to have evolved from early versions of English shortcake, which were made with a sweetened biscuit-like dough and topped with fresh strawberries and cream. As strawberry cultivation became more widespread in the United States in the 19th century, strawberry shortcake gained popularity.
For a detailed recipe and step-by-step guide on how to make these delightful treats at home, visit: https://dolceflav.com/blogs/recipe-post/sweet-perfection-how-to-make-strawberry-shortcake-ice-cream-bars.
A Brief History of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
The concept of turning this classic dessert into an ice cream bar likely emerged as a creative way to enjoy its flavors during the hot summer months. Over time, various adaptations of this recipe have been created, each adding its own unique twist to the classic strawberry shortcake.
Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars at Home
Crafting your own Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these delightful treats:
- Strawberry Ice Cream Layer:
- Combine fresh or thawed strawberries, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, strawberry flavoring or strawberry extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the strawberry ice cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a container and freeze for an additional 2 hours.
- Shortcake Layer:
- Pulse shortbread cookies in a food processor until they become fine crumbs.
- Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and drizzle melted butter over them.
- Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the shortcake mixture into the bottom of a square or rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for about 30 minutes to set.
- Strawberry Sauce:
- Combine diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries have softened and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assembling the Bars:
- Remove the shortcake layer from the freezer and spread the strawberry sauce evenly over it.
- Return the dish to the freezer and freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Once the strawberry layer is firm, spread the partially frozen strawberry ice cream on top.
- Smooth the surface with a spatula and return to the freezer for 4-6 hours or until completely frozen.
- Coating:
- Combine white chocolate chips or candy melts with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer and cut it into bars.
- Dip each bar into the melted white chocolate mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set the coating.
Serving:
Once your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are fully set, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as a delightful summer treat for family and friends. You can also drizzle extra strawberry sauce or garnish with fresh strawberries for an added touch of elegance.
Tips and Variations:
- Using Frozen Strawberries: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them before blending to achieve a smoother consistency.
- Substituting Shortbread Cookies: If you can’t find shortbread cookies, you can use graham crackers or vanilla wafers as a substitute for the shortcake layer.
- Making Without an Ice Cream Maker: While an ice cream maker helps achieve a creamier texture, you can still make the ice cream layer by placing the mixture in a shallow container in the freezer. Stir it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Storing the Bars:
These ice cream bars can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Healthier Alternatives:
For those looking for a healthier take on the classic, there are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free versions available. These alternatives use cashew-based ice cream and coconut cream to achieve a creamy texture without the need for dairy.
The Classic Strawberry Shortcake:
For those who prefer the traditional dessert, strawberry shortcake is a timeless favorite. Made with fresh strawberries, shortcake, and whipped cream, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat that never goes out of style.
The Good Humor Legacy:
The Good Humor ice cream truck has been a staple of summer fun for generations. Their Strawberry Shortcake Bar, with its creamy strawberry and vanilla dessert bar coated in a signature cake crunch, remains a beloved treat.
Recent News (2024):
As of 2024, there has been a resurgence in interest in homemade ice cream recipes, with many enthusiasts experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars continue to be a popular choice, with their perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and biscuity goodness making them a timeless summer favorite.