Ice Cream Bars

These Ice Cream Bars are a refreshing delight for any occasion. Combining creamy strawberry ice cream with a crunchy shortcake coating, these bars are perfect for hot summer days. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars will impress your family and friends with their irresistible flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal effort, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time.
• Perfect for Summer: These ice cream bars are a cool way to beat the heat during warm months.
• Customizable Coating: You can easily switch up the coatings or mix-ins based on your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! They make for a fun dessert that everyone can enjoy.
• Makes Six Servings: Ideal for sharing or keeping in the freezer for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather all necessary tools and equipment. This will ensure a seamless preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Popsicle molds
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe glass

Importance of Each Tool

• Popsicle molds: These are essential for shaping your ice cream bars perfectly.
• Baking sheet: Keeping the baking sheet cold helps maintain the firmness of the bars during assembly.

Ingredients

These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a delightful treat combining strawberry ice cream with a crunchy shortcake coating. Perfect for hot summer days.

For the Ice Cream Bars

• 2 ¾ cups strawberry ice cream, softened
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

For the Coating

• 4 golden Oreo cookies
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries

How to Make Ice Cream Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream

Put the softened strawberry ice cream into a bowl and mix until it is pourable but not completely liquid.

Step 2: Mold the Bars

Pour the melted ice cream into popsicle molds, insert a popsicle stick, and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours. (Put a small baking sheet into your freezer – you’ll need it cold to assemble the bars.)

Step 3: Melt Chocolate

Add the white chocolate chips and avocado oil to a glass. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until it’s completely smooth. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make Shortcake Coating

To make the shortcake coating, pulse the golden Oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries until they become crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a plate.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

To assemble the ice cream bars, remove the baking sheet from your freezer and line it with parchment paper. Unmold one strawberry ice cream bar (dipping it in a glass of warm water can help) and drizzle one side with white chocolate.

Step 6: Coat with Crumbs

Place the bar, chocolate drizzle side down, in the strawberry crumbs. Drizzle on more chocolate and then flip the bar so it is coated on both sides.

Step 7: Freeze Again

Place the bar on the cold baking sheet, drizzle a little more chocolate on top if you’d like, then assemble the rest of the bars. Place them back into the freezer until they’re firm.

Enjoy these delicious Ice Cream Bars as a sweet end to any summer meal or as an afternoon treat!

How to Serve Ice Cream Bars

Serving Ice Cream Bars can be a fun and creative experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dessert presentation and enhance the enjoyment of these delicious treats.

Enjoy Them with Fresh Fruit

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries complement the strawberry flavor, adding a juicy and refreshing bite.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the ice cream bars.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or chocolate-flavored whipped cream for an extra twist.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Chopped Nuts: Almonds or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft ice cream.
• Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles can make your ice cream bars more festive, perfect for parties or celebrations.

Serve with Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzled Chocolate: Warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the ice cream bars creates a rich and decadent layer.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet and buttery flavor that enhances the overall treat.

How to Perfect Ice Cream Bars

Perfecting your Ice Cream Bars is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure they’re as delicious as possible.

• Use Softened Ice Cream: Start with softened ice cream for easy pouring into molds, which helps achieve a smooth texture.
• Freeze Thoroughly: Make sure to freeze the bars for at least 4 hours. This ensures they hold their shape when coated.
• Warm Water Trick: Dip molds in warm water briefly to help unmold the bars easily without breaking them.
• Cool Down Coating: Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before drizzling. This helps it set quickly on the cold bars.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different ice cream flavors or coatings to customize your Ice Cream Bars.

Best Side Dishes for Ice Cream Bars

Ice Cream Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their appeal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the ice cream bars.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.
3. Mini Cupcakes: These bite-sized treats offer variety and make for an adorable dessert spread alongside ice cream bars.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination makes for a fun snack that goes great with Ice Cream Bars.
5. Granola Parfaits: Layered granola, yogurt, and berries provide crunch and nutrition, balancing out the rich flavors of the bars.
6. Popsicles: Homemade fruit popsicles keep the summer vibes going and are refreshing next to your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making ice cream bars can be simple, but a few common mistakes might ruin your delicious treats. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the softening step: Not letting the strawberry ice cream soften can lead to difficulty pouring it into molds. Always allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes first.

• Overheating the chocolate: Microwaving the white chocolate chips too long can cause them to seize. Heat in short bursts and stir frequently until smooth.

• Not using cold tools: If your baking sheet or molds are not cold enough, the ice cream bars may not freeze properly. Ensure everything is chilled before starting assembly.

• Forgetting to coat completely: Failing to coat the bars thoroughly with the shortcake mixture means missing out on that delightful crunch. Make sure each bar is well covered on all sides.

• Rushing the freezing time: Removing the bars from the freezer too soon can result in messy, unformed treats. Allow them to freeze solid for at least 4 hours.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover ice cream bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ice Cream Bars

• Keep your ice cream bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Properly stored, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Ice Cream Bars

• Oven: Not recommended for ice cream bars as they will melt.
• Microwave: Use short intervals (5-10 seconds) to warm slightly if desired.
• Stovetop: Avoid heating; these treats are best served frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors for Ice Cream Bars?

Yes! You can substitute strawberry ice cream with any flavor you prefer, like vanilla or chocolate, and still use the same coating recipe.

How do I make healthier Ice Cream Bars?

Consider using low-fat or dairy-free ice cream options and reducing sugar in your coating to create a healthier version of these ice cream bars.

Can I customize the toppings for my Ice Cream Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, sprinkles, or even coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.

How long do homemade Ice Cream Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade ice cream bars can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are a delightful way to beat the heat and enjoy a sweet treat during summer days. With their crunchy coating and creamy center, they offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to customize your bars with different flavors or toppings—get creative and make them your own!

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