Every summer growing up, I’d wait for the sound of the ice cream truck coming down the street. I’d sprint outside, dollar in hand, hoping to catch it in time. My favorite? Strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe—with their creamy vanilla center, sweet strawberry flavor, and that iconic crumbly coating. It wasn’t just dessert. It was summer on a stick, and nothing else came close.
Why These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Bring Back Summer Memories
Every summer as a kid, I waited for the jingle of the ice cream truck. I’d dash outside, dollar in hand, heart racing, hoping I hadn’t missed it. My go-to was always the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar—creamy vanilla, fruity strawberry, and that unforgettable crumbly coating. It wasn’t just a treat. It was summer on a stick.
So if you’re craving something sweet, chilly, and loaded with throwback flavor, these bars are the answer. They’re made with fresh strawberries, no-churn vanilla cream, and the perfect strawberry cookie crunch topping. Let’s dive in and bring a little piece of childhood to your kitchen.
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars: Easy No-Churn Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy no-churn vanilla and strawberry frozen dessert with a nostalgic crunchy topping made from cookies and freeze-dried fruit.
Ingredients
1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 oz sweetened condensed milk
10.7 oz package vanilla sandwich cookies
1 oz freeze-dried strawberries
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Mash strawberries with sugar and set aside.
2. Whip cream with condensed milk and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in strawberries and juices.
4. Divide into molds or loaf pan; insert sticks and freeze 6 hours or overnight.
5. Crush cookies and freeze-dried strawberries separately.
6. Mix with butter to create crumb coating.
7. Unmold frozen bars and press into coating.
8. Freeze again 30 mins before serving.
Notes
You can use Siete or Simple Mills cookies for a gluten-free version.
Swap cream and condensed milk with coconut cream and maple syrup for dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Table of Content
How This Recipe Keeps the Classic Alive with a Homemade Twist
You don’t need an ice cream machine or a box of commercial mix to recreate the nostalgic flavor of strawberry shortcake bars. This strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe blends real strawberries and no-churn cream into a dreamy dessert that’s sweet, tart, and smooth. The best part? The strawberry cookie crumble coating is everything you remember—crispy, sweet, and wildly addictive.
While the original Good Humor bars are loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives, this homemade version uses simple staples you probably already have. You’ll mash strawberries with a little sugar to boost the juice and fold them into whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. Freeze it all in popsicle molds or even a loaf pan, then coat each bar with a mix of crushed cookies and freeze-dried strawberries.
The flavor is familiar but fresh. It’s sweet but not too sugary. And the texture—creamy inside, crumbly outside—is spot-on.
If you’re already a fan of no-bake desserts, this one’s going to be your new obsession. And if you’re looking for even more chill treats, you’ll love our frozen dessert recipes and quick summer snacks. These ice cream bars are just the beginning.
What Makes This Version Better Than Store-Bought Bars
Let’s be real: store-bought strawberry shortcake bars are delicious, but they’re full of artificial flavors, food coloring, and who knows what preservatives. This homemade take skips all that. You get bold strawberry flavor, real creaminess, and a coating that’s just the right amount of sweet and crunchy.
Better yet, you can adjust it to your taste or diet. Want it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and cashews, as shown in our dairy-free variation below. Need a gluten-free option? Try Siete cookies or Simple Mills pecan cookies. Want a less-sweet version? Reduce the sugar, and it still tastes amazing. That kind of flexibility makes this strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe not just delicious, but smart.
Unlike commercial versions, these bars stay creamy and smooth in the freezer. The no-churn method means you won’t need eggs or tempering. Just whip, fold, pour, and freeze. And since the prep takes only about 20 minutes, you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time cooking.
You’ll find this recipe rivals anything you’ll find at the store or ice cream truck. And if you’re already hooked on creamy classics like strawberry shortcake ice cream cake or ice cream sandwiches, don’t miss our easy cake ideas or homemade frozen desserts. Trust me—once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Recipe
Making homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars might sound intimidating, but this recipe proves how simple it can be. It doesn’t require an ice cream maker or baking. All you need is a few bowls, a freezer, and a little patience while it all sets. This strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe is a no-bake win, perfect for busy summer days or sweet weekend projects.
Start by preparing the strawberries. You’ll mash them with a little sugar until juicy and slightly chunky. This step draws out their natural sweetness and infuses every bite with bright berry flavor. While that rests, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla for that classic creamy texture—this is the foundation of our no-churn ice cream.
Next, you’ll gently fold in the strawberries, streaking the mixture with real fruit. Pour this into popsicle molds (or a loaf pan if you prefer to cut bars later) and freeze overnight. The result is a frozen treat that’s soft, creamy, and full of flavor.
Finally, the signature touch: the crunchy coating. Blend vanilla sandwich cookies with freeze-dried strawberries and a bit of melted butter until crumbly. Once your bars are frozen, dip them into the crumb mix, press gently, and freeze once more for that classic crispy shell.
Looking for more simple frozen ideas? Our no-churn recipe section is full of quick winners like this one, and our no-bake desserts are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
The Secret to That Crunchy, Crumb Coating Everyone Loves
You know that golden-pink crumbly coating on the outside of every great strawberry shortcake bar? That’s not just decoration—it’s the flavor explosion that makes this treat so iconic. Recreating it at home is easier than you might think.
Start with vanilla sandwich cookies. Regular or golden Oreos work great, but if you’re going for a gluten-free option, try brands like Simple Mills or Siete. Crush half the cookies into fine crumbs and set aside. The other half gets blended with freeze-dried strawberries (available at most grocery stores) to recreate that sweet berry flavor and nostalgic pink hue.
Mix both batches with a little melted butter to help the coating stick. Once your bars are frozen and slightly softened at room temp (just 2–3 minutes is enough), press them into the crumb coating. The result is a textural contrast that’s buttery, fruity, and totally addictive.
This technique is what sets the homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe apart from plain popsicles. It’s also a fun step for kids to help with—just be ready for crumbs everywhere! Want more crunchy coatings? Check out our cookie-based toppings and easy snack hacks to get creative with your frozen bars.
Customizing for Diets – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Keto Options
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. Want to make it dairy-free? Swap the heavy cream and condensed milk for a coconut milk base. Use soaked cashews blended with strawberries and maple syrup for a creamy vegan filling. You can even use avocado oil instead of butter in the crumb layer.
Going gluten-free? Use cookies made with almond flour or grain-free ingredients. The flavor stays bold, and the crunch still delivers. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, replace sweeteners with monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol. Freeze-dried strawberries still add natural sweetness and color without the carbs.
These customizations turn this nostalgic dessert into something everyone can enjoy, whether they’re vegan, paleo, keto, or just craving a lighter option. For more alternatives, explore our gluten-free dessert section and healthy summer treats.
If you’ve been searching for Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars calories, the good news is that homemade means control. You choose the ingredients. You control the portions. And you enjoy every bite with zero guilt.
How to Cut, Store, and Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Once your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are fully frozen and coated, the next step is serving them in a way that keeps their creamy texture and perfect crunch. Whether you’re prepping them ahead for a party or grabbing one for a solo snack, knowing how to handle and store them makes a big difference.
To cut bars from a pan, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This softens the surface just enough to make slicing easy without compromising the structure. If you’re using popsicle molds, run warm water over the outside of the mold for 15–20 seconds to release the bars cleanly. This method works every time and prevents cracking or breaking.
Storage is simple but essential. Once coated, place your bars on a baking sheet and freeze them again for 30 minutes to lock the crumb layer in place. Then, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps them fresh for up to two weeks and prevents ice crystals from forming.
Creative Serving Ideas for Kids’ Parties and Summer BBQs
If you’re planning to wow guests at your next barbecue or summer party, these strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are a guaranteed hit. Their bold color, nostalgic flavor, and grab-and-go ease make them perfect for all ages.
Try cutting the bars into mini sizes for a cute, bite-sized option. Stack them on a platter with extra cookie crumb topping for dipping. Add colorful paper wrappers for easy handling and less mess with kids. Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops or serve them sandwiched between two soft sugar cookies for a fun strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe sandwich twist.
These bars also look gorgeous served on wooden boards with bowls of extra toppings—think mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or even fresh strawberries. It’s a DIY sundae board with built-in wow factor, and it pairs perfectly with your homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.
Hosting a themed party? Use different freeze-dried fruit to match your event’s color scheme—blueberries for a blue-and-white party, raspberries for a Valentine’s treat. Whatever you choose, these strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe are a festive and flavorful canvas.
Add-Ons and Flavors: Go Beyond Strawberry
As much as we love the classic, there’s no reason you have to stop at strawberry. This recipe is a perfect base for experimenting with other fruits and mix-ins. Try subbing in freeze-dried blueberries or mango slices, or mix in swirls of raspberry jam for a bolder berry flavor that still complements the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars texture.
Want to create a layered look? Pour half the vanilla mixture into your molds, freeze it slightly, then add a fruity layer before finishing with the rest of the base. This gives a two-toned look that’s beautiful and delicious.
Another great option? Turn this recipe into a full strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe cake by layering it into a springform pan instead of molds. Slice and serve like a frozen cheesecake—topped with extra crumb coating and maybe even a whipped topping swirl. You’ll find more cake-style dessert hacks in our easy cake recipes and chilled dessert ideas.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
You’ve got the recipe, the variations, and the storage tips. But if you’re still curious about what makes these bars iconic, this section answers the questions people search most about strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. From crunchy coatings to the story behind the original brand, we’ve got you covered.
These strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a frozen food icon. People are still searching for Little Debbie strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, asking why some brands have discontinued strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, or looking for them in stores with queries like strawberry shortcake ice cream bars near me. But the truth is: homemade versions are often fresher, more customizable, and—let’s be honest—better tasting.
What Are Strawberry Shortcake Crunchies Made Of?
The signature crumb coating is what sets strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe apart from any other ice cream treat. So what exactly are those Crunchies made of?
In most commercial versions (like Good Humor), it’s a mix of cake crumbs, flour, sugar, palm oil, and artificial colors and flavors. Homemade, though, the coating is far simpler—and in our opinion, more delicious.
Here’s a quick side-by-side for comparison:
| Store-Bought Crunchies | Homemade Crunch Topping |
|---|---|
| Palm oil, artificial colors, soy lecithin | Vanilla cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, butter |
| Processed sugar, artificial flavors | Natural fruit, real sugar (or your choice of sweetener) |
| Preservatives and stabilizers | Only pantry staples you trust |
History & Fun Facts: From Ice Cream Truck to Freezer Favorite
Who came up with this genius combination of creamy vanilla, fruity strawberry, and crumbly cake? The original strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are credited to Good Humor, which introduced them as part of its novelty bar lineup in the 1980s. Their popularity exploded thanks to their perfect texture and flavor balance—and of course, the wave of ice cream truck nostalgia they stirred up in every neighborhood.
Over time, other brands joined in. Nestlé, Little Debbie, and Van Leeuwen all created versions—some short-lived, others now discontinued. That’s why so many people today are searching: Who created strawberry shortcake ice cream bars?, What are the ingredients in Van Leeuwen strawberry shortcake French ice cream bars?, or even Does Dairy Queen have strawberry shortcake?
While DQ doesn’t currently offer a permanent strawberry shortcake bar, they have rolled out limited-edition flavors and sundaes over the years. But nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own at home—fresh, flavorful, and completely tailored to your taste.
Conclusion
If there’s one dessert that captures the spirit of summer, it’s strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe. They’re creamy, fruity, and covered in that crunchy, nostalgic coating that takes you back with every bite. But now, you don’t have to wait for the ice cream truck or rely on store-bought options with unpronounceable ingredients.
This homemade version brings all the flavor with none of the fuss. Whether you stick with the classic or tweak it for dairy-free or gluten-free needs, this recipe is flexible, easy, and fun to make. With fresh strawberries, simple ingredients, and a crumb coating that rivals any commercial brand, you’re set up for frozen dessert success.
Give it a try, share it at your next BBQ, or whip up a batch just because you feel like reliving summer memories. From my kitchen to yours, here’s to keeping delicious traditions alive—one ice cream bar at a time.
FAQ
What is the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar made of?
Typically, it’s a vanilla and strawberry-flavored ice cream base coated in a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumb. Homemade versions use real cream, strawberries, cookies, and butter.
Who created strawberry shortcake ice cream bars?
Good Humor is widely credited with creating the original bars in the 1980s.
What are Mexican ice cream bars called?
They’re often referred to as “paletas”—frozen fruit bars that come in a variety of flavors including strawberries and cream.
What are the ingredients in Van Leeuwen strawberry shortcake French ice cream bars?
Van Leeuwen’s version includes strawberries, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and cake pieces—emphasizing premium ingredients and fewer additives.
Does Dairy Queen have strawberry shortcake?
DQ has offered limited-time strawberry shortcake sundaes and blizzards but doesn’t currently carry shortcake bars.
What are the strawberry shortcake Crunchies made of?
Commercial Crunchies are typically a mix of cake crumbs, artificial flavors, and food dyes. Homemade ones use crushed cookies, dried strawberries, and butter.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to know how your strawberry shortcake ice cream bars turned out! Did you stick with the classic version or try a twist of your own? Drop a comment below and tell me how it went—whether it became a new family favorite or just brought back a sweet memory. And if you snap a photo, don’t forget to tag @CookFastRecipes on Facebook. Seeing your creations in real kitchens always means the world to me. Let’s keep sharing good food and great stories, one recipe at a time.
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