Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Recipe

This homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream combines the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, and chunks of buttery shortcake. It’s a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. It provides a refreshing and indulgent frozen treat ideal for hot summer days.

Recipe Overview

If you’ve ever had strawberry shortcake, then you already know how irresistible it can be. The sweet, juicy strawberries, soft cake, and creamy topping make for an iconic dessert. But imagine an ice cream with all those delicious flavors frozen into it. This strawberry shortcake ice cream offers a refreshing and cool take on the classic dessert that will become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy to make: No ice cream equipment required! Just a few simple ingredients and a bit of freezing time.
• No-churn recipe: No special tools are required to create this ice cream; you’ll attain a smooth consistency even without an ice cream maker.
• Versatile: This recipe can be customized in many ways, from adding chocolate chips to making it dairy-free.
• Perfect for hot weather: The combination of strawberries and ice cream makes this the ideal treat for summer picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
• Family-friendly: This recipe is enjoyable for the entire family to prepare and an excellent opportunity to engage kids in cooking.

Whether you want to satisfy a sweet tooth or enjoy a fresh twist on a beloved dessert, this strawberry shortcake ice cream will surely be a hit.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream – This forms the foundation of the ice cream and delivers a luxurious, creamy consistency. If you want a dairy-free alternative, you can replace it with coconut cream.
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – This ingredient adds sweetness and helps achieve the smooth consistency of the ice cream. Use a sugar-free condensed milk alternative if you prefer a less sugary dessert.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries provide this ice cream with its fresh, sweet flavor. If fresh strawberries are not available, you can substitute with frozen strawberries. Still, fresh strawberries tend to provide a better taste and texture.
• 1/2 cup shortcake crumbles – Make your shortcake or use store-bought shortbread cookies. If you’re making it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free shortbread.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the ice cream and pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – A touch of lemon juice improves the strawberries’ taste and balances the ice cream’s sweetness.

instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture

Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries. Slice them into small pieces and place them into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to bring out the bright strawberry flavor. Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the strawberries. You want to release their juices while maintaining some chunky texture. The strawberry pieces will give the ice cream its delicious swirls and refreshing flavor.

Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. With a hand or stand mixer, beat the cream at medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Be sure not to over-beat it, or the cream will become butter. The whipped cream creates a light, airy texture that indulges this ice cream.

Add in the Condensed Milk and Vanilla

Once your whipped cream is ready, add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the bowl. Gently fold the condensed milk and vanilla to the whipped cream. Be careful when folding—use a spatula and mix in a figure-eight motion to keep the airiness of the cream. The condensed milk provides sweetness and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Combine the Strawberry and Cream Mixtures

Now, gently fold the mashed strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. You want to incorporate the strawberries without losing the whipped texture of the cream. Stir until the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the cream, but don’t worry about being too precise—some larger chunks of strawberry are a wonderful addition to the ice cream’s texture.

Add the Shortcake Crumbles

Take your 1/2 cup shortcake crumbles and carefully fold them into the strawberry-cream mixture. These crumbles add a delightful crunch to your ice cream and bring that authentic strawberry shortcake ice cream taste. If you don’t have a shortcake, substitute it with crushed shortbread cookies or even graham crackers.

Freeze

Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or airtight container. Utilize a spatula to create a smooth surface on top and ensure the ice cream is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Freeze for 6 hours or until the ice cream is firm and fully set. The longer you let it freeze, the better the texture will be.

Serve

Once you have a completely frozen strawberry shortcake ice cream, scoop it out and serve! You can garnish the ice cream with additional shortcake crumbles or fresh strawberry slices for an extra touch. Enjoy this refreshing and creamy dessert on a warm day!

Insider Tips and Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Don’t over-beat the cream: Overbeating the heavy cream can result in a grainy, butter-like texture, ruining the smooth consistency of the ice cream. Be sure to stop beating once stiff peaks form.
• Use fresh strawberries for the most pleasing flavor: Fresh strawberries provide this ice cream’s taste and texture. While frozen strawberries will work in a pinch, fresh strawberries create a more vibrant and flavorful dessert.
• Allow enough freezing time: Give your strawberry shortcake ice cream enough time to fully set in the freezer. Six hours is the minimum, but if you can leave it overnight, it will have the best texture.
• Please don’t forget the lemon juice: It may appear like a small ingredient but it enhances the strawberry flavor, making the ice cream taste fresh and balanced.

Variations and Customizations:

• Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut or another plant-based cream. Use non-dairy-sweetened condensed milk to make this recipe vegan.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Add some mini chocolate chips or chunks of dark chocolate to the ice cream for a sweet and rich contrast to the strawberry shortcake ice cream flavors.
• Additional Flavor Add-ins: Consider adding a swirl of homemade strawberry sauce or fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness. You can also experiment with different flavor add-ins, such as crushed nuts or a ribbon of caramel sauce.
• Layered Option: Instead of mixing the strawberry pieces directly into the cream, you can layer them between the cream mixture, creating a marbled effect for a visually stunning dessert.

Dietary Modifications:

• Low Sugar: Use a sugar-free condensed milk or substitute with your preferred sugar alternative for a low-sugar version. Be mindful that some sugar alternatives may slightly change the texture or flavor, so experiment to see what works best for you.
• Gluten-Free: If you need to make this gluten-free ice cream, use gluten-free shortbread cookies or even gluten-free graham crackers instead of the shortcake crumbles. Ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does strawberry shortcake ice cream take to freeze?
  This ice cream should freeze for a minimum of 5 hours to achieve the best texture. If you have time, freezing it overnight will allow it to set even more and develop a smoother, creamier texture. The longer it freezes, the better the flavor and consistency will be.
• Can I use frozen strawberries rather than fresh strawberries?
  Sure, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. However, fresh strawberries tend to have a more suitable taste and texture for this recipe. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them slightly before mashing. Be aware that the texture may be a bit more watery.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
  Absolutely! To turn this strawberry shortcake ice cream dairy-free or vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut or another plant-based cream. Use non-dairy-sweetened condensed milk to replace the regular condensed milk. Make sure your shortcake crumbles or cookies are vegan or gluten-free if needed.
• Can I add other mix-ins to this ice cream?
  Yes! You can customize your strawberry shortcake ice cream by adding a variety of mix-ins. Some great options include mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, crumbled cookies, or a swirl of strawberry sauce. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
• How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?
  You can use sugar-free condensed milk or a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit to make this strawberry shortcake ice cream lower in sugar. Be cautious when using sugar substitutes, as they can affect the texture or flavor of the ice cream, so you may need to experiment a bit to get it just right.

Conclusion

Preparing strawberry shortcake ice cream is enjoyable, resulting in a frozen treat that rivals any store-bought option. The creamy vanilla base, sweet strawberries, and buttery shortcake combine to create a dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing at the same time. This ice cream is perfect for family gatherings, summer barbecues, or a fun weekend treat.

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