What is a strawberry shortcake ice cream made of?

Strawberry shortcake ice cream is a fun treat that many people have loved since childhood. It combines creamy vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy shortcake coating. The delightful mix of flavors and textures in this dessert brings back fond memories for many. But what exactly goes into this delicious ice cream, and how can you make it at home?

In this guide, we’ll explain what strawberry shortcake ice cream is made of, go over the main ingredients, and show you how to make your own. We’ll also explore some variations, tips, and answer common questions to help you make the best strawberry shortcake ice cream at home. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or someone who loves trying new recipes, this guide will help you master the art of making this nostalgic treat.

For more great dessert ideas, check out our Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Recipe, which provides a detailed recipe for this tasty dessert.

What Is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Made Of?

Strawberry shortcake ice cream combines the sweet flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake with creamy ice cream. The ingredients come together to create a perfect blend of rich vanilla ice cream, sweet strawberries, and a buttery shortcake crumble. The crunchy texture from the shortcake crumble complements the smooth ice cream, making this dessert a perfect balance of flavors.

The main ingredients are:

• A vanilla ice cream base that provides a creamy, neutral canvas for the bold strawberry flavor.
• Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries that give a burst of fruity sweetness.
• Crumbled shortcake or vanilla-flavored cookies for the crunchy coating, adding that nostalgic shortcake texture.

Additionally, some versions of the ice cream include a strawberry swirl made from real strawberry jam or a strawberry sauce. This adds even more layers of flavor and texture, making each bite more exciting than the last.

If you want to try more fun recipes, in addition to this one, take a look at our Crab Brûlée Recipe – A Gourmet Delight, which is another unique and delicious dish.

When it comes to flavoring the ice cream, fresh strawberries are often preferred for their natural sweetness and vibrant color. However, you can also use freeze-dried strawberries if you want a more intense strawberry flavor. Learn more about how to use freeze-dried fruit in desserts in this article on freeze-dried fruit uses.

Key Ingredients in Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make strawberry shortcake ice cream so tasty. Each ingredient plays an essential role in the overall flavor and texture of the dessert.

1. Strawberries

Fresh strawberries give this ice cream its bright, fruity flavor. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried strawberries, they add a refreshing sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy vanilla base. The choice between fresh and freeze-dried depends on the texture you want to achieve. Fresh strawberries provide a juicy, slightly soft texture, while freeze-dried strawberries offer a more intense flavor and a slight crunch. Additionally, freeze-dried strawberries can be crushed and added to the shortcake crumble for extra flavor.

2. Ice Cream Base

The ice cream base is what gives the ice cream its smooth, creamy texture. Usually, vanilla ice cream is used to let the strawberry flavor shine. You can make it with:

• Heavy cream and condensed milk for a simple, no-churn version.
• A custard-style base using egg yolks for a richer taste and texture, similar to traditional homemade ice cream.
• Dairy-free options like coconut milk for those who don’t eat dairy. Coconut milk gives a rich texture while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly, and its subtle flavor blends well with the strawberry and vanilla.

In some recipes, a touch of lemon juice or zest is added to the ice cream base to enhance the freshness of the strawberries and give a little tangy contrast.

If you’re interested in more dairy-free ideas, check out our post on Delicious and Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes to explore a variety of alternatives.

3. Shortcake Crumble

The shortcake crumble is what gives this dessert its distinctive crunchy texture. It’s usually made from:

• Shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers, which provide the buttery, crispy base.
• Melted butter to hold the crumbs together and add richness.
• Freeze-dried strawberries to add more flavor, color, and texture to the crumble.

The crunch of the crumble and the creamy ice cream make a perfect match. Therefore, it’s important to get the right balance of texture to make this dessert so enjoyable. You can also experiment by using graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even oatmeal cookies to create different flavors in the crumble.

How to Make the Ice Cream Base

The first step to making strawberry shortcake ice cream is to prepare the ice cream base. This can be done using a no-churn method or a more traditional custard base, depending on your preference.

No-Churn Ice Cream Base Recipe

Here’s how to make a simple no-churn ice cream base:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
   • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
   • ¾ cup of sweetened condensed milk (cold)
2. Instructions:
   • Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
   • Gently fold in the vanilla extract and cold condensed milk.
   • Mix until stiff peaks form.

This base is easy to make and doesn’t require an ice cream machine. A custard base, on the other hand, will make a richer, more indulgent ice cream.

The ice cream base is the foundation of your strawberry shortcake ice cream. You have two primary methods to choose from: a simple no-churn method or a more traditional custard-style base. Both methods will deliver creamy, delicious results. Let’s explore each one.

No-Churn Ice Cream Base Recipe

The no-churn method is quick and easy, requiring just a few ingredients. It’s ideal if you don’t have an ice cream machine, yet it still results in a creamy and rich texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream (chilled)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¾ cup of sweetened condensed milk (chilled)

Instructions:

1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed.
2. Mix in the Vanilla and Condensed Milk: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the light, fluffy texture.
3. Combine Until Stiff Peaks Form: Continue mixing gently until the mixture forms stiff peaks. The consistency should be thick but airy, similar to whipped cream.
4. Freeze the Base: Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Cover the top with plastic wrap or foil to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place the container in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours, or until fully frozen.

This method is a go-to for those looking to make homemade ice cream quickly, without any special equipment. It delivers a smooth and creamy texture perfect for combining with strawberries and shortcake crumble.

Custard-Style Ice Cream Base Recipe

For those who prefer a richer, more decadent ice cream, the custard-style base is a classic choice. It requires cooking, but the result is a velvety, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk (whole milk for best results)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam but is not boiling. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: While the milk and cream are heating, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. This takes about 2-3 minutes by hand.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk and cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling.
4. Cook the Custard: Return the tempered mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the eggs to curdle.
5. Strain and Cool: Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Chill the Base: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled.
7. Freeze the Base: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-6 hours to firm up.

Choosing the Right Base

• If you’re short on time or don’t have an ice cream machine, the no-churn method is an excellent option.
• For a more luxurious texture and rich flavor, the custard-style base is the way to go.

Both methods will provide you with a creamy, delicious base for your strawberry shortcake ice cream. Once your base is ready, you can fold in your strawberry puree and add the shortcake crumble for that perfect combination of flavors.

Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

One of the most iconic ways to enjoy strawberry shortcake ice cream is by turning it into bars. Not only are they easy to eat, but they also give you the perfect ratio of ice cream to crumble in each bite. Here’s how you can make them:

1. Pour the prepared ice cream base into popsicle molds.
2. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight.
3. Once frozen, dip each bar into the shortcake crumble, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
4. Freeze the bars for an additional 30 minutes to set the crumble.

For a fun twist, you can dip the bars in white chocolate before adding the crumble. This not only adds a rich, creamy layer but also helps the crumble stick better to the bars.

Conclusion

Strawberry shortcake ice cream is a fun and tasty dessert that combines creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re making the traditional version or experimenting with a dairy-free option, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you crave a sweet treat. With fresh strawberries, a rich vanilla base, and a crunchy shortcake crumble, this dessert brings together all the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake in frozen form.

For more creative dessert ideas, check out our Ultimate Guide to Churro Cheesecake and try something new!