Introduction
Nothing beats the refreshing taste of a strawberry ice cream bar on a hot day. The first time I made these at home, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying they were. The fresh strawberry flavor combined with a creamy base made them even better than store-bought versions. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into them made me feel good about indulging in this sweet treat.
Making homemade strawberry ice cream bars means you can customize them to your liking. Want a dairy-free version? Swap in coconut milk. Prefer a little crunch? Add a cookie coating. There are countless ways to customize it, and the outcome is always irresistible.
This guide will take you through everything you need to create the perfect strawberry ice cream bar, from ingredients to expert tips. Whether you’re making them for kids, guests, or just for yourself, get ready for a fun and tasty experience!
Why This Recipe Works
Simple and Easy to Make
One of the best things about strawberry ice cream bars is how easy they are to prepare. Unlike store-bought versions, which often require a long list of ingredients and preservatives, this homemade version keeps things simple. With a few fresh ingredients and some time in the freezer, you’ll have a creamy, fruity treat ready to enjoy. I love making these because they don’t require fancy equipment—just a blender, a mixing bowl, and ice cream molds.
A Healthier Alternative
Many commercial ice cream bars are loaded with artificial flavors, excessive sugar, and additives. When making them at home, you have full control over the ingredients. Using real strawberries, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and fresh cream creates a more wholesome treat without compromising on flavor. To get the best results, it’s important to choose ripe, flavorful strawberries—check out Bon Appétit’s guide on how to pick the freshest, sweetest berries. I’ve also experimented with Greek yogurt for extra protein, and it works wonderfully!
Fully Customizable
The beauty of making your own strawberry ice cream bars is that you can tailor them to your preferences. Want a dairy-free version? Swap out the cream for coconut milk. Looking for a little crunch? Coat them in crushed granola or dip them in chocolate. You can even mix in other fruits like mango or banana for a fun twist. The flexibility of this recipe means there’s always a way to make it exactly how you like it.
What You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
Essential Ingredients for the Best Flavor
Making strawberry ice cream bars at home is all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Strawberries – Fresh or frozen strawberries work, but ripe, in-season strawberries provide the best natural sweetness.
- Heavy cream or coconut milk – This gives the bars a creamy, smooth texture. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works perfectly.
- Honey or maple syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances the fruit’s flavor without being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor and complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Crushed cookies or granola (optional) – Rolling the bars in crushed cookies or granola adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
Simple Tools for a Hassle-Free Process
The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need any complicated kitchen tools. Just gather these essentials:
- Blender or food processor – For blending the strawberries into a smooth purée.
- Mixing bowl – Needed if you’re whipping cream before folding it into the strawberry mixture.
- Popsicle molds – These shape your bars perfectly. If you don’t have molds, small cups or an ice cube tray work as substitutes.
- Popsicle sticks – To create the classic handheld ice cream bar experience.
- Baking tray with parchment paper – Useful if dipping the bars in chocolate or rolling them in toppings.
With these simple ingredients and tools, you’re all set to make delicious homemade strawberry ice cream bars that are better than anything store-bought!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Freeze Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours
Making strawberry ice cream bars is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a creamy, refreshing treat ready to enjoy.
Blend the Ingredients for a Smooth Base
- Prepare the strawberries – If using fresh strawberries, wash, hull, and slice them. For frozen strawberries, let them thaw slightly.
- Blend until smooth – Add the strawberries, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth purée. If you prefer small fruit chunks, pulse the mixture instead of fully blending.
Create the Creamy Mixture
- Whip the cream – In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. If using coconut milk, ensure it’s well-mixed before adding it to the strawberry purée.
- Combine the mixtures – Gently fold the strawberry purée into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps maintain the light, airy texture.
Freeze and Set the Ice Cream Bars
- Pour into molds – Divide the mixture evenly into popsicle molds. If you don’t have molds, use small cups as an alternative.
- Insert sticks – Place popsicle sticks into each mold, ensuring they stand upright.
- Freeze until firm – Transfer the molds to the freezer and let them set for at least 4-6 hours, or until fully frozen.
Add the Finishing Touches (Optional)
- Coat with chocolate – Melt chocolate and dip the frozen bars for an indulgent twist. If you’re a fan of chocolate-dipped treats, you’ll love these Chocolate Glazed Donuts—fluffy, homemade donuts covered in a rich chocolate glaze.
- Roll in toppings – Before the chocolate sets, roll the bars in crushed cookies, granola, or freeze-dried strawberries for extra texture.
Once frozen, your homemade strawberry ice cream bars are ready to enjoy! Simply remove them from the molds and savor each creamy, fruity bite.
Print
Perfect Strawberry Ice Cream Bars – Sweet, Creamy & Refreshing
- Yield: Makes about 6 bars 1x
Description
Homemade strawberry ice cream bars with fresh fruit and a creamy texture. A refreshing, customizable treat perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
Crushed cookies or granola (optional, for coating)
Melted chocolate (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
Blend strawberries, honey, and vanilla extract in a blender until smooth. For a chunkier texture, pulse instead of blending fully.
In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the strawberry purée into the whipped cream, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the mixture evenly into popsicle molds or small cups.
Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and freeze for 4-6 hours or until fully set.
Optional: Once frozen, dip bars in melted chocolate or roll in crushed cookies or granola for added texture.
Remove from molds and enjoy straight from the freezer!
Notes
For a tangier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
If bars stick to the mold, run them under warm water for easy removal.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Tips and Hacks
Boost the Creaminess
For an ultra-smooth strawberry ice cream bar, using full-fat ingredients is key. Heavy cream creates a luxurious texture, while coconut milk keeps it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess. Greek yogurt is another great option for a slightly tangy twist.
Natural Sweeteners for Better Flavor
Ditch refined sugar and use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead. These natural sweeteners enhance the strawberry flavor without unnecessary additives. If your strawberries are extra ripe, you might not even need additional sweetener!
Easy Removal from Molds
If your ice cream bars stick to the mold, run them under warm water for a few seconds. This helps loosen the bars and makes removal effortless without melting them too quickly.
With these simple tricks, you’ll make perfect strawberry ice cream bars every time!
Nutrition Score
A Guilt-Free Sweet Treat
Homemade strawberry ice cream bars are a great way to enjoy a refreshing dessert while keeping things natural. Unlike store-bought versions filled with artificial additives, these bars use fresh fruit and wholesome ingredients.
Estimated Nutritional Values (Per Bar)
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
Adjusting for Different Dietary Needs
- Lower-Calorie Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for fewer calories and added protein.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce or skip the sweetener if your strawberries are naturally sweet.
With these options, you can enjoy a strawberry ice cream bar that fits your dietary needs without compromising on taste!
Serving & Storage
Best Way to Serve Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
For the best texture and flavor, serve the bars straight from the freezer. The creamy consistency holds up well when fully frozen, making them the perfect refreshing treat. If they’re too firm, let them sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before eating. This softens the texture slightly without melting them too quickly.
Proper Storage for Freshness
To keep your strawberry ice cream bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Freezer Storage: Place the bars in an airtight container or wrap each individually in parchment paper. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to two weeks.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep them away from frost buildup by sealing the container tightly.
- Separate Layers: If stacking the bars, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
By storing them properly, you can enjoy these homemade ice cream bars anytime without losing their creamy texture!
Variations
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Bars
For a fun, crunchy twist, roll your frozen strawberry ice cream bars in a mixture of crushed granola and freeze-dried strawberries. This adds a crispy texture that perfectly complements the creamy inside. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly press the coating onto the bars before freezing them for an additional 10 minutes.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Bars
If you’re a chocolate lover, dip your ice cream bars in melted dark or milk chocolate. Let the excess drip off, then place them on parchment paper to harden. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies on top before the chocolate sets.
Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream Bars
For a vegan-friendly version, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This keeps the bars creamy while remaining dairy-free. Use agave or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
These variations let you customize your strawberry ice cream bars to suit your taste and dietary preferences while keeping them just as delicious!
FAQs
What are strawberry shortcake ice cream bars made of?
Traditional strawberry shortcake ice cream bars feature a creamy vanilla and strawberry-flavored ice cream base, coated in a crumbly shortbread and freeze-dried strawberry topping for a signature crunch.
What is on the outside of a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar?
The outer layer is typically made of crushed vanilla cookies and freeze-dried strawberries, creating a crispy, slightly sweet coating that enhances the ice cream’s flavor.
What does strawberry ice cream taste like in a vape?
Strawberry ice cream-flavored vape juices are designed to mimic the sweet, creamy, and fruity taste of real strawberry ice cream, often with a smooth vanilla undertone.
Why did Costco stop selling hand-dipped ice cream bars?
Costco discontinued its hand-dipped ice cream bars due to supply chain issues and declining demand, though some locations may still offer similar frozen treats.
These FAQs cover common questions about strawberry ice cream bars—let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to add!
Conclusion
Making your own strawberry ice cream bars at home is fun, easy, and rewarding. With fresh ingredients and a simple process, you can enjoy a refreshing treat that’s free from artificial additives. Whether you prefer the classic creamy version, a crunchy coating, or a chocolate-dipped twist, there’s a perfect variation for everyone.
These bars are a great way to cool down on a warm day, impress guests, or simply satisfy a sweet craving. Try this recipe, experiment with flavors, and enjoy a homemade strawberry ice cream bar that’s even better than store-bought!