If you ever grew up chasing the ice cream truck or browsing the freezer aisle for a sweet treat, chances are the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar was a favorite. Creamy vanilla ice cream, fruity strawberry swirl, and that iconic crunchy cookie coating—this dessert is a trip down memory lane.
Now, you can recreate that nostalgic Good Humor classic right at home using real ingredients, no fancy equipment needed!
🧾 Ingredients Breakdown
🍓 For the Strawberry Swirl:
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Adds natural fruit flavor and vibrant color. Fresh strawberries are preferred, but frozen work in a pinch.
2 tbsp sugar
Helps break down the strawberries and enhance their natural sweetness.
1 tsp lemon juice
Adds a bit of tang and helps brighten the strawberry flavor.
🍦 For the Ice Cream Base:
2 cups heavy cream
Provides rich, creamy texture essential for a smooth ice cream bar.
1 cup whole milk
Balances the richness while maintaining creaminess.
¾ cup sugar
Sweetens the base and helps maintain a soft texture even when frozen.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
🍪 For the Shortcake Crumble:
1 cup crushed shortbread or vanilla wafer cookies
Creates that signature cookie crunch. Shortbread is buttery and rich, while vanilla wafers are lighter and sweet.
2 tbsp melted butter
Helps bind the crumbs together and enhances the flavor.
1 tbsp sugar
Optional for added sweetness and crunch.
🍫 For the Optional Coating:
1 cup white chocolate or strawberry-flavored chocolate melts
Mimics the classic coating—optional, but adds that iconic finish.
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles
For color, texture, and nostalgic flair.
👩🍳 Method: Step-by-Step Preparation
- Make the Strawberry Swirl 🍓
In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries break down slightly.
Mash with a fork for a chunky texture and set aside to cool.
🔍 Tip: If you prefer a smoother swirl, blend the cooked mixture and strain out seeds.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base 🍦
Whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for best results.
- Assemble the Ice Cream Bars 🍧
Fill popsicle molds about ¼ full with the ice cream base.
Add a spoonful of the strawberry swirl and a bit of the shortcake crumble.
Repeat layers until the mold is full, finishing with a layer of ice cream.
Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
🍴 Optional: If you don’t have molds, use small paper cups and peel the cup off once frozen.
- (Optional) Coat the Bars 🍫
Melt white or strawberry-flavored chocolate.
Remove bars from molds and dip quickly in the melted chocolate.
Immediately sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles.
Return to freezer on parchment paper until the coating is firm.
💡 Tips & Variations
Shortcut version: Use softened store-bought vanilla ice cream and fold in the strawberry swirl and crumble before refreezing in molds.
Mold matters: Silicone molds make it easier to release the bars cleanly.
Fruit swaps: Replace strawberries with raspberry, blueberry, or mango for a fun twist.
Vegan version: Use coconut cream and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, plus vegan cookies and dairy-free chocolate.
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw them before cooking and drain excess liquid if needed.
Q: How long do these bars last in the freezer?
Up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Q: I don’t have popsicle molds—what else can I use?
Small paper cups, muffin tins, or even ice cube trays can work. Just insert a popsicle stick after 1–2 hours of freezing.
Q: How do I keep the layers neat?
Chill each layer for 15–20 minutes in the freezer before adding the next to prevent blending.
Q: Can I make this into one big dessert instead of bars?
Yes! Layer the components in a loaf pan, freeze, then slice to serve like an ice cream cake.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars aren’t just delicious—they’re a vibe. They bring back childhood summers, neighborhood ice cream trucks, and sticky fingers under the sun.