This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is the perfect treat for warm days and special occasions. With its luscious blend of fresh strawberries, creamy textures, and delightful cake pieces, it’s a treat that everyone will love. This no-churn dessert stands out for its ease of preparation and rich flavors, making it suitable for picnics, family gatherings, or simply a sweet indulgence after dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You don’t need an ice cream maker! This no-churn recipe simplifies the process without compromising on taste.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries brings a burst of flavor that elevates this dessert above store-bought options.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite cake or cookies to personalize the flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a birthday party, this ice cream is sure to impress guests.
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Tools and Preparation
To make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream effortlessly, you will need some essential tools. These items will help ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Medium-sized pot
- Spatula
- Freezer-safe containers
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These are vital for achieving the perfect whipped consistency in both the cream and cream cheese mixtures.
- Spatula: A spatula is essential for gently folding ingredients together without deflating the whipped cream.
Ingredients
This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream combines juicy strawberries, velvety cream cheese, and crumbled cake into a no churn ice cream delight.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup crumbled cake (or 3/4 cup crushed shortbread cookies)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Mixture
Add strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally. Continue boiling for an additional 8-10 minutes until juices release. The strawberries should soften and the sauce will thicken significantly.
Step 2: Cool Strawberries
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool down. Then place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to cool completely.
Step 3: Whip Heavy Cream
Whip heavy cream using either the stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside carefully.
Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, add room temperature cream cheese. Beat on medium-high speed while slowly adding condensed milk and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Turn off the mixer. Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Add Strawberries
Carefully fold in the cooled strawberry mixture into the batter. Do this only 3-4 times so you can see distinct swirls of strawberry throughout without turning everything pink.
Step 7: Freeze Ice Cream
To freeze your ice cream properly, alternate layers of the ice cream mixture and crumbled cake in freezer-safe containers. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 5-7 hours before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Before serving, let the ice cream sit out for about 5 – 10 minutes so it softens slightly for easier scooping. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Serving Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream can elevate your dessert experience. This creamy delight pairs well with various garnishes and accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to serve it.
Top with Fresh Fruits
- Fresh Strawberries: Add whole or sliced strawberries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Blueberries: A handful of blueberries can add a nice color contrast and a tangy taste.
Drizzle with Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a decadent touch.
- Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel can complement the strawberries beautifully.
Garnish with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Top your ice cream with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or strawberry-flavored whipped cream for a twist.
Serve in Creative Containers
- Ice Cream Cones: For a fun twist, serve the ice cream in waffle cones or sugar cones.
- Sundae Bowls: Use colorful sundae bowls to make serving more festive and appealing.
How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
To achieve the best Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, keep these tips in mind for a smooth and delightful treat.
- Bold Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your ice cream.
- Cool Your Mixture: Ensure that the strawberry mixture is completely cooled before mixing it into the cream cheese base to maintain the right consistency.
- Fold Gently: When combining the whipped cream and strawberries, fold gently to keep the fluffy texture intact.
- Layered Freezing: Alternate layers of ice cream and crumbled cake while freezing to create beautiful swirls and pockets of cake.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving makes it easier to scoop.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some delicious options that complement this creamy treat.
- Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy ice cream.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add lightness to your dessert table.
- Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty flavor of pecan pie bars pairs well with strawberry sweetness, creating a balanced dessert experience.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Warm chocolate chip cookies provide a classic combination that everyone loves.
- Lemon Bars: The tartness of lemon bars adds a zesty contrast to the rich flavors of strawberry shortcake ice cream.
- Brownies: Dense chocolate brownies are always a hit and complement fruity desserts perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a delicious treat.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the strawberry mixture to cool completely is crucial. If you skip this step, your ice cream may become too soft and lose its texture.
- Overmixing the strawberries: When folding in the strawberries, do not overmix. This can turn your ice cream pink instead of keeping those beautiful red swirls intact.
- Using cold cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to lumps in your ice cream.
- Not letting it freeze long enough: For the best texture, freeze your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream for at least 5-7 hours. Rushing this step will result in a softer, less enjoyable dessert.
- Choosing the wrong container: Use a freezer-safe container. If you use a regular glass or plastic container, it may crack or warp in the freezer.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it’s fully cooled before placing it in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Layer ice cream and crumbled cake well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Oven: Not recommended; ice cream doesn’t reheat well in an oven.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds if you’d like it softer.
- Stovetop: Again, not advisable; this method can melt the ice cream unevenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream special?
This ice cream combines fresh strawberries with creamy textures and cake pieces, creating a delightful summer treat that captures all the flavors of classic shortcake.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess water before cooking them with sugar and lemon juice.
How can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. You can also substitute different fruits based on your preference.
How do I serve Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream?
Serve it in bowls or cones. Top with whipped cream or additional crumbled cake for an extra touch!
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it versatile for customization. Whether you want to add different fruits or toppings, this recipe allows room for creativity while ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Try making this treat today!
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, a refreshing treat perfect for warm days or special gatherings. This creamy no-churn dessert features ripe strawberries, luscious cream cheese, and bits of cake that come together to create a sweet sensation everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply treating yourself after dinner, this easy-to-make ice cream will impress with its rich flavors and velvety texture. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite cake or cookie varieties, making it a versatile addition to any dessert table. Enjoy the essence of summer with each scoop!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 (1/2 cup servings) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup crumbled cake (or crushed shortbread cookies)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine diced strawberries, sugar, strawberry jam, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and set aside.
- In another bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Carefully fold in the cooled strawberry mixture until you see swirls.
- Layer the ice cream mixture and crumbled cake in freezer-safe containers. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 5-7 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use fresh strawberries for maximum flavor. To enhance flavor, substitute different cakes or incorporate chocolate chips. Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.