Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream combines the refreshing, fruity sweetness of roasted strawberries with the creamy goodness of a rich ice cream base. Topped with crumbled shortcake for that satisfying crunch, it’s a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking to impress guests with a homemade indulgence, this ice cream is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for roasting strawberries)

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for ice cream base)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup crumbled shortcake

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Roast the strawberries: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the halved strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.

2. Make the ice cream base: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and 3/4 cup sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until well chilled.

3. Churn the mixture: Once the ice cream base is chilled, churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Add strawberries and shortcake: In the final few minutes of churning, add the roasted strawberries and crumbled shortcake to the ice cream maker. Continue churning until the strawberries and shortcake are evenly distributed.

5. Freeze the ice cream: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Layer in more strawberries and crumbled shortcake as desired. Freeze for about 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Additional Time: 4 hours (for freezing)

• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Variations

• Balsamic Twist: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries before roasting to elevate the flavor and give it a subtle, tangy kick.

• Chocolate Addition: For a chocolate variation, add chopped chocolate or chocolate chips into the ice cream base during churning.

• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks.

• Reheating: Since this is ice cream, no reheating is necessary. If the ice cream becomes too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries will yield a better texture when roasting.

2. Can I skip roasting the strawberries?

Roasting the strawberries enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry. Fresh strawberries will still work, though they won’t have the same depth of flavor.

3. Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?

Yes, this recipe requires an ice cream maker for churning the mixture to the correct texture. Without one, it’s hard to achieve the right consistency.

4. How can I make the ice cream smoother?

For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the chilled ice cream base through a fine-mesh sieve before churning to remove any unwanted bits.

5. Can I use store-bought shortcake instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought shortcake will work fine in this recipe if you want to save time.

6. How do I get the ice cream to have a soft-serve consistency?

Serve immediately after churning if you want a soft-serve texture. If you prefer a firmer consistency, freeze it for several hours.

7. Can I make this ice cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

8. Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the strawberries for other berries or fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.

9. What can I serve with this ice cream?

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

10. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the dairy products with coconut cream, almond milk, and a plant-based shortcake.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is a delightful, creamy, and refreshing dessert perfect for any warm occasion. The combination of roasted strawberries, crumbled shortcake, and a velvety smooth ice cream base makes it a treat everyone will love. Whether you serve it immediately for a soft-serve treat or freeze it for a firmer consistency, it’s a simple yet indulgent way to cool off and enjoy the flavors of summer. Try making it today for a nostalgic dessert experience that will have everyone asking for more.