Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Strawberry Ice Cream Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

These homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Bars combine the best of summer’s freshest strawberries with smooth vanilla ice cream and a buttery graham cracker crust. A refreshing treat that’s simple to make, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy. Whether you’re craving a cool treat on a hot day or looking for a dessert to impress at a gathering, these strawberry ice cream bars are the answer!

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Compote:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (in-season berries taste best)

½ cup sugar (adjust based on strawberry sweetness)

¼ cup water (helps strawberries break down while cooking)

For the Ice Cream Bars:

2 cups vanilla ice cream (premium quality makes a difference)

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (honey grahams add extra sweetness)

¼ cup melted butter (creates perfect crust binding)

Instructions

  1. 1. Make the Strawberry Compote:
  2. In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. This will concentrate the flavor beautifully.
  3. Once done, let the strawberry compote cool completely. Hot fruit will melt the ice cream and create a mess.
  4. 2. Prepare the Crust:
  5. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should hold together like wet sand.
  6. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking dish (9×9-inch or similar) to form a solid crust foundation.
  7. 3. Layer the Ice Cream:
  8. Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it soften just enough to spread easily (it should be soft but not melted).
  9. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the graham cracker crust, working quickly but gently to avoid tearing the crust.
  10. 4. Add the Strawberry Compote:
  11. Drizzle the cooled strawberry compote over the ice cream layer.
  12. Use a knife to swirl the strawberry compote into the ice cream, creating beautiful ribbons. Don’t overmix, as the swirls are part of the charm.
  13. 5. Freeze the Bars:
  14. Freeze the bars for at least 4 hours or until completely firm. (Patience creates a clean-cutting texture.)
  15. 6. Slice and Serve:
  16. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut the bars into slices for the cleanest cuts.
  17. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Mixed Berry Ice Cream Bars: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a fruity medley.
  • Chocolate Crust Version: Swap out the graham crackers for chocolate graham crackers for a richer base.
  • Coconut Strawberry Bars: Add coconut flakes to the crust and use coconut ice cream for a tropical twist.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished bars for a touch of sweetness.
  • Basil Strawberry Style: Add fresh basil leaves while cooking the strawberries for a sophisticated flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sophiasdishes.com/strawberry-ice-cream-bars/