Strawberry Shortcake Ice Bars: A Summer Delight Not to Be Missed!
Summer is coming, and with it, the desire to refresh ourselves with frozen desserts! Strawberry shortcake ice bars are a perfect blend of fruity flavors and creamy texture that will delight your taste buds. Easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion, these frozen treats add a gourmet touch to your sunny days. In this article, we offer you a simple recipe to make these delicious strawberry ice bars and answer frequently asked questions about their preparation.
Ingredients:
- 300 g of fresh strawberries (or frozen)
- 100 g of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 300 ml of heavy cream
- 200 ml of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 150 g of crumbled shortcake biscuits (or ladyfingers)
- A pinch of salt
Preparation of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Bars
Prepare the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them. Blend the strawberries with 50 g of sugar and the lemon juice until you obtain a smooth puree. If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw before blending.
Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, the remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture, being careful not to deflate the airy texture.
Mix the Ingredients: Add the crumbled shortcake biscuits to the creamy mixture and mix gently. Then, fold in the strawberry puree, ensuring a marbled effect without over-mixing.
Pour into a Mold: Line a rectangular mold with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the mold and smooth the top with a spatula.
Freezing: Cover the mold with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the mixture is firm.
Unmold and Cut: Once well frozen, remove the ice bars from the mold. Take off the plastic wrap and cut into rectangles or squares.
Serve: Serve immediately or store the ice bars in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Strawberry Shortcake Ice Bars
Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can replace the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to vary the flavors.
How should I store the ice bars? Store them in an airtight container in the freezer to preserve their texture and flavor. They will keep for up to 2 months.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can adjust the sugar amount to your taste, but keep in mind that this may affect the texture of the bars.
Can I make these bars dairy-free? Yes, you can use coconut cream and non-dairy sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
How can I add strawberry chunks? For an even more interesting texture, you can add fresh strawberry chunks into the mixture before freezing.
Tips for Perfect Ice Bars
Choose Ripe Strawberries: For optimal flavor, select well-ripened, sweet strawberries.
Mix Gently: When incorporating the ingredients, do so gently to maintain the lightness of the whipped cream.
Check the Texture: Before serving, let the bars sit for a few minutes at room temperature to make cutting easier.
Conclusion
Strawberry shortcake ice bars are a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy summer. In just a few simple steps, you can create a frozen dessert that will delight both young and old. Whether it’s for a barbecue, a birthday party, or just a moment of relaxation, these bars will be a hit. So don’t wait any longer, get started on making these frozen treats and share them with your friends and family!
