Ah, frozen strawberry shortcake bars! They remind me of lazy summer afternoons spent with friends, lounging by the pool and indulging in all things sweet and fruity. There’s something about the combination of creamy, buttery shortcake and juicy strawberries that brings back warm memories of childhood. I remember coming home from school, tossing my backpack aside, and sneaking one of these delicious bars from the freezer—it was the perfect treat to cool down after a long day.
What I love most about these frozen strawberry shortcake bars is their versatility. They’re not only incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Plus, you can whip them up in advance and have a refreshing dessert ready for those hot summer days. Trust me; once you’ve tried these, you’ll want to make a batch every week!
## What’s in Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Let’s chat about the ingredients that come together to create this delicious dessert:
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Fresh strawberries give a bright, tangy flavor and a lovely pop of color. When they’re in season, I like to pick up a pint from the local farmers’ market—there’s nothing quite like them.
Shortcake Biscuits: These buttery, crumbly biscuits provide a wonderful contrast to the juicy strawberries. You can make them from scratch or use a store-bought option if you’re short on time. I often use Bisquick mix for a quick and easy version.
Heavy Cream: This adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling. Whipping it up lightens the bars and makes them oh-so-luxurious. I always opt for a high-quality brand, as it can really make a difference.
Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the whipped cream without adding any grittiness. It dissolves nicely, ensuring that the cream is smooth and fluffy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this aromatic extract deepens the flavor and complements the sweetness of the strawberries splendidly.
## Is Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about whether these bars are a guilt-free pleasure or not.
Fresh Strawberries: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, strawberries are a delicious way to boost your fruit intake. Plus, they’re low in calories!
Shortcake Biscuits: Generally, they’re a bit higher in calories due to the butter and sugar, but in moderation, they can fit into a balanced diet. You can always experiment with whole wheat flour or healthy substitutions if you want to lighten it up.
Heavy Cream: While it adds that lovely creaminess, it’s also high in fat. You could opt for a lighter version, or even try whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative!
While these bars won’t exactly win any health awards, it’s all about moderation and enjoying life. So, indulge a little—after all, it’s a party in your mouth!
## Ingredients for Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars (Serves 8)
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
– 2 cups Bisquick mix (or any preferred biscuit mix)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the biscuits)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3/4 cup milk
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
## How to Make Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how I whip up these frozen delights:
1. **Prepare the Strawberries:** Start by tossing the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so they can release their juices. This makes for a yummy filling later.
2. **Make the Shortcake Biscuits:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). In a large bowl, mix the Bisquick and ¼ cup sugar. Add in melted butter and milk, stirring until just combined.
3. **Bake the Biscuits:** Spread the mixture into an even layer in a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Let it cool completely, then cut into squares or rectangles.
4. **Whip the Cream:** In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until it forms stiff peaks.
5. **Assemble the Bars:** Layer the shortcake pieces in the bottom of a freezer-safe dish. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the biscuits, topped with the macerated strawberries. Repeat the layers until you end with whipped cream on top.
6. **Freeze:** Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
7. **Slice and Serve:** Once frozen, remove from the freezer and let sit for a few minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut.
## Sweet Tips for Your Strawberry Shortcake Bars
– **Make It Your Own:** Feel free to switch it up using other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or even a combination for a colorful mix!
– **Dairy-Free Alternative:** You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a refreshing twist.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Consider drizzling with chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for that extra flair.
– **Storage:** These bars can last up to a week in the freezer, but trust me, they’ll likely be gobbled up long before that!
I really hope you give these frozen strawberry shortcake bars a try—they’re perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or just a sweet treat for yourself! When you take that first bite, I’m sure you’ll be transported to your happy place, just as I am. Let me know how they turn out for you—happy baking!