Oh, Valentine’s Day! A day filled with love, romance, and the perfect excuse to indulge in all things sweet! One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this heart-filled holiday is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are not only adorable but also scrumptiously delicious! Whether you’re crafting them for your significant other, a friend, or just for yourself (because self-love is essential), these sandwiches scream “I love you” in every creamy, fruity bite.
I still remember the first time I made these treats. It was a warm February afternoon, and my friends and I decided to hold our own little Valentine’s party. We laughed, played games, and then, of course, we filled our bellies with these amazing ice cream sandwiches. The combination of sweet strawberries, rich ice cream, and delectable shortcake is an experience you don’t want to miss! Plus, they’re customizable, so you can make them just the way you like. Let me share my secrets with you!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Shortcake Biscuits: These tender, buttery biscuits are the foundation of your sandwich. I love making them from scratch, but you can also use store-bought shortcakes in a pinch.
Ice Cream: The star of the show! Whether you prefer classic vanilla or go wild with strawberry or even chocolate, pick an ice cream that makes your heart sing! I find that a good quality, rich ice cream works best.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries bring a pop of color and flavor to the sandwich. They can be sliced or diced, depending on your preference, but using strawberries that are in season elevates the experience.
Whipped Cream: A swirl or dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch—perfect for balancing sweetness and creaminess!
Is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest: these treats are more for indulgence than health, but they do come with some perks!
Fresh Strawberries: Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help boost your immune system and are a delightful source of fiber.
Homemade Shortcakes: Making your own allows you to control the ingredients while cutting down on preservatives, which is a win for health-conscious chefs!
Now, I don’t want to throw any shade on the dessert; they are a treat, after all! Moderation is key, but once in a while, a sweet indulgence like this can absolutely fit within a balanced diet.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
– 1 tablespoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1-2 pints of your favorite ice cream
– Whipped cream (optional)
These quantities should yield about 8-10 irresistible ice cream sandwiches, perfect for sharing or for keeping all to yourself!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches?
1. **Preheat your oven** to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Make the shortcake biscuits.** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the small pieces of butter and cut them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Stir in the heavy cream** gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. **Scoop or scoop the dough** onto the prepared baking sheet, creating round biscuits. You can make them as big or small as you like!
5. **Sprinkle extra sugar on top** of the biscuits for added sweetness and crunch, if desired.
6. **Bake for 15-20 minutes** or until the tops are golden and they’re baked through. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7. **While the biscuits cool**, prepare your strawberries. Slice them up and mix in a little sugar to taste, letting them sit and release their juices.
8. **Now, assemble your sandwiches!** Take one biscuit, add a generous scoop of ice cream, a layer of strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream if you’re using it. Top it off with another biscuit.
9. **Serve right away or wrap them in plastic wrap** and store them in the freezer for later devouring.
Creative Additions and Serving Suggestions
Feeling adventurous? You can mix in chocolate chips or nuts into your shortcake for an extra flare! Want a twist? Use other fruits like mango or peaches—be creative! You can also drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a super decadent touch. Present them on a pretty platter and watch your guests swoon!
I can’t emphasize enough how much fun these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches can bring to any occasion—even if it’s a Netflix binge-watching night with friends! I hope you give them a try and create your own sweet memories. Please let me know how they turn out for you, and feel free to share any variations you come up with. Let’s spread the love one delicious bite at a time!