Oh, have I got a treat for you! Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches are not only a delicious and dreamy dessert, but they’re also perfect for sharing the love on Valentine’s Day. I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe a few years back while trying to impress my friends at a summer picnic. Let me tell you, they were a hit! Since then, I’ve made them for all sorts of occasions—from romantic dinners to birthday parties—and each time, they melt hearts (and they ice cream too!).
This recipe combines buttery shortcake with luscious strawberry ice cream, all sandwiched together into one glorious creation. Seriously, if you’ve never experienced the magic of strawberry shortcake, you’re in for a treat. It’s like summer captured in a handheld dessert! Let’s dive into the goodness!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Butter: Nothing makes a dessert rich and delicious quite like butter! I love using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of my treats.
Sugar: A key ingredient for sweetness! I usually reach for granulated sugar, but brown sugar can add a delightful caramel flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Baking Powder: This is what gives our shortcakes that lovely rise. Make sure it’s fresh; otherwise, your sandwiches may end up flatter than my last date!
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookie-like shortcake. If you’re going gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, these beauties are the star of the show! Fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen can work as well (just thaw and drain excess liquid).
Vanilla Ice Cream: I prefer a creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a classic flavor, but don’t hesitate to switch it up with strawberry or even whipped cream ice cream if you’re feeling sassy!
Heavy Cream: A little bit of this helps with the whipped topping in the original recipe.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches Good for You?
Well, I wouldn’t exactly call these health food! Still, there are a few bright sides. The fresh strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which is a bonus. However, the sugar and butter content means these should remain an occasional indulgence.
If you’re looking to make them a tad healthier, you could consider swapping regular ice cream for a lighter, low-sugar gelato or using whole-grain flour for the shortcake. Just remember, balance is key!
Ingredients List
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 quart vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (for optional whipped topping)
**Servings:** Makes about 6-8 ice cream sandwiches, depending on how generous your portions are!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and baking powder, mixing until combined. The dough will be quite crumbly.
4. Using your hands (get messy, it’s fun!), form the dough into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space as they will puff up a bit.
6. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. While the shortcakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream if you want to add that touch of extra fabulousness!
8. Once cool, scoop a generous amount of ice cream between two shortcakes. Squeeze them together gently.
9. Optionally, roll the edges in some extra sliced strawberries for a stunning finish.
10. Wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes – if you can wait that long!
Sweet Tips for Strawberry Delight
– You can easily customize these sandwiches! Try adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
– If you want to make it easier, you can press the shortcake dough into a square baking dish, bake, and then cut them into squares for sandwiches.
– Pair these with a dollop of whipped cream on the side (because, really, who doesn’t love whipped cream?).
These Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches are such a delightful dessert! I can’t wait for you to try them – I promise, they’re not only super easy to make, but they’ll also put a huge smile on anyone’s face (especially if you share them with loved ones). So grab those strawberries and get started! Don’t forget to share your thoughts with me once you’ve made them; I love hearing about your culinary adventures! Happy Valentine’s Day!