Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in the kitchen, the sweet scent of strawberries wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to summer days filled with laughter and sunshine. This is the moment I knew—delicious Strawberry Ice Cream Bars would be the highlight of our warm-weather gatherings. Forget store-bought sweets; these homemade treats showcase real fruit and a buttery graham cracker crust that contrast beautifully in texture. Plus, they offer a quick and satisfying way to indulge without artificial flavors weighing you down. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving something refreshing, this recipe is your go-to summer indulgence. Ready to dive into a world of fruity bliss and creamy goodness? Let’s make these irresistible bars together! Why are Strawberry Ice Cream Bars a must-try? Irresistible Freshness: Enjoy the taste of ripe strawberries as they shine in every bite, unlike anything from a store shelf. Quick and Easy: With simple steps, you can create these delightful treats in no time—perfect for last-minute summer gatherings. Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding mixed berries or switching up the crust; your creativity knows no bounds! Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bars are sure to impress! Serve them at parties or family gatherings, and watch them disappear quickly. Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with real ingredients and no artificial flavors, you can indulge without the guilt. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you always have a tasty dessert ready to go! For an extra sweet treat, why not try these Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches? Strawberry Ice Cream Bars Ingredients • For the Strawberry Compote Fresh Strawberries – Use ripe, in-season berries for the best flavor and sweetness. Sugar – Adjust this ingredient based on the sweetness of your strawberries; it balances the tartness beautifully. Water – Helps to break down strawberries during cooking, creating a luscious compote texture. • For the Crust Graham Crackers – Opt for fresh and crispy crackers for a delightful crunch; honey graham adds an extra touch of sweetness. Butter – Use real butter to bind the crust ingredients together, enhancing the overall flavor. • For the Ice Cream Layer Vanilla Ice Cream – Choose high-quality, real vanilla ice cream as it provides a rich and creamy base that complements the strawberry flavor. These Strawberry Ice Cream Bars are a delightful homemade dessert that will elevate your summer treats like never before! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Ice Cream Bars Step 1: Cook Strawberry Compote In a medium saucepan, combine freshly chopped strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a jam-like consistency and the strawberries break down, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This luscious compote will enhance the flavor of your Strawberry Ice Cream Bars. Step 2: Prepare Crust While the strawberry compote cools, prepare the crust by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs in a mixing bowl. Add melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Line the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the dish, creating an even layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and set, then allow it to cool. Step 3: Layer Ice Cream Once the crust has cooled, take your softened vanilla ice cream and spoon it over the graham cracker crust. Using an offset spatula, gently spread the ice cream evenly to cover the entire crust. Make sure to work quickly so the ice cream stays smooth and doesn’t melt too much. This creamy layer forms the delightful base of your Strawberry Ice Cream Bars. Step 4: Add Compote & Swirl Drizzle the cooled strawberry compote generously over the ice cream layer, ensuring it covers the surface. With a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the compote into the ice cream without overmixing—this will give your Strawberry Ice Cream Bars that beautiful marbled effect. Aim for a mix of ice cream and fruit swirls for a vibrant presentation. Step 5: Freeze Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are fully set and firm. This step is crucial to create that perfect frozen texture that makes your Strawberry Ice Cream Bars so refreshing on a warm day. Step 6: Cut Bars After the freezing time is up, remove the dish from the freezer. To cut the bars neatly, dip a sharp knife in warm water to warm the blade, which helps avoid ice cream sticking. Carefully cut into squares or bars of your desired size, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve immediately or store any leftovers in the freezer. What to Serve with Strawberry Ice Cream Bars? Indulge in a mouthwatering spread that perfectly complements the delightful freshness of these homemade treats. Fresh Berries: A vibrant medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries enhances the freshness and adds a lovely burst of color to your dessert table. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream invites you to take that first heavenly bite, bringing an additional layer of creaminess. Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a rich chocolate drizzle creates a delightful contrast to the strawberry bars and satisfies any chocolate lover’s craving. Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a cooling effect and a pop of color, enhancing both the aroma and aesthetic of your dessert presentation. Lemonade: A tangy glass of homemade lemonade balances the sweetness of the bars, offering a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Teas: Offer a selection of herbal or iced teas as a soothing beverage option; their warm flavors will harmonize beautifully with the fruity sweetness of the bars. Your summer gatherings will shine with this irresistible combination, creating memories that are just as sweet as your Strawberry Ice Cream Bars! Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Ice Cream Bars are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the strawberry compote and the graham cracker crust up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cool the compote completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh taste. The crust can also be baked, cooled, and stored wrapped tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, just layer the softened vanilla ice cream over the crust, drizzle and swirl in the strawberry compote, and freeze for an additional 4 hours to set. This makes for a hassle-free dessert option that’s just as delicious even after a day in the freezer! Strawberry Ice Cream Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful strawberry ice cream bars! Mixed Berry Twist: Swap fresh strawberries for a blend of your favorite berries, creating a colorful, juicy medley. Chocolate Crust Version: Replace graham crackers with crushed chocolate cookies for a rich, chocolaty crust that enhances the overall flavor. Coconut Strawberry Bars: Stir in shredded coconut into the crust mixture for a tropical twist; it brings a chewy texture that complements the creaminess beautifully. White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it on top of the bars right before serving for an irresistible sweet finishing touch. Basil Infusion: Add freshly chopped basil to the strawberry compote for a delightful herbal note that elevates the fruity flavors with a gourmet touch. The harmony of strawberry and basil can be quite refreshing! For more dessert inspiration, consider whipping up a batch of Moist Strawberry Shortcake or even some Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins that celebrate the seasonal produce with joy. How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Ice Cream Bars Fridge: Store unconsumed bars in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container; this ensures they maintain their creamy texture. Freezer: If freezing, wrap the individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. They can be kept for up to 2 weeks. Reheating: If you prefer softer bars, let them sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the delightful homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Bars as they melt just a little! Expert Tips for Strawberry Ice Cream Bars Cool Compote First: Allow your strawberry compote to cool completely before adding it to the ice cream layer. This prevents the ice cream from melting and maintains a lovely texture. Press Firmly: When preparing the crust, make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish. A well-pressed crust provides a sturdy base and prevents crumbling. Swirl Gently: Use a light hand when swirling the compote into the ice cream. Overmixing can eliminate the beautiful contrast between the strawberry swirls and the creamy ice cream base. Quality Ingredients: Opt for the best quality vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. Using real ingredients greatly enhances the flavor of your Strawberry Ice Cream Bars. Make Ahead: These bars taste better after a day in the freezer, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. Enjoy the flavors as they meld overnight! Strawberry Ice Cream Bars Recipe FAQs How do I know if my strawberries are ripe? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and have a sweet aroma. Avoid those with dark spots, as they may be overripe. Ideally, you want to use berries that are in-season for the best flavor! What is the best way to store Strawberry Ice Cream Bars? I often recommend wrapping the bars tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container, which helps prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. Can I freeze the strawberry compote separately? Yes, you can freeze the strawberry compote! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using it again. Why do my bars crumble when I cut them? Very common! This usually happens if the crust wasn’t pressed firmly enough or if there was not enough butter. Make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish and ensure the butter is adequately incorporated to hold it all together. Are these bars safe for pets? While strawberries are safe for dogs in moderation, the sugar and potentially high-fat content from butter and ice cream aren’t healthy for them. It’s best to keep these Strawberry Ice Cream Bars as a human-only treat! Can I make these bars dairy-free? Absolutely! For a delicious dairy-free version, substitute regular butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free ice cream. There are plenty of flavorful non-dairy ice creams made from coconut, almond, or cashew milk that work beautifully with the strawberries! Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Bars for Ultimate Summer Bliss Enjoy the delightful homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Bars, a must-try treat for the summer. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsFreezing Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Strawberry Compote2 cups Fresh Strawberries Use ripe, in-season berries for the best flavor.1/2 cup Sugar Adjust based on strawberry sweetness.1/4 cup Water Helps to break down strawberries.For the Crust1 cup Graham Crackers Opt for fresh and crispy crackers.1/2 cup Butter Use real butter for flavor.For the Ice Cream Layer2 pints Vanilla Ice Cream Choose high-quality ice cream. Equipment medium saucepanMixing bowl8x8-inch baking dishoffset spatulasharp knife Method Step-By-Step InstructionsIn a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely.Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press firmly into an 8x8-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and cool.Spoon softened vanilla ice cream over the crust and spread evenly.Drizzle cooled strawberry compote over the ice cream and swirl gently.Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.Remove from freezer and cut into bars using a warm knife. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.5mg NotesAllow strawberry compote to cool completely before adding to the ice cream layer for best texture. These bars can be made ahead of time and taste better after a day in the freezer. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
