The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, from the sun-drenched island of Crete, Greece, where sweet treats are as much about love as they are about flavor. I remember those warm summer afternoons when my grandmother and I would sit on the terrace, slicing fresh strawberries straight from our garden. She’d say, “Simple desserts taste better when you make them with joy.”
That memory inspired today’s recipe Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars a creamy, dreamy dessert that feels like sunshine in every bite. No oven, no stress, and no fancy tools required. Just layers of velvety vanilla ice cream, buttery shortbread crumbs, and juicy strawberries coming together in harmony.
Whether you’re preparing this for a family gathering, a summer party, or just a little indulgence for yourself, these ice cream bars are guaranteed to bring smiles. The best part? You can make them ahead, keep them frozen, and serve them anytime you want to taste a bit of happiness.
These easy no-bake strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are everything I love in a dessert beautiful, effortless, and bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these no-bake strawberry shortcake ice cream bars:
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (or golden Oreos)
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry crumbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
Crush your shortbread cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor (or a zip-top bag and rolling pin). Mix the crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Mash lightly and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 3: Create the Ice Cream Layer
In a large bowl, combine softened vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Gently fold in the cooled strawberry compote, leaving light pink swirls for a marbled effect. Pour this mixture over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle remaining cookie crumbs (and optional freeze-dried strawberry bits) evenly over the top. Press lightly so they stick. Cover the dish with foil and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serving & Storage
Once frozen solid, remove from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into bars using a sharp knife. For clean edges, run the knife under hot water before slicing.
Serve these easy no-bake strawberry shortcake ice cream bars immediately for a refreshing dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
- Add crushed freeze-dried raspberries for an extra tart twist.
- Swap shortbread for graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
- Use strawberry or cheesecake ice cream for a richer flavor.
- For a Greek touch, drizzle a little honey over each serving before freezing.
These easy no-bake strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are a freezer dream come true light, creamy, and made with love.
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete, and this is one of my favorite no-bake desserts! These Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars are creamy, fruity, and irresistibly simple. A buttery cookie crust meets swirls of vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberry compote, all topped with crunchy crumbs. Perfect for warm days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to bake. Prep it, freeze it, and slice when ready pure bliss in every bite.
Print
🍓 Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
These easy no-bake strawberry shortcake ice cream bars are the perfect summer dessert creamy, fruity, and layered with buttery shortbread crumbs, sweet strawberries, and smooth vanilla ice cream. No oven needed, just pure frozen bliss that tastes like sunshine and happiness in every bite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars
Ingredients
2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (or golden Oreos)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
Optional: 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry crumbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
Crush the cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until syrupy. Let cool completely.
3. Mix the Ice Cream Layer:
Fold whipped cream and vanilla extract into softened ice cream. Gently swirl in the cooled strawberry mixture for a marbled look. Pour over the crust.
4. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Serve:
Cut into bars and enjoy! For clean cuts, run your knife under hot water before slicing.
Notes
Substitute graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Drizzle a bit of honey before freezing for a Greek twist.
These bars keep well for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few tablespoons of strawberry jam to the compote.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American with Mediterranean Inspiration
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 G
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg