Get ready to make a delightful treat that screams summer: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pops! This simple recipe combines fresh strawberries and a creamy base for a fun snack. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering ingredients to popping them in the freezer. Let’s dive into this sweet journey, perfect for hot days. You’ll impress friends and family while enjoying a taste of nostalgia!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Refreshing: This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pop is the perfect summer treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of ice cream.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up these delightful pops in no time!
- Fun for Kids: These pops are a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen, making them an enjoyable family activity.
- Versatile Treat: You can customize these pops with different fruits or toppings, making them a versatile dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
You need the best strawberries for this treat. Use 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Make sure to hull and slice them. The sweet and tart flavor comes from the strawberries. Mix them with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps bring out their natural juices.
Creamy Base Ingredients
The creamy base makes the pops rich and smooth. For this, you will need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Start by whipping the heavy cream. Whip it until soft peaks form. Then, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Mix until everything is combined.
Optional Coatings or Toppings
These pops are great plain, but you can add fun toppings. You can use 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers. Sprinkle them on top of each pop. This adds a nice crunch. It also gives that classic shortcake flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
First, take 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Remove the green tops and slice them. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This mix helps bring out the natural juices in the strawberries. Toss the berries gently to coat them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. You will see the strawberries release their sweet juice. This step adds flavor and moisture to your pops.
Making the Ice Cream Mixture
In another bowl, pour 1 cup of heavy cream. Whip it until soft peaks form. This means the cream should be fluffy and hold its shape. Then, fold in 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these gently until they come together smoothly. Next, take the macerated strawberries, including all the juices, and fold them into the cream mixture. Be careful; you want to keep it light and airy. Finally, add in 1 cup of crumbled shortcake. Fold this in gently to keep the mixture fluffy and delicious.
Assembling the Pops
Now, it’s time to fill the molds. Spoon the mixture into your ice pop molds. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for the pops to expand when they freeze. If you like, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for extra texture. Insert sticks into each mold. Place the molds in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours. This helps the pops freeze completely. When you’re ready to enjoy, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. This helps loosen the pops so you can pull them out easily.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This step adds air and lightness. If you over-whip, the cream can turn grainy. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk gently. This mix needs to stay fluffy. When adding strawberries, be careful. You want to keep that nice, airy feel.
Preventing Pops from Sticking
To stop the pops from sticking to the mold, run warm water over the outside of the mold. This helps loosen them quickly. Another tip is to fill the molds, but leave a bit of space at the top. This allows the mixture to expand as it freezes.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
To boost the flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries. This adds a nice zing. You can also try different toppings. Crushed graham crackers give a fun crunch. If you're feeling daring, mix in some chopped mint or vanilla bean for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Using ripe, sweet strawberries will enhance the flavor of your pops. Look for bright red berries with no white spots for the best taste.
- Whip Cream to Right Consistency: Make sure to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, as this will help create a light and fluffy texture in your ice pops.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or incorporate a splash of almond extract for a fun twist on the classic strawberry shortcake flavor.
- Storage Tips: Keep the pops in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn and preserve their delicious taste for longer.
Variations
Using Different Fruits
You can switch out strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Each fruit brings its own flavor. Just remember to add some sugar if the fruit isn’t sweet enough. This keeps the pops tasty and fun. You will enjoy a new treat each time.
Alternative Cookie Bases
Instead of shortcake, try using cookies like vanilla wafers or even chocolate cookies. The cookie base adds a unique twist. You can crumble them up and mix them in like you would with shortcake. For a crunchy topping, crushed cookies can also work great. This gives your pops a nice texture.
Dairy-Free Options
If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use dairy-free condensed milk. Many brands offer great options now. This way, everyone can enjoy these pops. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden dairy.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Pops
To keep your leftover pops fresh, wrap each one in plastic wrap. This keeps them from getting freezer burn. If you have a container with a lid, place the pops inside. Make sure they are not touching each other to avoid sticking.
Best Freezing Practices
When freezing the pops, ensure they are fully solid before moving them. This prevents any melting or reshaping. Use a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing the bag. This helps keep your pops fresh for longer.
Shelf Life of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pops
Strawberry shortcake ice cream pops last about two months in the freezer. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. For the best taste, enjoy them within the first month. Always check for any signs of freezer burn before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first. This helps bring out their juice. The flavor will still be great! Fresh strawberries taste best, but frozen works too.
How long do these pops take to freeze?
These pops need at least 4 to 6 hours to freeze. If you want them super firm, freeze them overnight. This way, they hold their shape well when you eat them.
What’s the best way to remove the pops from the mold?
To remove the pops, run warm water over the outside of the mold. Do this for a few seconds. This helps loosen them. Then, gently pull them out. If they stick, try the warm water trick again.
This blog post covered how to make delicious strawberry shortcake ice cream pops. We explored fresh strawberries, creamy bases, and fun toppings. You learned how to prepare your ingredients and assemble your treats with easy steps. I shared tips to get the best texture and prevent sticking. There are also variations for different fruits and dairy-free choices. Remember to store your pops well for lasting flavor. Enjoy your homemade treats and impress your friends with your skills!
