Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining creamy homemade ice cream with sweet strawberry swirl and buttery shortcake crumble. It’s perfect for warm days and guaranteed to impress your friends and family with its fresh flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the flour and 1/4 tsp salt to the butter mixture. Stir with a fork or use your fingers until you get a crumbly texture.
- Step 4: Spread the crumble evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely, then break into small pieces.
- Step 5: For the strawberry swirl, combine the strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Step 6: Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring and mashing the berries to create a slightly thickened sauce with chunks. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Step 7: Whisk together the heavy cream, milk, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt until sugar dissolves. Stir in 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
- Step 8: Cover and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Step 9: Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until soft-serve consistency.
- Step 10: Layer one-third of the ice cream in a freezer-safe container, drizzle with one-third of the strawberry swirl, and sprinkle one-third of the shortcake crumble. Repeat layers two more times.
- Step 11: Optionally, gently swirl the strawberry sauce through the ice cream with a knife for a marbled look.
- Step 12: Cover tightly and freeze for 4-6 hours until firm enough to scoop.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, macerate the strawberries with sugar for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones if fresh are out of season, but thaw and drain them well first.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry sauce while cooking to deepen its flavor.
- Try swapping the shortcake crumble with crushed graham crackers or biscotti for a different texture.
Storage
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the strawberry swirl ahead of time?
Yes, the strawberry swirl can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure it is well chilled before layering with the ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Using an ice cream maker is recommended to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. However, you can try a no-churn method by folding the swirl and crumble into whipped cream and freezing, although the texture will be different.
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chilling and freezing time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream combines crumbly shortcake pieces with a luscious strawberry swirl folded into a creamy vanilla ice cream base. Featuring a baked shortcake crumble, a cooked strawberry sauce, and a smooth, chilled ice cream base, this dessert layer delightfully blends fruity, buttery, and creamy textures for a refreshing treat perfect for summer or anytime you crave a nostalgic twist on classic strawberry shortcake.
Ingredients
Shortcake Crumble
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Strawberry Swirl
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortcake Crumble: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined. Add flour and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing with a fork or fingers until a crumbly mixture forms. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Crumble: Bake the crumble for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet, then break into small shortcake-like pieces.
- Make the Strawberry Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and mashing fruit, for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened but still chunky. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk heavy cream, whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt until sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla extract. Cover and chill the mixture for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes until soft-serve consistency is reached.
- Layer the Ice Cream: Spoon one-third of the soft ice cream into a freezer-safe container, drizzle with one-third of the strawberry swirl, and sprinkle with one-third of the shortcake crumble. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with swirl and crumble on top. Optionally, gently marble the strawberry through the ice cream with a knife.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Cover the container tightly and freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm enough to scoop. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning for the best texture.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, thawed before cooking.
- Use an ice cream maker with a frozen bowl or a compressor unit suited for homemade ice cream.
- The crumble can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, macerate the strawberries with sugar for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry shortcake ice cream, homemade ice cream, strawberry swirl, shortcake crumble, summer dessert

