Description

A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of buttery crust, creamy vanilla ice cream, and fresh strawberries. Ready in 20 minutes plus freezing time, perfect for hot days and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 quart (950 ml) full-fat vanilla ice cream, softened
2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) in a bowl until crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Let vanilla ice cream soften for about 5 minutes, then spread evenly over the crust.
Scatter sliced strawberries evenly over the ice cream layer.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
Before serving, let bars sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
Use a sharp knife (warmed under hot water and dried) to cut into squares and serve.

Notes

[‘Use softened ice cream for easier spreading.’, ‘Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling.’, ‘Slice bars with a warm knife for clean cuts.’, ‘Can substitute strawberries with other berries or fruits.’, ‘Make ahead and store in freezer up to one week.’, ‘Cover bars tightly to avoid freezer flavors.’, ‘Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts.’, ‘For gluten-free crust, use gluten-free cookies or almond flour.’, ‘For dairy-free version, use plant-based vanilla ice cream.’]

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 90
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: no-bake, strawberry shortcake, ice cream bars, summer dessert, easy dessert, no oven dessert, quick dessert