When summer hits and the temperatures soar, nothing cools me down quite like a bowl of homemade ice cream. Last week, as I was savoring a juicy ripe strawberry, a lightbulb went off—why not combine that freshness with the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake? Enter my No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, a simple yet indulgent dessert that feels like a warm hug on a hot day.
With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this creamy delight that mirrors the classic dessert everyone loves. The vibrant strawberries dance through the velvety ice cream, while bits of soft poundcake offer delightful texture in each spoonful. Plus, there’s no need for an ice cream maker, making this sweet treat accessible to all cooking enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will surely become a staple in your home. Let’s dive in and bring that summer magic into your kitchen!
Why is Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream a Must-try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: This no-churn recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no ice cream maker!
Creamy Indulgence: The combination of fresh strawberries and sweetened condensed milk creates a silky, rich ice cream that satisfies your dessert cravings.
Texture Perfected: Enjoy the delightful contrast of smooth ice cream mixed with chewy bits of poundcake, reminiscent of a classic dessert.
Versatile Flavor: Easily switch up the berries or add mix-ins like crushed graham crackers for a fun twist!
Warm Weather Appeal: Perfect for hot days, this refreshing treat will impress guests at gatherings or simply serve as your personal indulgence.
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dessert in advance, and have it ready for parties or whenever a sweet craving hits!
Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream Ingredients
For this delightful treat, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully!
For the Ice Cream Base
- Heavy Cream – Provides richness and creaminess, making your ice cream luxuriously smooth.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and helps to create a creamy texture without any churning; a must for this strawberry shortcake no-churn ice cream!
For the Mix-Ins
- Chopped Strawberries – Adds natural sweetness, flavor, and a burst of fruity texture; use fresh for the best results.
- Chopped Poundcake – Provides a chewy texture that enhances the shortcake theme; any type of cake can work here!
Enjoy bringing this delightful summer dessert to life!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream
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Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form, ensuring it’s nice and airy for that perfect ice cream texture.
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Mix in Condensed Milk: Gradually fold in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk until it fully combines with the whipped cream, creating a smooth and luscious mixture.
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Add Strawberries and Cake: Gently fold in 2 cups of chopped strawberries and 1 cup of chopped poundcake, making sure everything is well-distributed for bursts of flavor and texture in every scoop.
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Freeze: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or airtight container and freeze for at least 5 hours, or until it becomes firmly set and scoopable.
Optional: For an extra treat, drizzle with chocolate or caramel before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream
Fridge: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that the texture will soften and lose its creamy charm.
Freezer: For best quality, keep your strawberry shortcake no-churn ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. This way, it softens just enough to serve with ease.
Avoid Ice Crystals: To maintain its luscious texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the ice cream before sealing the container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delicious treat to your taste preferences!
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Mixed Berry: Swap the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries, or combine them for a vibrant mixed berry ice cream that’s bursting with flavor.
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Chocolate Ripple: Drizzle in chocolate syrup between layers as you freeze for a delightful chocolaty twist that complements the fruity notes.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical vibe and a slightly nuttier flavor, perfect for coconut lovers.
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Graham Cracker Crunch: Fold in crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunchy texture that mimics the classic shortcake crust.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and nuttiness, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
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Minty Freshness: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing mint twist that takes this summer treat to the next level.
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Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness and makes it feel cozy.
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into your mixture for a tangy brightness that perfectly complements both the strawberries and creaminess!
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream?
Enhance your dessert experience with delightful accompaniments that bring out the best in this creamy frozen treat.
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Fresh Strawberry Sauce: Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over your ice cream for an extra burst of sweetness and vibrant color. The warmth of the sauce perfectly contrasts the cold, creamy ice cream, creating an indulgent treat.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the ice cream. You can even infuse it with a hint of vanilla for an aromatic touch.
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Chocolate Shavings: Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings bring a luxurious twist to your dessert. The intensity of the chocolate balances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
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Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves or a mint sprig adds a refreshing note to each bite and enhances the presentation. The cooling flavor of mint beautifully contrasts with the rich sweetness of the ice cream.
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Shortbread Cookies: Serve your ice cream alongside buttery shortbread cookies for a delightful crunch. The crumbly texture of the cookies complements the smoothness of the ice cream, making each scoop even more enjoyable.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: A tall glass of refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonade pairs beautifully with strawberry shortcake no-churn ice cream. The tangy notes of the drink cleanse the palate, allowing you to savor the sweet flavors of the dessert.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream
- Chill Your Tools: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold before whipping the cream for better volume and fluffiness.
- Gentle Folding: Use a spatula to gently fold in the strawberries and poundcake to avoid deflating the whipped cream, keeping the ice cream airy.
- Taste Test: Adjust sweetness by tasting the mixture before freezing; you can add a bit more sweetened condensed milk if desired.
- Proper Storage: Store the strawberry shortcake no-churn ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and maintain its creamy texture.
- Serve Softened: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Make Ahead Options
You can absolutely make your Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests! To prep, combine the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, and store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before adding the strawberries and poundcake. This way, the base is ready to go, allowing you to mix in the fresh ingredients right before freezing. Once you fold in the chopped strawberries and poundcake, transfer to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 5 hours until firm. For the best quality, serve it shortly after freezing—this dessert is just as delicious and refreshing, ensuring you save time while treating your family to something extraordinary!
Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries are best for this recipe?
Absolutely go for fresh strawberries! Look for ripe, vibrant berries without any dark spots or mushy sections, as they’ll provide the best flavor and texture. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can thaw and drain frozen strawberries, but ensure that you’re getting rid of excess moisture for optimal results.
How should I store leftover ice cream?
For the best quality, store your strawberry shortcake no-churn ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If you find yourself with leftovers, make sure to keep the container well-sealed to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can compromise the creamy texture you love.
Can I freeze this no-churn ice cream?
Yes! This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. To freeze, simply transfer the completed mixture into your storage container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing. This helps prevent ice crystals from ruining the texture.
What can I do if my whipped cream doesn’t form stiff peaks?
If your whipped cream isn’t achieving stiff peaks, it might be due to warm tools or heavy cream that’s not cold enough. To troubleshoot, check that your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled and ensure you’re using heavy cream that’s been properly refrigerated. When whipped, it should thicken up nicely after a few minutes of mixing, so don’t lose hope—just keep going!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies?
For dairy-free alternatives, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free version of sweetened condensed milk, which can usually be found at health food stores. This way, you can still enjoy a deliciously creamy strawberry shortcake no-churn ice cream without the dairy!
How long can I store ice cream in the fridge?
While it’s best enjoyed from the freezer, if you must store any ice cream leftovers in the fridge, they’ll last about 3 days. Keep in mind the texture will become softer, and you’ll lose that delightful creaminess, so it’s always recommended to store it in the freezer for optimal enjoyment.
Creamy Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually fold in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of chopped strawberries and 1 cup of chopped poundcake.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or airtight container and freeze for at least 5 hours.