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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 376
This no-churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and packed with swirls of sweet strawberry compote and buttery Nilla Wafer crumbs. It’s an easy, nostalgic summer treat that tastes just like the classic dessert—no ice cream maker required! Makes about 1.5 quarts.

Ingredients

Vanilla Ice Cream
Strawberry Swirl
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Shortcake
  • 1 ½ cups crushed Nilla Wafers or use crushed graham crackers or crumbled vanilla cake

Instructions

Make the Strawberry Swirl

  • In a small saucepan, combine the frozen strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy—about 8–10 minutes.
  • Use a spoon or potato masher to break up the strawberries. Let the mixture cool completely. (You can refrigerate it to speed this up.)

Make the Vanilla Ice Cream

  • In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set aside.
  • In another large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. (No lumps!)
  • Add in the sweetened condense milk, evaporated milk, salt, vanilla bean paste and corn syrup whisking until smooth. Its important to ensure there are no lumps, otherwise your ice cream will be lumpy.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the vanilla mixture in 2–3 additions. Take your time and use a spatula to keep the mixture light and airy. Set Aside.

Assemble

  • In a loaf pan or container, add a layer of vanilla ice cream base, followed by spoonfuls of the strawberry swirl and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla Wafers. Repeat the layers, gently swirling with a butter knife. Finish with extra crumbs on top for texture.
  • Smooth the top and press a layer of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Cover well.
  • Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Frozen or fresh strawberries work for the swirl. If you're using frozen strawberries, cook for a few extra minutes—no need to defrost. 
  • You can replace the homemade strawberry swirl with ½ to ⅔ cup of store-bought strawberry jam. Choose a high-quality or low-sugar variety for the best flavor. Just swirl it directly into the ice cream base before freezing!
  • Nilla Wafers add classic ice cream bar flavor, but graham crackers or crumbled cake can be used for a different texture.
  • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping if it’s too firm.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Amount per Serving
Calories
376
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
 
15
g
94
%
Trans Fat
 
0.04
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
70
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
282
mg
12
%
Potassium
 
213
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
 
34
g
11
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
26
g
29
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
865
IU
17
%
Vitamin C
 
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
 
141
mg
14
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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