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### 5. **How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream**
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to make the ice cream! There are several methods for making this dessert, including using an ice cream maker or a no-churn method. Here’s how you can make Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream using both methods.
#### Method 1: Using an Ice Cream Maker
**Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree**
1. Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them into smaller pieces.
2. Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor with a tablespoon of lemon juice and blend until smooth.
3. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture a few times rather than blending it completely smooth.
4. Pour the strawberry puree into a bowl and set it aside.
**Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the strawberry puree. Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
**Step 3: Add the Shortcake Crumbles**
1. While the ice cream is churning, prepare the shortcake crumbles. If using shortbread cookies or sponge cake, crumble them into small pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Drizzle the crumbled cake with melted butter and toss to coat. This will help the cake crumbles stay together when frozen.
3. Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, stop the machine and gently fold the cake crumbles into the ice cream using a spatula.
**Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream**
1. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
#### Method 2: No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
**Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree**
1. Follow the same process as in Method 1 to prepare the strawberry puree.
**Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Whisk the mixture until it forms soft peaks.
3. Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, then gently fold everything together until smooth and well-combined.
**Step 3: Add the Shortcake Crumbles**
1. Prepare the shortcake crumbles as described in Method 1, mixing them with melted butter.
2. Gently fold the crumbled cake into the ice cream base.
**Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream**
1. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
### 6. **Serving Your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream**
Once your Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream has frozen to the perfect consistency, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some creative serving ideas:
– **In a Cone**: Serve the ice cream in a classic waffle cone for a fun, handheld treat.
– **In a Sundae**: Layer the ice cream with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an indulgent sundae.
– **With Biscuit Crumbles**: Add extra shortcake or biscuit crumbles on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.
### 7. **Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream**
– **Use Fresh Strawberries**: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries in season. They will provide a more natural sweetness and depth of flavor compared to frozen berries.
– **Don’t Over-Churn**: When using an ice cream maker, be careful not to over-churn the mixture. Over-churning can lead to a grainy texture rather than the smooth and creamy ice cream you want.
– **Add Extra Layers**: To create an even more decadent treat, layer your ice cream with extra cake crumbles or a drizzle of strawberry sauce in between the layers before freezing.
– **Use Full-Fat Dairy**: For the creamiest texture, stick to whole milk and heavy cream. Reduced-fat dairy will not give the same richness.
### 8. **Conclusion**
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is a delightful twist on the classic summer dessert. Its combination of creamy strawberry ice cream, buttery shortcake crumbles, and fresh fruit offers a satisfying treat that’s perfect for warm days. Whether you use an ice cream maker or go the no-churn route, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, get your ice cream maker ready, and enjoy this refreshing and nostalgic dessert that’s bound to please everyone!
