The Best Summer Dessert Recipe: Easy Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars

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Creamy, crunchy, fruity summer bliss — frozen into nostalgic perfection.

Published: May 31, 2025 · By B.
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There’s something magical about the first bite of these Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars. It’s the taste of childhood summers, backyard birthday parties, and that one ice cream truck jingle that still plays in your head. Only this time — they’re homemade, upgraded, and freezer-ready.

These bars are my latest obsession. Picture this: a creamy strawberry-vanilla filling, layered over a soft cookie crust, topped with that iconic sweet crumble — the golden, buttery one that melts instantly in your mouth. One bite and you’re hooked.

Hi, I’m Layla — and if there’s one dessert you try this summer, let it be this one. These bars are no-bake, crowd-pleasing, and taste like nostalgia wrapped in a frosty hug. They come together easily, freeze beautifully, and hit every note: sweet, tangy, cool, and creamy.

![Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars – creamy layered dessert topped with buttery golden crumble and fresh berries. Frozen and sliced cleanly into bars.]

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I’ve always loved anything strawberry shortcake-inspired — from ice cream pops to parfaits. But in the heat of summer, I wanted something that didn’t involve turning on the oven, yet still brought that layered, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

So I made a frozen version. The first batch disappeared overnight. The second one? Gone by noon. Now, I double the recipe every time.

Why You’ll Love These Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Here’s why they’re trending — and why they’ll win over your entire guest list:

❄️ No baking required — just mix, layer, and freeze
🍓 Real strawberries + creamy vanilla = dream combo
🧈 Golden cookie crumble on top and bottom
🧊 Sliceable straight from the freezer
👩‍🍳 Beginner-friendly, no fancy tools required
💯 Tastes just like the nostalgic Good Humor bars — but better

Whether you’re prepping for a summer party, a picnic, or just looking for something sweet to snack on by the pool, these bars are it.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust + Crumble:

2 cups golden sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos), crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Cream Layer:

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

For the Vanilla Cream Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Let’s Make Them (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the Crust & Crumble

Crush the cookies in a food processor (or in a zip bag with a rolling pin) until fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the texture is like wet sand.

Press half the mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8 pan. Reserve the other half for topping.

2. Whip Up the Strawberry Layer

In a blender or processor, puree strawberries until smooth. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Fold in the strawberry puree, then gently fold in whipped cream.

Spread this layer over the crust. Smooth it out evenly.

3. Add the Vanilla Layer

Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until fluffy and light. Spread over the strawberry layer.

4. Top with Crumble

Sprinkle the reserved cookie crumble over the top, gently pressing it in so it sticks when frozen.

5. Freeze & Slice

Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. Use the parchment to lift the block out, slice into bars, and enjoy cold!

The First Bite

It’s cold. It’s creamy. The strawberry hits you first — bright and tangy — followed by the vanilla cloud, and then that cookie crunch that brings it all home. It’s everything a summer dessert should be: light, satisfying, fun.

Each bite feels like you’re chasing down an ice cream truck… only better.

Tips for the Best Bars Ever

🍓 Use fresh strawberries if you can — sweeter flavor, better texture
🧁 For extra flair, swirl in a bit of jam between layers
🔪 Dip your knife in hot water for perfect slices
🧊 Store in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn
🍫 Want a twist? Add white chocolate chips to the crumble

Make-Ahead, Storage & Serving

Storage:
Freeze up to 1 month in an airtight container. Layer parchment between bars to prevent sticking.

Serving:
Let sit at room temp for 5 minutes before serving. Still chilled but easier to bite.

Make Ahead:
Perfect for prepping days in advance — they only get better as they firm up.

Customizations & Variations

🍋 Add lemon zest to the vanilla layer for a citrusy pop
🍑 Swap strawberries for peaches or raspberries
🥥 Add shredded coconut to the crust
🥭 Go tropical with mango puree and graham crackers
🍦 Add a layer of softened vanilla ice cream for a hybrid twist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes! Use 2 cups of whipped topping in place of the whipped cream layers.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free cookies for the crust and crumble.

Do I need to thaw frozen strawberries?
Nope. Just blend them slightly thawed — they’ll mix in fine.

How long do these need to freeze?
Minimum 6 hours, but overnight is best for clean slices.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a 9×13 pan instead and adjust layering accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bars are what summer tastes like — cool, creamy, and full of nostalgia. They’re fun to make, even better to eat, and guaranteed to disappear the moment you slice them.

Whether you serve them at a backyard BBQ, 4th of July party, or just after a long, hot day — they’ll bring joy. One bite at a time.

So go ahead — make a batch, stash it in the freezer, and give your summer something sweet to remember.