Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream with Shortbread Crunch
Strawberry lovers, rejoice! 🍓 This dreamy homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream is everything you want in a summer dessert—creamy Greek yogurt, juicy fresh strawberries, and buttery bits of Walkers shortbread cookies in every bite. It’s churned to perfection using the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker attachment, and the best part? You can dig in right away—no long freezing time required!
Ready to fall head over heels for another strawberry treat?
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy strawberries, and this one is a keeper. You know how much I adore them—this is strawberry recipe number 16 (and counting)!
If you’re planning a strawberry-themed celebration or just want more berry-filled joy in your life, check out my roundup of strawberry recipes (celebrating National Strawberry Day on February 27th) and these refreshing ice cream recipes like lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream that pair perfectly with warm sunny days.
🥘 Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries – ripe and juicy, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- A bit of sugar – to bring out the natural sweetness of the berries
- Whole milk – for that creamy, classic base
- Sweetened condensed milk – for extra richness and a silky texture
- Full-fat Greek yogurt – trust me, it makes the creamiest, tangiest ice cream
- Pure vanilla extract – just a splash to round out the flavor
- Crushed shortbread cookies – I used Walkers shortbread for that perfect buttery crunch!
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the strawberries
Toss your chopped strawberries with a little sugar in a bowl and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This gives them time to release all those gorgeous juices.
Feeling fancy? Lightly mash them with a fork, or give them a quick blitz in the blender if you prefer a smoother swirl.
Step 2: Make the creamy base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sweetened condensed milk, full-fat Greek yogurt, and vanilla.
Now fold in your juicy, macerated strawberries—yes, syrup and all! Pop the mixture into the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours. (Perfect time for a coffee break!)
Step 3: Churn that magic
Set up your KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment (remember to freeze the bowl overnight!).
With the mixer running on low or stir speed, slowly pour in the chilled ice cream base. Let it churn for about 20–25 minutes, until it reaches that dreamy soft-serve consistency.
Step 4: Add the cookie crunch
In the last couple of minutes, crush the Walkers shortbread cookies with a meat tenderizer, and add them to the ice cream maker.
Once it’s all swirled together, transfer the ice cream to a container. You can dig in right away or freeze it for later.
💡 Pro tip: If you freeze it, be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping—it gets quite firm. And don’t forget to sprinkle extra cookie crumbles on top when serving!
🌡️ Storage
Once churned, transfer your strawberry shortcake ice cream into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface (this helps prevent ice crystals), and seal it with a lid.
Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks—if it even lasts that long!
💡 Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. It firms up quite a bit in the freezer, but softens beautifully and scoops like a dream once it’s had a little rest.
🍓 Serving Suggestion
For a show-stopping dessert, serve scoops of this ice cream in cocktail glasses—martini glasses or champagne coupes work exceptionally well. Garnish with a few extra crushed shortbread cookie crumbles and a fresh strawberry on the rim for that perfect summer sparkle.
Hosting a garden brunch or birthday party? Add a sprig of mint or a tiny edible flower and voilà—you’ve got yourself a five-star dessert with zero fuss.
🍽 Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
- Ice cream storage container
- Ziplock bag & rolling pin to smash the cookies
💭 Top tips
Why do we macerate the berries?
Macerating is just a fancy word for “letting the strawberries hang out with sugar” for a bit. It draws out their juices, softens the fruit, and creates a sweet strawberry syrup that swirls beautifully into your ice cream base. Basically, it makes the berries extra fabulous.
What’s so great about Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt lends the ice cream a thick, luscious texture without requiring heavy cream. It adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness and makes the whole thing feel lighter, so you can go back for seconds (or thirds) with zero regrets. 😉
🍦 No-Churn Version
No ice cream maker? No problem!
You can still enjoy this creamy strawberry shortcake ice cream with zero churning required. After macerating the strawberries and lightly mashing them, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, whole milk, and vanilla. Fold in the berries and crushed shortbread cookies, pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, and smooth the top. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, freeze for 6–8 hours (or overnight), and scoop away!
It’s just as dreamy, with all the fruity, creamy, cookie-loaded magic—no special equipment needed.
Other Recipes for You to Try
- Tangy Sour Cream Ice Cream
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Vanilla Ice Cream
- KitchenAid Lemon Sorbet Recipe
- Easy Homemade Strawberry Milkshake with Ice Cream
- No Fuss Homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Homemade Strawberry Popsicles
- How to make a Refreshing Strawberry Spritz Cocktail
- “Easy As Pie” Strawberry Cobbler Recipe
- Strawberry Moscow Mule
- Quick Strawberry Cream
- Strawberry White Chocolate Cocoa
- Strawberry Flavored Whipped Cream
- Creamy No bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Fresh Strawberry Sponge Cake
- Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- National Strawberry Day (February 27th)
- Delicious Strawberry Milk with Only Four Ingredients
- How do you make a Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
- How to make fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Ricotta
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Easy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream with KitchenAid
Equipment
- Cutting board & Sharp knife
- Ziplock bag & rolling pin to smash the cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries hulled and chopped
- 2 tbsp Sugar for macerating
- 1 cup Whole milk
- ¾ cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ¾ cup Greek yogurt full fat
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Shortbread cookies crushed into small chunks
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups Fresh strawberries with 2 tbsp Sugar and let them macerate for 15–20 minutes.2 cups Fresh strawberries, 2 tbsp Sugar
- Lightly mash or briefly blend the berries, depending on your preferred texture.
- Whisk together 1 cup Whole milk, ¾ cup Sweetened condensed milk 1 ¾ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp Vanilla extract in a large bowl.1 cup Whole milk, ¾ cup Sweetened condensed milk, 1 ¾ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Fold in the macerated strawberries with their syrup.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Set up your KitchenAid ice cream maker (pre-freeze the bowl overnight).
- With the mixer on low, pour in the chilled base and churn for 20–25 minutes.
- In the last 2 minutes, add 1 cup Shortbread cookies (crushed).1 cup Shortbread cookies
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Serve immediately or freeze for later.
- If frozen, let soften a bit before serving.
- Garnish with extra cookie crumbles.
Notes
🎉 No ice cream maker?
No worries! After macerating the strawberries, whisk all ingredients (except the cookies) together in a bowl. Gently fold in the berries and cookie chunks. Pour into a loaf pan, cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and freeze for 6–8 hours or overnight. Let soften a few minutes before scooping and enjoy!Nutrition
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling – FDA.
This is the perfect ice cream for the summer! It’s so decadent and so easy. The perfect combo.
Thanks a bunch, Nicole—so happy you liked it!
This ice cream is the perfect summer treat!!
This is a perfect summer treat, and it looks delicious. This is my new favorite!
The strawberry and vanilla flavors really pop in this one. Such a fun treat to make and enjoy on a warm day.
Loved it! My kids loved it too! Really delicious 😋