Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles: Your Refreshing Summer Dessert

Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles capture everything you adore about the classic dessert, reimagined as a delightful frozen treat. Imagine a creamy, luscious interior perfectly complemented by a sweet, crumb-coated exterior – it’s pure bliss in every bite. This recipe brings that nostalgic charm and irresistible flavor right to your freezer, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

This homemade popsicle recipe evokes fond memories of those iconic Good Humor bars we eagerly chased down ice cream trucks for during our childhood summers. Even today, these classic treats remain a favorite, with kids and adults alike relishing their sweet, fruity goodness. Preparing your own strawberry shortcake bars at home not only recaptures that beloved taste but also offers a healthier, customizable alternative to store-bought options. Get ready to create your new favorite summer dessert!

If you’re a fan of luscious strawberry desserts, you’ll love this easy-to-make frozen delight. For more delightful inspiration featuring fresh strawberries, our Strawberry Crunch Cake is another fantastic option that perfectly encapsulates all the flavors we cherish in a delightful, crunchy package.

Why This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Popsicle Recipe Works

This recipe is an absolute winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect project for a hot afternoon or a fun activity with the kids. Beyond its ease, making these frozen treats at home offers significant savings compared to continually buying them from the store. You control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and delicious dessert every time. The use of fresh strawberry puree in the popsicle base provides an authentic, vibrant strawberry flavor that truly stands out, pairing beautifully with the creamy yogurt and crunchy exterior.

I’ve been making these delicious strawberry shortcake popsicles for years, and each time, they prove to be far superior to any store-bought version. The ability to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking makes a huge difference. Plus, there’s immense satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into your family’s treats. These popsicles consistently deliver that classic, comforting taste while being a refreshing and lighter option, making them a family favorite for warm weather.

Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles

Crafting these delectable strawberry shortcake popsicles requires just a few simple ingredients, divided into two main components: the creamy popsicle base and the signature crunchy topping. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture that makes this frozen dessert so special.

Popsicle Base

• Fresh Strawberries: It’s essential to use fresh strawberries for the most vibrant and authentic flavor. Make sure they are cleaned thoroughly, hulled, and diced before blending. Ripe, in-season strawberries will provide the best natural sweetness and aroma for your homemade popsicles.
• Whole Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the secret to the incredibly creamy and slightly tangy texture of these popsicles. Whole milk Greek yogurt adds richness and a wonderful body that helps the popsicles hold their shape while contributing a subtle vanilla note. Its thickness also prevents ice crystals from forming, ensuring a smooth, delightful bite.
• Granulated Sugar: While ripe strawberries are naturally sweet, a touch of granulated sugar helps to enhance their flavor and balance the tanginess of the Greek yogurt. You can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your berries and personal preference.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is highly recommended as it deepens the overall flavor profile, complementing the strawberries and yogurt beautifully. A good quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your creamy popsicles.

Crunch Topping

• Freeze Dried Strawberries: This ingredient is crucial for achieving that characteristic, vibrant red crunch and intense strawberry flavor in the topping. Unlike fresh or frozen strawberries, freeze-dried berries retain their crisp texture when crushed and mixed with other ingredients, ensuring that satisfying “crunch” in every bite.
• Vanilla Wafers: These classic cookies form the buttery, sweet base of your crunchy coating. They crumble easily and absorb the melted butter, creating the perfect crumb texture that sticks to the popsicles.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter acts as the binder for the crunch topping, holding the cookie and freeze-dried strawberry crumbs together. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the topping.

You can find the complete ingredients list with precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page, making it easy to gather everything you need for these delightful homemade strawberry shortcake popsicles.

Creative Variations and Additions for Your Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Treats

One of the joys of making homemade strawberry shortcake popsicles is the flexibility to customize them to your taste. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the recipe truly your own:

• Elevate with Ice Cream: For an even richer and more indulgent treat, you can substitute some of the Greek yogurt with strawberry or vanilla ice cream. If using ice cream, you might need to slightly thin it out with a splash of heavy cream or non-fat milk to ensure it blends smoothly and pours easily into the popsicle molds. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
• Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetness of strawberries can vary greatly depending on the season and ripeness. If your fresh berries aren’t as sweet as you’d like, you can easily add more sugar to the popsicle mixture. Start with an additional ¼ cup to ½ cup of granulated sugar and add a few tablespoons at a time, tasting as you go, until you reach your desired sweetness.
• Honey as a Natural Sweetener: For a more natural and distinct flavor, honey can be a wonderful substitute for granulated sugar in this recipe. Its floral notes pair beautifully with strawberries and yogurt. Adjust the quantity to taste, keeping in mind that honey is generally sweeter than sugar.
• Coconut Oil for the Topping: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative for the crunch topping or simply prefer the flavor, substitute melted coconut oil for the unsalted butter. It will still help bind the crumbs and provide a delightful texture.
• Utilize Frozen Strawberries: Fresh berries are ideal, but if they are not readily available or in season, frozen strawberries work perfectly well. Just be sure to thaw them completely before blending. Once thawed, you might need to drain off any excess liquid to maintain the desired consistency for your popsicle base.
• Experiment with Cookies for the Crunch: While vanilla wafers are traditional, get creative with your crunch topping! Try using Golden Oreo cookies (remove the cream filling first) for a richer vanilla flavor, or shortbread cookies for a buttery, crumbly texture. Any butter-style cookie that can be crushed into fine crumbs will work wonderfully.
• Explore Other Freeze-Dried Fruits: Why stop at strawberries? Expand your popsicle horizons by incorporating other freeze-dried fruits into the crunch topping. Freeze-dried blueberries or raspberries would offer a delicious and colorful twist. Consider making an assortment of flavors for a vibrant and varied frozen dessert spread.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence and visual appeal, drizzle melted white chocolate over the coated popsicles before the final freeze. It adds a lovely contrast in flavor and a beautiful finish.
• Non-Dairy Dessert Option: To make these homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or following a vegan diet, substitute the Greek yogurt with full-fat coconut milk. Ensure it’s well-chilled for the best creamy consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles Step-by-Step

Creating these delightful frozen treats is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to enjoy your very own homemade strawberry shortcake popsicles:

Step 3: Fill the Molds. Carefully pour the strawberry and yogurt mixture into your popsicle molds. Do not overfill; leave a small space at the top as the mixture will expand slightly when frozen.

Step 4: Insert Sticks and Freeze. Gently insert a popsicle stick into the center of each mold. Place the molds in the freezer for a minimum of 4-6 hours, or ideally, overnight. This extended freezing time ensures the popsicles are thoroughly solid and will not melt too quickly during the coating process.

Step 7: Add Melted Butter. Melt the unsalted butter and pour it into the food processor with the strawberry and wafer crumbs.

Step 8: Combine Thoroughly. Pulse again until the butter is fully incorporated, and the mixture is evenly moist and resembles coarse sand. Spread this delicious crumb mixture out onto a flat plate or shallow dish, ready for coating.

Step 9: Release and Coat Popsicles. Once the popsicles are frozen solid, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to gently loosen them. Then, carefully remove each popsicle. Work quickly to prevent them from melting excessively. Dip all sides of each popsicle into the prepared crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and generous coating.

Step 10: Final Freeze and Serve. After coating, place the popsicles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Return them to the freezer for an additional 20-30 minutes. This final freeze helps set the coating and ensures the popsicles are perfectly firm and ready to enjoy. Serve immediately, or store them for later.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles

To keep your homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once they are fully frozen and coated, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or a rigid freezer-safe container. To prevent them from sticking together and preserve their beautiful crunchy coating, I highly recommend placing a small piece of parchment paper between each popsicle. Stored this way, they will maintain their quality and flavor in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat for any occasion.

Can You Make These Popsicles in Advance?

Absolutely! These homemade strawberry shortcake popsicles are an excellent make-ahead dessert, especially convenient if you’re planning a party or event. You can prepare the creamy popsicle base and freeze the bars in their molds up to 2 weeks in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply make the crunch coating, quickly thaw the frozen bars for a minute or two to allow the coating to adhere, dip them, and then refreeze for a short period. This method saves you significant time on the day of your event, ensuring you have a stress-free and delicious treat ready to go.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles

Achieve perfection with your homemade strawberry shortcake popsicles by incorporating these helpful tips and tricks:

• No Food Processor? No Problem! If you don’t have a food processor, you can still create a fantastic crunch topping. Simply place the vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries inside a sturdy ziplock bag. Seal it, remove as much air as possible, and then use the back of a heavy spoon or a rolling pin to pound them into fine crumbs. It might take a little more effort, but the result will be just as delicious.
• Control the Pink Hue: The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and vanilla wafers usually creates a lovely light pink hue for your topping. However, if you prefer a less intensely pink color, or a more distinct separation of colors, try this: crush the vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries separately. Then, gently mix the crushed strawberries into the crushed cookies just before adding the melted butter. This way, the strawberry color won’t bleed as much into the vanilla wafer crumbs.
• Optimal Freezing Time: While 4-6 hours might get your popsicles frozen, we highly recommend letting them set overnight. This ensures they are rock-solid and perfectly frozen, which is crucial for a few reasons: they’ll hold up better when dipped into the warm crumb mixture, they’ll melt slower on a hot day, and they’ll have the best firm texture.
• Don’t Waste Leftover Coating: If you find yourself with extra crunch topping after coating all your popsicles, don’t throw it away! This delicious crumb mixture is incredibly versatile. Save it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. It pairs wonderfully as a topping for homemade ice cream, a sprinkle over yogurt parfaits, or even as a delightful addition to oatmeal or cereal for an extra burst of strawberry shortcake flavor.
• Use Good Quality Molds: Investing in good quality popsicle molds can make a significant difference. Silicone molds or those with individual bases make it much easier to remove the frozen popsicles without breakage.

More Delicious Strawberry Desserts to Try

If you can’t get enough of the sweet, vibrant flavor of strawberries, here are some other fantastic dessert ideas to add to your repertoire:

• Easy Strawberry Jello Pie Recipe
• 3 Ingredient Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe
• Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
• No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar

More Refreshing Homemade Popsicle Recipes

Love making your own frozen treats? Here are more homemade popsicle recipes to keep you cool and delighted all summer long:

• Delicious Blueberry Popsicles
• Sweet Watermelon Popsicles
• Tangy Homemade Lime Popsicles Recipe
• Creamy Orange Creamsicle Popsicle Recipe
• Copycat Dairy Queen Buster Bar Recipe
• Healthy Greek Yogurt Popsicles Recipe

It’s so simple to create this nostalgic and incredibly satisfying frozen dessert bar. These homemade strawberry shortcake popsicles are sure to be a hit with everyone, bringing smiles and a refreshing burst of flavor. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a truly delicious summer treat! Once you’ve made them, please leave a comment and a star rating to share your experience.