Copycat Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Topping: Sweet, Crunchy, and Buttery

This Copycat Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Topping is everything you love about the classic dessert in a crunchy, buttery crumble form. Made with vanilla sandwich cookies, strawberry-flavored gelatin, and a hint of almond extract, this topping is perfect for ice cream, cakes, cupcakes, and more. The vibrant pink color and sweet, buttery flavor make it a showstopper for any dessert!

Quick Benefits

This topping is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time. The recipe yields about 4 cups of topping, making it perfect for sharing or storing for future use. It adds an irresistible crunch and sweetness to any dessert, and it stays fresh for up to a week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Essential Ingredients

• 40 vanilla sandwich cookies (such as Oreo Golden Original Sandwich Cookies®)
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O®)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Process Cookies: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they resemble fine crumbs (about 20 to 30 seconds).
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine half of the cookie crumbs (about 2 cups), strawberry gelatin mix, melted butter, almond extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are light golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Cool and Combine: Let the mixture cool completely for about 20 minutes. Then, return the cooled strawberry-cookie mixture to the food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form (about 10 to 12 pulses).
6. Final Mix: Combine the processed strawberry-cookie mixture with the remaining cookie crumbs and stir until well mixed.

Health Benefits

Although this topping is a sweet indulgence, it does contain a bit of protein from the cookie ingredients and a small amount of potassium. The crunchy texture adds an enjoyable element to various desserts, making it a delightful occasional treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream: Sprinkle generously over vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• Cupcakes: Top frosted cupcakes with a spoonful of crunchy topping for added texture.
• Cakes: Use as a crunchy layer between cake layers or as a garnish on top.
• Milkshakes: Blend into a milkshake for a strawberry shortcake flavor twist.

Creative Variations

• Blueberry Delight: Use blueberry-flavored gelatin instead of strawberry.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the mixture before baking.
• Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate-flavored gelatin for a decadent version.
• Coconut Twist: Mix in toasted coconut for an extra tropical flavor.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the topping for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw at room temperature or sprinkle directly from the freezer onto desserts.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the mixture is completely cooled before pulsing in the food processor to maintain a crunchy texture.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Adjust the level of almond extract to your taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite fruit flavors for a unique twist.

Can I make this topping gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free sandwich cookies to accommodate dietary needs.

Is the almond extract necessary? While it adds a nice depth of flavor, you can omit it if you prefer.

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