A perfect dessert for any occasion, this cream-filled strawberry shortcake recipe combines the sweet taste of strawberries with the cool, creamy texture of whipped cream. The shortcakes serve as the base, offering a satisfying crunch to balance the creaminess. Topped with a hint of vanilla pudding for extra flavor, it's a treat that's sure to impress your guests.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen items. You might need to head to the supermarket for the shortcakes and cool whip, if they're not already in your pantry. Keep in mind that the recipe calls for a white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix, and it's always better to choose a quality brand for the best taste.
Ingredients for Cream-filled Strawberry Shortcake
Shortcakes: These are small, sweet cakes or biscuits that form the base of the dessert. If you prefer, you can make them from scratch, but store-bought ones also work fine.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal to give a burst of fruity flavor. Wash and hull them before use.
Cool whip: This is a brand of whipped topping. It's light, fluffy and adds a nice creamy texture.
White chocolate or vanilla pudding mix: This mix is used to create a flavorful cream. Either flavor works well in this recipe.
Milk: Used to prepare the pudding mix. Typically, whole milk is preferred for a creamier texture.
One reader, Ammamaria Blythe says:
This cream-filled strawberry shortcake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fluffy shortcakes, creamy pudding, and fresh strawberries is simply divine. It's a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. The flavors blend beautifully, and it's so easy to make. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Cream-Filled Strawberry Shortcake
How to prepare the pudding mixture: Follow the instructions on the pudding mix package and then fold in the cool whip until well combined.
How to assemble the shortcake: Spoon the prepared pudding mixture onto the shortcakes, top with sliced strawberries, and add a dollop of cool whip before serving.
How To Make Cream Filled Strawberry Shortcake
Make tea parties extra delightful with this moist and tart strawberry shortcake made from prepared shortcakes, topped with vanilla pudding and strawberries.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12shortcakes
- 2cupsstrawberries,sliced
- 1tubsmall cool whip
- 1white chocolate pudding mix,or vanilla
Instructions
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Prepare pudding as directed on the box. Fold in cool whip.
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Spoon pudding mixture onto cakes. Top with sliced strawberries.
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Add a little more cool whip, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 172.00kcal
- Fat: 6.99g
- Saturated Fat: 2.76g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.25g
- Carbohydrates: 25.15g
- Fiber: 0.80g
- Sugar: 7.74g
- Protein: 2.55g
- Cholesterol: 9.45mg
- Sodium: 299.06mg
- Calcium: 77.91mg
- Potassium: 106.57mg
- Iron: 0.98mg
- Vitamin A: 26.80µg
- Vitamin C: 14.96mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Your Shortcake
When preparing the pudding and cool whip mixture, ensure that you fold in the cool whip gently to maintain its fluffy texture. Overmixing can cause the cool whip to deflate, resulting in a less creamy and less satisfying filling for your strawberry shortcakes.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the pudding and slice the strawberries in advance to save time when assembling the shortcakes.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought shortcakes to save time, or make them in advance and freeze for later use.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line to streamline the process of filling and topping the shortcakes with cream and strawberries.
Multi-task: While the pudding sets, you can slice the strawberries or prepare other components of the dish to save time.
Quick chill: Speed up the chilling process by placing the assembled shortcakes in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Efficient slicing: Use an egg slicer to quickly and evenly slice the strawberries for the shortcake filling.
Ready-made cream: If pressed for time, consider using pre-made whipped cream instead of making it from scratch.
Group effort: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with the preparation, making the process quicker and more enjoyable.
Substitute Ingredients For Cream Filled Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
shortcakes - Substitute with pound cake slices: Pound cake slices can provide a denser and more substantial base for the dessert, adding a rich and buttery flavor to complement the strawberries and cream.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, and their vibrant red color can provide a visually appealing alternative in the dessert.
cool whip - Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream can be a more natural and less processed alternative to cool whip, offering a fresh and airy texture to complement the dessert.
white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix - Substitute with vanilla custard: Vanilla custard can provide a rich and creamy filling for the dessert, adding a luxurious and indulgent flavor to the recipe.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
Presenting Your Cream-Filled Strawberry Shortcake
Elevate the shortcake: Place the shortcake on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is the focal point of the presentation. The shortcake should be positioned slightly off-center, with the strawberries and cream elegantly cascading around it.
Garnish with fresh mint: Add a touch of vibrancy and freshness to the dish by delicately placing a sprig of fresh mint on top of the cream-filled strawberry shortcake. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a subtle hint of aroma.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a pop of color and sophistication by incorporating edible flowers such as pansies or violets. Carefully place them around the plate to create a visually stunning and Instagram-worthy presentation.
Utilize a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to create an ethereal and whimsical effect. This adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the overall presentation.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the components of the dish in a symmetrical and balanced manner, ensuring that each element complements the others. This meticulous arrangement showcases attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace simplicity and sophistication by opting for a minimalist presentation. Focus on clean lines and uncluttered plating to allow the vibrant colors of the strawberries and cream to take center stage.
Consider the plate shape and color: Select a plate that complements the colors of the dish, such as a classic white or pastel-colored plate. The shape of the plate should enhance the visual appeal of the dessert, creating a harmonious and visually striking presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a touch of luxury and refinement, delicately place a few edible gold leaf accents on the plate. This subtle addition adds a touch of opulence and elevates the overall presentation to a new level of sophistication.
Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Shortcake
Food processor: A food processor can be used to blend the ingredients for the cream filling and to puree the strawberries for the shortcake recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the pudding mix and cool whip to create the cream filling for the shortcakes. It is also useful for tossing the sliced strawberries with any additional ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Your Strawberry Shortcake
Let the cream-filled strawberry shortcake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the cream filling from melting and making the shortcake soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the shortcakes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cream-filled strawberry shortcakes. Wrap each shortcake individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped shortcakes in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
When you're ready to enjoy a frozen shortcake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can serve it as is or refresh the cream filling and strawberries if desired.
If you have leftover pudding mixture or sliced strawberries, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pudding mixture will keep for up to 3 days, while the sliced strawberries should be used within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Avoid freezing the assembled cream-filled strawberry shortcakes for too long, as the texture of the shortcake and cream filling may change over time. For best results, consume within 1-2 months of freezing.
Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It was originally made with a biscuit or sponge cake, but over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of cake bases. The modern version often features a light and fluffy sponge cake or shortcake, filled with a creamy filling and fresh strawberries. This delightful dessert is a popular choice for summer gatherings and celebrations, and it's a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
Is Making Cream-Filled Strawberry Shortcake at Home Cost-Effective?
This cream-filled strawberry shortcake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The combination of strawberries, cool whip, and shortcakes is not only delicious but also economical. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the prices of the ingredients in your area. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Shortcake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cream-filled strawberry shortcake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the pudding mix, cool whip, and strawberries
- Refined carbohydrates in the shortcakes, which may be made from white flour
- Saturated fats from the cool whip and milk used in the pudding
- Lack of nutritional diversity, as the recipe primarily consists of carbohydrates and fats
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the shortcakes with whole grain or whole wheat alternatives to increase fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Use fresh whipped cream instead of cool whip to reduce the amount of processed ingredients and additives
- Prepare a homemade pudding using less sugar and healthier ingredients like chia seeds, avocado, or Greek yogurt for a protein boost
- Incorporate a variety of fruits beyond strawberries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi, to increase the nutritional value and antioxidant content of the dessert
- Serve smaller portions to control calorie intake and promote mindful eating
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Shortcake Recipe
This cream-filled strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful and simple dessert that is sure to impress. The combination of fluffy shortcakes, creamy pudding filling, and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of cool whip adds a light and airy element, making it a refreshing treat. The recipe is versatile and can be easily adjusted to accommodate different serving sizes. Overall, it's a wonderful way to showcase the sweetness of strawberries and indulge in a delightful dessert experience.
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Why trust this Cream Filled Strawberry Shortcake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, featuring cream-filled goodness that elevates the traditional dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries and luscious cool whip creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The addition of white chocolate pudding adds a rich and indulgent element, making this recipe a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. With the ease of preparation and the vibrant appeal of the dish, users can trust that this recipe will be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for themselves.
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