This Quick Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a blend of sweetened strawberries, whipped cream, and soft shortcake cups, it delivers all the classic strawberry shortcake flavors in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is ideal for those who crave a delicious treat but don’t have the time for complicated preparations. The combination of fresh strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream makes for a refreshing and indulgent dessert that everyone will love. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of only 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a last-minute treat.

Ingredients

• 2 pints ripe strawberries, hulled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 5 prepared strawberry shortcake cups

• 1 cup whipping cream, whipped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Stir in condensed milk and mash together with a fork until juicy.

2. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Place each shortcake cup on a dessert plate.

4. Top with strawberries and juice from the mixture.

5. Add a dollop of whipped cream and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Additional Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (for refrigeration)

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Berry Mix: Try mixing different berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even bananas, with the strawberries for a colorful twist.

• Shortcake Base: Swap out the pre-made shortcake cups for homemade ones if you prefer a scratch-made base.

• Condensed Milk Options: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk, or skip it entirely.

• Whipped Cream Alternatives: You can substitute homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping for convenience.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover strawberry mixture in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Shortcake cups are best served fresh but can be stored at room temperature for a day.

• Reheating: If you have leftover shortcake cups, you can slightly warm them in the microwave before serving, but the fresh fruit and whipped cream should be added right before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before mixing them with sugar and condensed milk.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the strawberry mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge, but assemble the shortcake cups with whipped cream right before serving to keep them fresh.

3. Can I use other types of milk?

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use regular milk and adjust the sweetness by adding sugar to taste.

4. Can I use a store-bought whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping works well in this recipe and will save you time.

5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure that the shortcake cups you use are gluten-free, or you can substitute them with gluten-free sponge cakes or biscuits.

6. Can I add a layer of chocolate to this dessert?

Yes, adding a drizzle of melted chocolate over the whipped cream can elevate the dessert and add a decadent twist.

7. How long should I refrigerate the strawberry mixture?

Refrigerating the strawberry mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour helps to enhance the flavors, but if you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can experiment with other sugars, like coconut sugar or honey, but note that it may alter the taste slightly.

9. Can I make the whipped cream without a mixer?

Yes, you can whip the cream by hand with a whisk, but it may take longer and require more effort to reach stiff peaks.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, simply double all ingredients to serve a larger crowd and adjust the number of shortcake cups accordingly.

Conclusion

This Quick Strawberry Shortcake recipe is the perfect solution for satisfying your sweet tooth in a flash. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a traditional favorite in no time. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a summer treat, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.