Decadent Strawberry Dream Shortcake
Indulge in the layers of flavor and texture with our Decadent Strawberry Dream Shortcake. This delightful dessert features succulent strawberries that are sweetened just right, creamy cheesecake filling, and airy whipped topping all enveloped in soft, fluffy angel food cake. Perfect for summer gatherings, family celebrations, or any moment that calls for a touch of sweetness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It's not just dessert; it's a tribute to the joy of sharing delicious moments with loved ones!
12
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh strawberries
1 quart (washed, stemmed, and halved)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (for macerating strawberries)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Powdered sugar
1 cup (for sweetening the cream cheese mix)
Frozen whipped topping
8 ounces (thawed)
Angel food cake
14 ounces (cut into cubes (store-bought recommended))
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and stemming the fresh strawberries, then slice them in half. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with granulated sugar, tossing gently to coat. Allow the strawberries to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the juices to release.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3
Once the cream cheese is fluffy, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined. The mixture should be airy and light.
4
Add the cubed angel food cake to the cream cheese mixture, folding delicately to combine without breaking the cake cubes.
5
Transfer this delightful mixture into an ungreased 13x9 inch dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
7
When ready to serve, cut the cake into squares and top each piece generously with the chilled strawberries and any extra juice from the bowl.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
27g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Strawberry Dream Shortcake?
It is a layered dessert featuring sugared strawberries, a creamy cheesecake filling, and airy whipped topping mixed with cubes of angel food cake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert, especially if you use a store-bought angel food cake.
What type of cake is best for this recipe?
A 14-ounce angel food cake cut into cubes is recommended for the best texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch.
How long should the strawberries macerate in sugar?
The strawberries should chill with the sugar for at least 30 minutes to release their juices.
What size baking dish is required?
An ungreased 13x9 inch dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
How long does the entire dish need to chill before serving?
The assembled cake mixture should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 4 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dessert contain?
Each serving provides about 2.5 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen topping?
Yes, you can substitute stabilized whipped cream for the 8 ounces of frozen whipped topping.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
They should be washed, stemmed, and halved before being mixed with granulated sugar.
Do I need an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Can I make this dessert a day in advance?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead, though the cake cubes may soften further the longer it sits.
Is there a specific way to fold in the cake?
You should fold the cake cubes delicately into the cream cheese mixture to avoid breaking them.
What is the purpose of the powdered sugar in this recipe?
The powdered sugar is used to sweeten and stabilize the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: strawberries, granulated sugar, cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipped topping, and angel food cake.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches would also work well with this cheesecake-style base.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a summer dessert and is perfect for warm-weather celebrations.
How do I serve the shortcake squares?
Cut the chilled mixture into squares and top each piece generously with the macerated strawberries and juice.
Should the dish be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased 13x9 inch dish.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is light, airy, and creamy due to the combination of whipped topping and beaten cream cheese.
How much sugar is used for the strawberries?
You will need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for macerating one quart of strawberries.
Is the angel food cake mixed in or used as a base?
The cubed cake is folded directly into the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture before being spread into the dish.
What happens if I don't chill the strawberries?
Chilling allows the sugar to draw out the juices, creating a syrup that is essential for the final presentation.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, though the filling may be slightly less rich.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or a lid and kept in the refrigerator.