Quick Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

Name: Quick Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 4 store-bought shortcake biscuits or sponge cakes; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love whipping up this Quick Strawberry Shortcake Sundae because it's a delightful mix of fresh flavors and effortless preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, I can bring a classic dessert to life in under 20 minutes. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake creates a perfect balance that makes each scoop a joy to eat. Whether it's a last-minute treat after dinner or a simple indulgence on a sunny afternoon, this dessert is always a hit!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:10:27.479Z

When I first tried making a quick version of strawberry shortcake, I was amazed at how simple it could be while still tasting delicious. The trick is using store-bought shortcakes, which saves so much time without sacrificing flavor. I paired it with ripe strawberries and homemade whipped cream for that extra freshness. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!

I also discovered that macerating the strawberries with a touch of sugar before serving brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert. Always serve immediately for the best experience, as the shortcakes absorb moisture over time.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fresh and juicy strawberries complement the sweet creaminess perfectly.
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion.
A delightful twist on a classic dessert that everyone will enjoy.

      

Choosing the Right Strawberries

The key to a great Quick Strawberry Shortcake Sundae lies in selecting the freshest strawberries. Look for ripe, firm berries that are deep red and free from blemishes. If you can find strawberries at a local farmer's market, you'll likely enjoy superior flavor. Always give them a gentle rinse before hulling and slicing, as this helps maintain their natural sweetness and juice. Remember, the quality of fruit dramatically impacts the overall dessert experience, making it essential to use the best strawberries available.

After slicing and mixing with sugar, the strawberries should sit for about 10 minutes. During this time, the sugar draws out their natural juices, creating a flavorful syrup. This step not only enhances the berries' sweetness but also adds a lovely texture to the sundae. Be patient—letting them macerate properly ensures each scoop is bursting with flavor, which elevates your special dessert into something truly memorable.

Perfecting Your Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is an essential component of this sundae, providing a creamy and light contrast to the strawberries and shortcake. When whipping the cream, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled; this helps achieve faster and fluffier peaks. Start at a low speed to incorporate air gradually, then increase to high once the cream starts to thicken. Aim for soft peaks first, then add your powdered sugar and vanilla for sweetness and flavor depth, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form without overbeating.

If you're looking to add a personal touch, consider infusing your whipped cream with flavors like almond extract or a hint of citrus zest. Additionally, if you're in need of a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be whipped into a wonderful substitute, providing a unique flavor twist that pairs perfectly with the strawberries. Just make sure to refrigerate the coconut cream overnight to achieve the right texture before whipping.

Serving and Enjoying Your Sundae

As you assemble your sundae, think about presentation. Clear glass dishes or mason jars allow the vibrant colors of the strawberries and whipped cream to shine through, making your dessert visually appealing. Layering not only adds to the aesthetics but also ensures each bite contains a little of everything—strawberries, cream, and shortcake—creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.

If you're preparing in advance for a gathering, consider just assembling the biscuits and strawberries ahead of time, then topping with whipped cream just before serving. This ensures the shortcake stays nice and soft, while also maintaining the whipped cream's fluffiness. Remember, it’s always best to enjoy this dish fresh to fully appreciate the melty goodness of the whipped cream and the juicy strawberries.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 store-bought shortcake biscuits or sponge cakes
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare the ingredients as listed above.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your sundae:

Macerate the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Sundaes

Layer the shortcake biscuits in serving dishes, top with macerated strawberries, and generously add whipped cream. Repeat the layers as desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sundae!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream.

Storage Tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (which rarely happens!), store the components separately. Keep the macerated strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that they may lose some firmness. The whipped cream can be kept in the refrigerator for about 2 days; however, it may need a quick re-whip to restore its fluffy texture before serving again. It's best to store any shortcake biscuits in a sealed bag at room temperature to prevent them from getting soggy.

This sundae is not suitable for freezing, as the whipped cream will lose its texture, and the strawberries will become mushy. Instead, plan to enjoy it fresh for the best experience. If you want to prepare parts in advance, you can make the shortcake or biscuits ahead and just assemble everything on the day of serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your Quick Strawberry Shortcake Sundae with other fruits or flavorings. For instance, ripe peaches or blueberries make delightful alternatives or additions to the strawberries. You can even try a dollop of lemon curd or chocolate sauce for a fun twist. This dessert is all about making it your own; sometimes, mixing and matching ingredients can lead to wonderful surprises.

For a more indulgent experience, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the shortcake and whipped cream layers. Alternatively, sprinkle some crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the other ingredients. Just remember, balance is key—too many bold flavors might overpower the classic taste of the strawberries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them beforehand and drain excess liquid to avoid making the dessert soggy.

→ How can I make this sundae dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping instead of heavy cream.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

It's best to assemble the sundae just before serving to keep the shortcakes from getting soggy.

→ What can I substitute for store-bought shortcakes?

Sponge cake or even angel food cake works well as a delicious alternative.