Irresistible Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Gems

Strawberry shortcake bursts with summer’s most enchanting flavors, turning ordinary moments into sweet celebrations.

Pillowy layers of tender cake cradle ripe, ruby-red berries in a delectable embrace.

Whipped cream swirls like soft clouds, adding dreamy richness to every heavenly bite.

This Southern classic transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of taste and texture.

Passionate bakers craft each slice with love, creating edible art that dazzles the senses.

Fresh strawberries bring bright, tangy notes that dance alongside creamy, velvety elements.

Get ready to savor a dessert that promises pure, unadulterated deliciousness in every single forkful.

Serving Guide for Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

• Elevate the Presentation: Serve this stunning strawberry dessert in clear glass trifle dishes to showcase the beautiful layers of cake, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry glaze.
• Pair with Perfect Companions: Complement the cake's sweetness with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
• Create a Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a light strawberry mocktail to enhance the fruity flavors and create a delightful dessert experience.
• Garnish with Gourmet Touches: Sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or edible flower petals on top for an elegant and sophisticated final flourish that adds texture and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Storage

• Preserve Freshness: Store this delectable strawberry dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool environment helps maintain the cake's moisture and prevents flavor loss.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers and strawberry glaze one day in advance. Keep components separate until ready to assemble, ensuring each ingredient stays crisp and vibrant.
• Serving Smart: Always serve chilled for the best taste experience. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the dessert's delightful textures.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

• Angel Food Cake: Select a fresh, airy cake with soft, cloud-like texture and uniform golden color.

• Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smooth, rich consistency.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pick a high-quality brand with rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Whipped Topping: Look for a stable, fluffy whipped cream that holds its shape well.

• Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for perfect dissolving.
• Cornstarch: Select fresh, pure cornstarch without clumps.
• Strawberry Gelatin: Choose a vibrant, fruit-forward gelatin package.
• Water: Use clean, filtered water for clarity.
• Fresh Strawberries: Pick bright red, firm berries with glossy skin and sweet aroma.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Select bright green, crisp mint with intense fragrance.

Tools and Bakeware Needed for Strawberry Shortcake

• Serrated Knife: Sharp, long blade perfect for slicing cake into even layers.
• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for blending cream cheese and whipped topping smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking strawberry glaze to perfect consistency.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Helps stir and combine ingredients evenly.
• Trifle Dish or Clear Serving Bowl: Transparent container showcasing beautiful layers.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for slicing cake and chopping strawberries.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers and fold ingredients gently.
• Refrigerator: Needed for chilling and setting the dessert.

How to Prepare Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

• Slice the Cake Base

Grab a sharp knife and gently cut the angel food cake into three even layers, taking your time to create smooth, consistent slices.

• Whip Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese, condensed milk, and whipped topping in a mixing bowl until silky and smooth, creating a luscious mixture that will make your dessert irresistible.

• Craft Strawberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin. Pour water slowly while stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Let it cool completely, then fold in freshly chopped strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor.

• Create Delectable Layers

In a clear serving dish, start building your masterpiece by alternating cake layers with strawberry sauce and creamy filling. Stack and repeat until you’ve used all your ingredients, creating a stunning visual and flavor experience.

• Garnish and Chill

Top the dessert with whole strawberries and delicate mint leaves for a fresh, elegant finish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and the dessert to set perfectly before serving.

Tips and Flavor Ideas for Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

• Slice Strategically: Use a long serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to create even cake layers without crushing the delicate angel food texture.
• Customize Your Cream: Experiment with different flavor extracts like vanilla, almond, or even a splash of amaretto to personalize the cream cheese filling.
• Berry Boost: Swap strawberries with seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry combination for a vibrant twist on the classic recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers and fillings a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and prevent sogginess.

Dreamy Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s strawberry shortcake blends Southern charm with classic dessert elegance. Sweet biscuits topped with macerated berries and whipped cream create a delightful summer treat for you to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large angel food cake
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (cut in half or quartered if extra large)
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) softened cream cheese
• 1 (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz / 340 g) thawed frozen whipped topping
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• 3 tbsps strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup water

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Instructions

1. Cake Preparation: Slice angel food cake into three uniform horizontal layers using a sharp serrated knife for precise and even thickness.
2. Cream Mixture Creation: Blend softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency.
3. Glaze Foundation: Combine sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin powder in a medium saucepan, whisking cold water gradually to create a smooth liquid base.
4. Glaze Development: Simmer the strawberry mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the glaze transforms into a glossy, thickened sauce, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Cooling and Strawberry Integration: Allow glaze to cool completely at room temperature, then gently fold in freshly diced strawberries for enhanced flavor and texture.
6. Layering Process: Assemble the dessert in a clear trifle dish by alternating cake layers with generous spreads of strawberry glaze and cream cheese custard mixture.
7. Final Presentation: Crown the dessert with three whole, ripe strawberries and delicate mint leaves, creating an elegant and visually appealing garnish.

Notes

• Master Knife Technique: Use a sharp serrated knife and slice angel food cake with precise, gentle movements to create uniform layers without crumbling.
• Prevent Lumpy Mixture: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and whip ingredients at room temperature to achieve a smooth, silky cream cheese custard without any unwanted texture.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly before adding water and stir constantly during cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a glossy, even strawberry glaze.
• Cooling Matters: Allow strawberry glaze to cool completely at room temperature to enhance flavor intensity and achieve the perfect setting consistency for layering.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg