Description

Craving a dessert that’s fast, fresh, and bursting with strawberry flavor? This Quick Strawberry Shortcake is the perfect no-bake solution! With juicy strawberries, a touch of sweetened condensed milk, and fluffy whipped cream layered over pre-made shortcake cups, this dessert comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

With just five ingredients, this recipe highlights the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best results.

2 pints (about 4 cups / 600 g) ripe strawberries, hulled and chopped: Provide juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
2 tablespoons (25 g) white sugar: Enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
1 cup (240 mL) sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy, rich strawberry sauce.
5 prepared strawberry shortcake cups: Offer a soft, tender base.
1 cup (240 mL) whipping cream, whipped: Adds a light, fluffy topping.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut condensed milk and dairy-free whipped topping or coconut whipped cream.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon or use a sugar substitute; cut condensed milk to ¾ cup (180 mL) and add a splash of dairy-free milk.
- Fruit Swap: Mix in or substitute with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a mixed fruit shortcake.
- Homemade Shortcake: Replace store-bought cups with homemade shortcake biscuits or sliced pound cake.
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the whipped cream or 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the strawberries.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The strawberries deliver fresh, juicy flavor, the condensed milk creates a luscious sauce, the shortcake cups provide a soft base, and the whipped cream adds airy decadence.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Hull and chop 2 pints ripe strawberries to yield about 4 cups.
In a large bowl, combine strawberries with 2 tablespoons white sugar and 1 cup sweetened condensed milk.
Mash gently with a fork until the strawberries release their juices and form a saucy consistency, about 1–2 minutes.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Tip: Don’t over-mash; keep some strawberry chunks for texture, and taste to adjust sugar if berries are very sweet.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream

Whip 1 cup whipping cream with a whisk or electric mixer until soft peaks form (or use pre-made whipped topping if preferred).
Tip: Chill the bowl and whisk for faster whipping, and add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar or ½ teaspoon vanilla for extra flavor if desired.

Step 3: Assemble

Place each of the 5 prepared strawberry shortcake cups on individual dessert plates.
Spoon the chilled strawberry mixture (including the juicy sauce) generously over each shortcake cup.
Top each with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tip: Divide the strawberry mixture evenly, and drizzle extra juice over the shortcake for a moist, flavorful bite.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill assembled shortcakes for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Tip: Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.