Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Quick Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Ideas

Strawberry shortcake tantalizes dessert lovers with its vibrant layers of sweet complexity.

Soft, pillowy textures and bright fruity notes dance together in this classic Southern delicacy.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of delicate cake, luscious cream, and succulent berries.

Homemade versions elevate this simple treat into a memorable culinary experience that celebrates seasonal freshness.

Passionate bakers love transforming basic ingredients into an elegant masterpiece that delights family and friends.

Subtle nuances of flavor and texture make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser that sparks joy around any table: Prepare to indulge in pure deliciousness.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

  • Fridge Protection: Seal strawberry shortcake in an airtight glass container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain cake's delicate texture. Glass prevents odor transfer and keeps dessert fresh longer than plastic alternatives.
  • Layer Separation: Place wax paper between cake layers before refrigerating to prevent soggy bottoms and preserve individual shortcake's structural integrity. This technique prevents cream and strawberry juices from making cake layers soggy.
  • Temperature Strategy: Store dessert in coldest part of refrigerator's back section, where consistent temperature remains stable. Keep away from door areas where temperature fluctuates, which can compromise cake's delicate cream and fruit components.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

  • Tropical Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries with a mix of fresh mango, pineapple, and passion fruit for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired shortcake experience.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace the angel food cake with a rich chocolate sponge cake and add dark chocolate shavings between layers for an indulgent dessert.
  • Citrus Burst Shortcake: Incorporate lemon zest into the custard and use a blend of orange and lemon-infused glaze to create a bright, tangy version of the classic recipe.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pecans between cake layers for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor profile.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake dreams dance across palates with Paula Deen’s magical recipe.

Sweet layers meld together in perfect harmony, creating edible art that celebrates summer’s bounty.

Creamy custard embraces delicate cake while strawberry glaze weaves its crimson spell.

Elegant desserts like this connect generations through shared culinary memories.

Southern charm radiates from each carefully constructed slice, promising pure deliciousness.

Culinary adventurers: devour this masterpiece, share its magic on social platforms, and spread strawberry-laden joy with everyone who craves something extraordinary.

Why Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake is a Crowd-Pleaser

  • Savor Creamy Custard Bliss: The velvety smooth cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk create an indulgent, luxurious base that melts perfectly with the light angel food cake.
  • Capture Fresh Strawberry Excitement: Bursting with bright, juicy strawberries and a vibrant strawberry gelatin glaze, this dessert delivers a punch of fresh, summery flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
  • Craft Impressive Layered Elegance: The beautiful trifle-style assembly transforms a simple cake into a stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted, yet comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Enjoy Guilt-Free Lightness: With an airy angel food cake foundation and a relatively moderate 238 calories per serving, this dessert feels decadent while remaining lighter than traditional heavy dessert options.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

Cake Base:
  • Angel Food Cake: Light and airy cake perfect for creating delicate layers in this dessert.
Custard Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth base that adds richness and creamy texture to the filling.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a silky custard consistency.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds volume and lightness to the cream cheese mixture.
Strawberry Glaze:
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the glaze.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the strawberry sauce.
  • Strawberry Gelatin: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and helps set the glaze.
  • Water: Helps dissolve and combine the glaze ingredients.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds fresh fruit chunks and natural sweetness to the glaze.
Garnish:
  • Whole Strawberries: Provides a beautiful and fresh topping for the dessert.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves: Offers a pop of color and a hint of refreshing flavor.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

How to Make Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Slice the Cake Foundation

Grab a serrated knife and carefully cut the angel food cake into 3 equal horizontal layers. Work slowly to ensure even slices.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend these ingredients until silky smooth:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Whipped topping

Mix until the texture is consistent and velvety. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Package strawberry gelatin

Gradually pour in water, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat, mixing frequently until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cooled, gently fold in fresh, chopped strawberries.

Step 4: Build the Delightful Layers

In a large clear trifle dish or serving bowl, start layering:
  • First layer of cake
  • Spread strawberry glaze
  • Add custard mixture

Repeat these layers until all cake, glaze, and custard are used.

Step 5: Add Stunning Finishing Touches

Decorate the top with:
  • Whole fresh strawberries
  • Sprigs of fresh mint leaves

Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Strawberry Shortcake

  • Slice Strategically: Cut strawberries into uniform pieces for consistent texture and easier layering throughout the shortcake.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Place cake layers on a wire rack while adding glaze to maintain crisp cake texture and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Enhance Berry Flavor: Macerate strawberries with a touch of sugar for 15 minutes before preparing to intensify their natural sweetness and release juices.
  • Control Glaze Consistency: Simmer strawberry glaze slowly, stirring constantly to achieve a thick, glossy finish without burning or becoming too runny.
  • Store Smartly: Keep assembled shortcake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture quality.
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Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s strawberry shortcake showcases Southern charm with fluffy buttermilk biscuits layered with macerated berries and whipped cream. Rich flavors and classic texture make this dessert a delightful finale that beckons you to savor each heavenly spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large angel food cake
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, cut in half (or quartered if extra large)
  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package softened cream cheese
  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) container thawed frozen whipped topping

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice the angel food cake into three uniform horizontal layers using a sharp serrated knife, ensuring even thickness throughout.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture with no visible lumps.
  3. Combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin powder in a medium saucepan, creating a dry mixture that will serve as the base for the glaze.
  4. Gradually pour cold water into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming and create a smooth liquid consistency.
  5. Cook the strawberry mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove the glaze from heat and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which will help it set and intensify its vibrant color and flavor.
  7. Once cooled, gently fold fresh, diced strawberries into the glaze, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Position the first cake layer in a clear glass trifle dish or serving bowl, creating a stable base for the dessert.
  9. Spread a generous layer of strawberry glaze over the cake, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  10. Add a thick layer of the prepared cream cheese custard mixture, smoothing it carefully to create a clean, appealing presentation.
  11. Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake layers, alternating between glaze and custard until all components are incorporated.
  12. Garnish the top of the dessert with three whole, perfectly ripe strawberries and delicate fresh mint leaves to create an elegant and appetizing final touch.

Notes

  • Softly spread room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky-smooth custard without pesky lumps forming during mixing.
  • Allow strawberry glaze to cool completely, preventing potential melting of delicate custard layers when assembling the shortcake.
  • Create uniform layers by spreading custard and glaze evenly, guaranteeing a harmonious flavor in every single bite.
  • Select peak-season strawberries bursting with natural sweetness, avoiding berries that are bruised, mushy, or lacking vibrant color.
  • Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of two hours, giving ingredients time to mingle and develop a rich, cohesive taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 238.1 kcal
  • Sugar: 33.4 g
  • Sodium: 62.5 mg
  • Fat: 5.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43.5 g
  • Fiber: 1.1 g
  • Protein: 3.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 11.2 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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