No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

A layered lush No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe is the ideal treat for summer or any occasion that calls for something sweet. With its creamy texture and fresh strawberries, this dessert will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require any baking, making it perfect for those hot days when you want to avoid turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires no baking, making it a quick and hassle-free dessert option.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and vanilla creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for summer parties, picnics, or as a delightful end to any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves strawberry shortcake, and this no-bake version is sure to impress friends and family alike.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together while you relax before serving.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will help you create the best no-bake strawberry shortcake dessert.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Gallon-sized zip-top bag
• 9-inch square baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy pudding mixture by incorporating air effectively.
• Rolling pin: Makes crushing cookies easy and uniform for a great crust texture.

Ingredients

A layered lush no-bake dessert filled with cream and strawberries! The perfect dessert for summer…or to get you in the mood for strawberry season!

• 1 3.4 oz/96g box vanilla instant pudding
• 1 ½ cups (266ml) nonfat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 25 Golden Oreos (or another vanilla flavored cookie/graham cracker)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 12 ounces (510g) Cool Whip Topping (see note about using fresh whipped cream)
• 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced and patted dry)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, nonfat milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Allow the mixture to sit while you prepare the crust.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Place the Golden Oreos in a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Crush them using a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs.
2. Reserve ½ cup of cookie crumbs for topping later.
3. Add the melted butter into the bag with the remaining crumbs. Use your hands to mix until all crumbs are coated with butter.
4. Pour this mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish. Press down firmly but don’t worry if it’s not solid; it should feel crumbly yet compact.

Step 3: Assemble Layers

1. Fold 8 ounces of Cool Whip into the prepared pudding mixture until fully combined.
2. Spread half of this pudding mixture over the crust layer in your baking dish.
3. Layer sliced strawberries evenly over this pudding layer.
4. Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the strawberries.
5. Top with additional Cool Whip and sprinkle reserved cookie crumbs on top.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

1. Cover your dessert with plastic wrap or foil.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your delicious No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe! This treat is bound to be a hit wherever you serve it!

How to Serve No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

Serving your No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert is all about presentation and pairing. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for any occasion.

Individual Servings

• Serve in small cups or jars for a charming presentation. This allows guests to enjoy their own portion while showcasing the beautiful layers.

Family Style

• Present the dessert in the baking dish. This communal style invites everyone to dig in and makes serving easy, especially for larger gatherings.

Topped with Fresh Strawberries

• Add a few extra sliced strawberries on top before serving. This enhances both the flavor and visual appeal of the dessert.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert’s taste and add a touch of elegance. It’s an unexpected twist that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream

• Garnish each serving with additional whipped cream. This adds richness and creaminess, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Perfect No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

Perfecting your No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert involves a few simple tips that can elevate your dish to the next level.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid overripe fruit, as it may become mushy.

• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the dessert to chill for at least 4 hours. This helps set the layers and improves texture, making each slice clean and beautiful.

• Choose Quality Pudding: Using high-quality vanilla instant pudding improves taste significantly. Consider homemade alternatives if you prefer a richer flavor.

• Experiment with Cookie Varieties: While Golden Oreos are recommended, feel free to experiment with other vanilla cookies or graham crackers for different flavors.

• Layer Strategically: For a stunning visual effect, layer strawberries evenly within the pudding mixture. This ensures every bite has a balanced combination of flavors.

• Consider Serving Temperature: Serve slightly chilled but not too cold; this enhances the creaminess of the topping and overall enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the dessert while adding freshness.
2. Lemonade: The tartness of fresh lemonade balances out the sweetness of your dessert perfectly.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses paired with crackers offers savory contrast against sweet desserts.
4. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Lightly seasoned skewers provide protein that rounds out your meal without overpowering it.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits echo the dessert theme while providing a healthier option.
6. Minted Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers dressed in mint vinaigrette create a light side that cleanses the palate effectively.
7. Chocolate Mousse: For those who love chocolate, this creamy dessert adds another layer of indulgence.
8. Ice Cream Floats: Pair classic soda floats with ice cream for a nostalgic treat that’s fun for all ages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overmixing the pudding: When you whisk together the pudding, milk, and vanilla, be careful not to overmix it. This can lead to a grainy texture. Mix just until combined and let it sit as directed.

• Using wet strawberries: Ensure that your strawberries are patted dry after hulling and slicing. Excess moisture can make the dessert soggy. Dry them thoroughly to maintain a great texture.

• Skipping the chilling time: Chilling is crucial for this dessert to set properly. Don’t rush this step; let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

• Not reserving cookie crumbs: Always reserve some cookie crumbs for topping. This adds a nice crunch to each bite. Forgetting this can make the dessert less visually appealing and less textured.

• Using warm butter: Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot when mixing with the cookie crumbs. Warm butter can cause the crumbs to clump together instead of forming a crumbly crust.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep it covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other odors.

Freezing No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in an airtight container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving again.

Reheating No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

• Oven: Not recommended, as this dessert is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating; it’s intended to be enjoyed chilled.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; serve directly from the fridge for optimal taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe?

The No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe is a layered dessert featuring creamy pudding, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries on a cookie crust. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for summer gatherings.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute fresh whipped cream for Cool Whip in this recipe. Just ensure it’s whipped until soft peaks form for proper consistency.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers of the No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if kept in an airtight container.

Can I customize this dessert?

Absolutely! You can customize by using different fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or swap vanilla cookies with chocolate ones for a unique flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe is not only simple but also versatile enough to adapt with various fruits and flavors. The layers of creaminess paired with fresh strawberries create an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try your own variations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the delightful No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert, the quintessential summer treat that combines luscious layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and fresh strawberries atop a crunchy cookie crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion when you crave something sweet without the hassle of baking. With its refreshing flavors and beautiful presentation, this no-bake dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Best of all, you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring a stress-free serving experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding
• 1 ½ cups nonfat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 25 Golden Oreos (or similar vanilla cookies)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 12 ounces Cool Whip Topping (or fresh whipped cream)
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix, nonfat milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Let it sit while preparing the crust.
2. Crush Golden Oreos in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Mix crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9-inch square baking dish.
3. Fold half of the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture and layer over the crust. Add sliced strawberries on top.
4. Pour remaining pudding mixture over strawberries, top with Cool Whip, and sprinkle reserved cookie crumbs.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg