Very Berry Strawberry Shortcake
Very berry strawberry shortcake is an easy dessert with strawberries soaked in sugar. Made with dessert cups and topped with strawberry whipped topping.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall8-1024x683.jpg)
All that’s needed is sugar, strawberries, dessert cups, and strawberry whipped topping. The sugar will draw moisture out of the strawberries and dissolve to make a syrupy sauce.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall5-683x1024.jpg)
History Of Strawberry Shortcake
The first documented strawberry shortcake recipe appeared in a 1588 British cookbook. Shortly thereafter, the dessert came to the mainstream when William Shakesepeare named one of his characters in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Alice Shortcake.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall7-1024x683.jpg)
Traditionally, strawberry shortcake dessert was made with biscuits or shortbread. However, now little dessert shells of sponge cake can be bought and used for this strawberry dessert.
![Strawberry sliced on a black cutting board.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall9-1024x683.jpg)
Firstly, wash the strawberries. Remove the tops of the strawberries and slice them in half. If the strawberry is a large one slice it into thirds longwise.
![Sliced strawberries in a metal bowl.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall10-1024x683.jpg)
Place the strawberries into a bowl. Make sure it has a lid to be placed in the fridge. Get out the potato masher.
![Sliced strawberries with sugar on top in a metal bowl with a masher.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall11-1024x683.jpg)
Sugar The Strawberries
Sugar the strawberries and with a potato masher mash the strawberries well. The sugar will help break down the strawberries creating a syrup. I like to let mine set in the fridge overnight but two hours is okay.
![Strawberries in a sugared syrup in a metal bowl.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall13-1024x683.jpg)
The longer the strawberries sit in the fridge in the sugar the more syrup it will create. I only suggest overnight for the best results. The strawberries and sugar become sweet and tart.
![Dessert shell that's made of a sponge cake on a white plate.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall12-1024x683.jpg)
Once the strawberries have sat for awhile it’s time to plate the very berry strawberry shortcake. Place one dessert shell down and then add strawberries and strawberry whipped topping.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall2-1024x683.jpg)
Repeat this and top with a strawberry on top. I serve this right away as the whipped topping will deflate over time. I love this dessert for Valentine’s Day to compliment a nice meal.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall4-683x1024.jpg)
Make Ahead
The strawberries with sugar are best made a day ahead. I wouldn’t suggest making these any further in advance. Always keep the strawberries separate from the dessert shells and whipped topping until ready to serve.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall1-1024x683.jpg)
Variations
Dessert shells pair well with blackberries, raspberries, and even blueberries. Just sugar, smash, set, and top. That’s why we love this dessert recipe so much.
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall3-683x1024.jpg)
Strawberry desserts are some of the best on the planet. Great for Spring gatherings or Valentine’s dinners with family and friends. Check out some other strawberry treats below.
Strawberry Desserts:
- Strawberry Banana Yogurt Delight
- Strawberry Shortcake Bark
- Strawberry Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmall8-320x320.jpg)
Very Berry Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 lb. package strawberries
- 6 dessert shells
- strawberry whipped topping for topping
Instructions
- Remove tops from strawberries and slice the strawberries longwise in half. Place into a bowl.
- Cover strawberries with half a cup of sugar and smash them with a potato masher. Place them into the fridge for at least two hours to overnight. This allows them to give more juice.
- Plate a dessert shell and add strawberry mixture and strawberry whipped topping. Then add another dessert shell and top strawberry mixture and strawberry whipped topping. Top with a strawberry. Serve right away!
Pin Very Berry Strawberry Shortcake
![Strawberry shortcake with smashed strawberries and dessert cups with strawberry whipped topping on a white plate with gray plaid napkin.](https://www.mooshujenne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/StrawberryShortcakeSmallPin-683x1024.png)