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    Home » Desserts » Cakes

    March 5, 2022 Cakes

    Strawberry Shortcut Cake

    Strawberry Shortcut Cake

    This strawberry shortcut cake with strawberry filling and whipped cream frosting is easy and delicious!

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    strawberry-shortcut-cake-with-whipped-cream-frosting.

    You might also like Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake, Crepes With Strawberries and Cream, and Strawberry Popsicles.

    A Quick Strawberry Dessert

    We love enjoying cake topped with fresh fruit in the springtime, but we don’t always have time to prepare a delicious and beautiful cake from scratch. This strawberry shortcut cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream frosting is an easy dessert that can be made in no time. The sweet strawberry filling is what makes this shortcut cake so moist and a must try!

    strawberry-shortcut-cake-ingredients.

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    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This super simple strawberry shortcut cake can be made from start to finish in just 2 hours, including chill time. With just 10 ingredients, this is one of the easiest – and most delicious – cakes you will ever make! Here are a few more great things about this cake:

    • It’s easy to prep with any boxed cake mix (we like yellow cake mix but white cake mix works well too!)
    • It’s incredibly light and fluffy
    • The 2-ingredient filling is quick to make using a blender or food processor
    • The fresh strawberries make this the perfect spring or summertime dessert

    Ingredients

    Our strawberry shortcut cake is inspired by the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake. It’s a fluffy yellow or white cake with strawberry filling and whipped cream frosting.

    Boxed yellow cake mix: For the light and fluffy cake, we use Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix. However, you can use whichever brand of boxed cake mix you prefer! You can also substitute white cake mix if desired.

    Eggs/oil/water: You will need to prepare the boxed cake mix according to the box instructions. Most mixes require eggs, oil, and water. For an even richer flavor, substitute the water for equal amounts of 2% or whole milk.

    Instant vanilla pudding mix: The pudding mix in this recipe is added to the cake batter before baking. This makes the cake even more moist.

    Strawberries: This cake uses real strawberries for both the filling and the garnish. Either fresh or frozen strawberries can be used to make the filling, but you’ll need fresh strawberries for the topping. Sometimes frozen strawberries are cheaper, so I like to use them when I can.

    Sweetened condensed milk: The sweetened condensed milk is the base of the filling in this cake. Combined with the strawberries, it makes for the perfect strawberry filling. Unlike other recipes that use gelatin, this filling is extra creamy and perfectly sweet. 

    Whipped cream: This cake is topped with whipped cream frosting, which can be made with heavy whipping cream and a little bit of sugar. If you prefer the taste of Cool Whip or just want to save some time, you can use that to make your frosting layer instead of making your own whipped cream.

    strawberry-shortcut-cake-with-bite.

    How To Make This Recipe

    Follow these steps for the perfect strawberry shortcut cake.

    Start by adding the cake mix and the vanilla pudding mix to a large mixing bowl. Next, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box. This usually includes the addition of eggs, oil, and water.

    Grease a 9”x13” pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven as directed on the cake mix box (generally 350°F). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a rubber spatula.

    Bake the cake according to the box instructions (generally 20-25 minutes) or until it tests done with a toothpick. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the cake with the end of a wooden spoon. Then, set the cake aside to cool.

    In a blender or food processor, blend together the sweetened condensed milk and strawberries until smooth for the filling. Pour the filling evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring to fill all the holes. Cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.

    While the cake is chilling, start on the fresh whipped cream topping. In a medium mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream and sugar. With a mixer, whip them together until the texture is light and fluffy with stiff peaks.

    Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Spread a thick even layer of whipped cream over the top of the cake with a rubber spatula. Add sliced and/or diced strawberries on top for garnish. Cut the cake into squares and serve.

    strawberry-shortcut-cake-plain.
    strawberry-shortcut-cake-with holes.
    strawberry-shortcut-cake-with-strawberry-filling.
    strawberry-shortcut-cake-with-whipped-cream-layer.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    1. Add vanilla pudding mix to the cake. One tried and tested trick we like to use when preparing a cake from a box mix is adding vanilla pudding mix in with the dry ingredients. This makes the cake more moist when it’s baked.
    2. Use milk instead of water in the cake batter. Most cake mixes call for water but substituting milk is a great way to add more flavor and richness to the cake. I recommend using 2% or whole milk for the best result.
    3. Poke holes with a wooden spoon. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake before adding the strawberry filling.
    4. Use the toothpick method to make sure the cake is done. Check the center of the cake with a toothpick to make sure it’s done before removing it from the oven – you should see small crumbs on the toothpick when it comes out. If there is liquid batter on the toothpick, it’s not done yet. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, the cake might be over-baked.

    How To Store Leftovers

    This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I would not recommend freezing the cake after fully preparing it because it won't thaw well. Additional moisture will be released from the filling and whipped cream during the thawing process, making the cake soggy.

    For longer storage, each part of this cake can be stored separately in the freezer in airtight containers. Before assembling, allow the cake, filling, and whipped cream to first thaw to room temperature. You may need to blend the filling in the blender again before using it if it becomes separated.

    Cake Tools You'll Need: Click To View

    baking-pans-for-cake.
    food-processor-for-strawberry-filling.
    spatulas-for-shortcut-cake.
    hand-mixer-for-whipped-cream-frosting.
    strawberry-shortcut-cake-with-cake-mix.

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    Recipe FAQ’s

    What is a strawberry shortcut cake?

    There are many different versions of strawberry shortcut cake, but a shortcut cake uses a box cake mix as a “shortcut” to make the baking process shorter and easier.

    How do you cut strawberries for a shortcut cake?

    I like to cut my strawberries into flat slices that are easy to lay on top the cake. Then, I chop up strawberries and add more strawberry chunks to fill in any gaps. You can decorate or garnish the top of your cake with as many or as few strawberries as you like.

    Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipping cream?

    Yes! I prefer making our own whipped cream, but if you want to make your strawberry cake with cool whip frosting, you definitely can!

    Can I use canned whipped cream for the topping?

    I would not recommend using canned whip cream to create a frosting because it tends to melt quickly and not maintain its shape and thickness as a layer on your cake. However, if you choose to top an individual slice of cake with some Reddi-Wip right before eating, that shouldn’t be a problem.

    strawberry-shortcut-cake-featured.

    Strawberry Shortcut Cake

    January 31, 2023
    This strawberry shortcut cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream frosting is an easy dessert that can be made in no time. The sweet strawberry filling is what makes this shortcut cake so moist and a must try!
    5
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 35 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Chill Time 1 hr
    Total Time 2 hrs
    Course Cake, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 servings
    Calories 355 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixer
    • Rubber Spatula
    • Blender
    • 9"x13" Pan

    Ingredients
      

    FOR THE CAKE

    • 1 box yellow cake mix (We use Duncan Hines Moist Yellow Cake mix)
    • 1 cup water
    • 3 large eggs room temperature
    • ⅓ vegetable oil
    • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 3.4oz box

    FOR THE FILLING

    • 3 cups strawberries
    • ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk

    FOR THE TOPPING

    • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 8-10 strawberries for garnish

    Instructions
     

    FOR THE CAKE

    • Preheat the oven and grease a 9"x13" pan. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the back of the box. Add the instant pudding mix into the batter and mix until fully combined. Follow the instructions for baking on the box.
    • Remove the cake from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon. Make sure you do this while the cake is still warm.

    FOR THE FILLING

    • Make the strawberry filling while the cake is in the oven. In a blender, combined the strawberries and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
    • After poking holes in the cake, pour the filling evenly over the top of the cake, making sure all of the holes are filled in. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.

    TOPPING & GARNISH

    • In a medium mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream and sugar. Whip together until stiff peaks form.
    • Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Spread a thick even layer of whipped cream over the top of the cake. Add sliced and/or diced strawberries on top for garnish. Cut into squares and serve.

    Video

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ca2pdIKB7O6/

    Notes

    Instructions for the cake are based on Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Yellow Cake mix. Ingredient measurements and baking time/temp may vary based on the type of cake mix used.
    Keyword strawberry shortcut cake, strawberry shortcut cake with real strawberries, strawberry shortcut cake with strawberry filling, strawberry shortcut cake with whipped cream frosting, strawberry shortcut cake with white cake mix, white cake with strawberry filling and whipped cream frosting
    « Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Truffles
    Crepes with Strawberries and Cream »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shaylene says

      September 28, 2022 at 2:26 am

      5 stars
      I made this cake for a baby shower and it was a huge hit. I've never had boxed cake that tasted so good. It was really light and fresh.

      Reply
    2. Cindy L says

      August 03, 2022 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      I am so excited to make this cake. I have all the ingredients on hand!!

      Reply
    3. nancy says

      June 20, 2022 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      like and fluffy cake with a delicious strawberry filling and whipped cream frosting! The kids wanted more so i will have to make it again

      Reply
    4. Sean says

      June 19, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      I simply love this recipe and I will be making this again.

      Reply
    5. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      June 19, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      This will be a wonderful dessert for Canada Day at the cottage this year! Thank you so much for a simple and beautiful recipe.

      Reply
    6. Katie says

      June 19, 2022 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      This is the most perfect strawberry cake recipe! It was easy to make and super delicious! I'll defiantly be making again!

      Reply
    7. Gina Abernathy says

      June 19, 2022 at 6:39 am

      5 stars
      The perfect dessert for my fresh strawberries.

      Reply
    8. Crystal says

      June 18, 2022 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      My girls are going to love this cake! And I love how easy it is. Thanks so much for the recipe!

      Reply
    9. Virginia says

      June 15, 2022 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for my husbands birthday yesterday and it was a huge hit! Will definitely be making again!

      Reply
    10. Cyndi says

      June 15, 2022 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      The strawberry filling makes this cake so moist! I could eat the whole pan.

      Reply
    11. Brandon says

      June 15, 2022 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love how easy this recipe is. Using a boxed cake mix makes it so quick! And the strawberry flavor is INSANE. Love it!!

      Reply
    12. Nancy says

      March 07, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      so delicious and fresh looking. i made this and want to make it again

      Reply
      • thecurlyspoon says

        March 07, 2022 at 4:50 pm

        Thanks so much for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    13. Natalie says

      March 07, 2022 at 9:35 am

      Beautiful cake perfect for upcoming Spring. I will have to bake this soon. Have strawberries in my fridge. Can't wait !

      Reply
    14. Bobbie says

      March 07, 2022 at 9:12 am

      Love this cake! It’s so beautiful and easy to make. Perfect for holidays.

      Reply
    15. Bianca says

      March 07, 2022 at 4:40 am

      Can't wait for strawberry season so I can try this! The recipe looks so easy with all the stwp by step descriptions!

      Reply
    16. Rosanna says

      March 06, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      Delicious! So fresh and creamy

      Reply
    17. cindymomthelunchlady says

      March 06, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      This will be a wonderful dessert to make for Strawberry season. Saving it to try soon!!

      Reply
    18. Crystal V Yentzen says

      March 06, 2022 at 11:40 am

      This cake looks amazing, and I love a good shortcut recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
    19. Giangi Townsend says

      March 05, 2022 at 10:49 pm

      Great cake and so rich a flavor. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    20. Andrea says

      March 05, 2022 at 10:25 pm

      love this so much! perfectly moist and sweet! everyone loved it!

      Reply
    21. Jeannie says

      March 05, 2022 at 6:20 pm

      I love fresh fruits as toppings too! This cake looks delicious, time for me to bake

      Reply

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