This recipe takes the classic combo of buttery shortcake, ripe strawberries, and whipped cream, and turns it into a fun, handheld treat that looks fancy but takes just minutes to assemble. You can use homemade pound cake, store-bought cake, or even angel food cake if you want a lighter twist.
Why You’ll Love These
- No bake (if you use store-bought cake)
- Super cute and crowd-friendly – No slicing, no forks!
- Customizable – Use different berries or drizzle with chocolate
- Perfect for summer parties, baby showers, brunches, or picnics
- Fast & easy – Just slice, skewer, and serve!
Prep Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 kabobs (1–2 per person)
- Calories per kabob: ~180
- Carbs: 22g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1 (10 oz) pound cake or angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1½ cups whipped cream (see options below)
- Optional for garnish: melted white chocolate, crushed graham crackers, or fresh mint
- Skewers (6–8 inches work best)
Whipped Cream Options:
- Homemade: 1 cup heavy whipping cream + 1 tbsp powdered sugar + ½ tsp vanilla (whipped to stiff peaks)
- Store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip or canned whipped cream)
- Dairy-free? Use coconut whipped cream!
Cake Tip: Pound cake holds up better than angel food if you’re prepping ahead or transporting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Strawberries
- Cut strawberries in half (or quarters if large).
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
You want them dry so they don’t make the cake soggy.
2. Cube the Cake
- Cut your cake into even 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them all the same size for easy layering.
3. Assemble the Kabobs
- Take a skewer and alternate cake cubes and strawberries:
- Cake → Strawberry → Cake → Strawberry, and so on.
- Leave a little room at each end for easy handling.
Typically 2–3 of each per skewer is perfect, depending on length.
4. Add Whipped Cream
Option 1: Serve with whipped cream on the side.
Place a bowl of whipped cream or dip next to your kabobs for dipping.
Option 2: Pipe or dollop whipped cream on top.
Just before serving, pipe a swirl of whipped cream onto each kabob using a pastry bag or spoon.
Don’t add whipped cream too early or it’ll melt or deflate!
5. Optional Garnishes
- Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate (goes great with strawberries!)
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs on top
- Add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a fancy touch
How to Serve
These kabobs are perfect for:
- Backyard BBQs
- Summer picnics
- Brunch boards
- Kid birthday parties
- Mother’s Day or bridal showers
Bonus idea: Serve in a tall glass like a bouquet or lay them flat on a platter with whipped cream in the center!
Tips for Kabob Success
- Use firm cake – Pound cake holds its shape better than soft sponge.
- Dry the strawberries – So your kabobs stay crisp, not soggy.
- Serve whipped cream separately if it’s hot out – Prevents melting.
- Prep ahead – You can assemble kabobs a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready.
- Use short skewers for parties – Easier to grab and go!
Variations to Try
- Mixed Berry Kabobs – Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Chocolate-Dipped Kabobs – Dip strawberries or cake cubes in chocolate before skewering.
- Tropical Twist – Add pineapple chunks or mango between cake and strawberries.
- Kid-Friendly – Let kids assemble their own kabobs with a “build your own bar.”
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store:
- Store kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Best if eaten the same day for freshness!
Make Ahead:
- Assemble kabobs (without cream) and store covered in the fridge.
- Add whipped cream or chocolate drizzle just before serving.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for this—frozen berries will be too soft and juicy for kabobs.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut whipped cream or any plant-based whipped topping.
Can I use homemade cake?
Of course! Just make sure it’s dense enough to hold its shape when cubed.
Can I grill these?
Skip the whipped cream and you totally can! Just lightly toast the cake and fruit over the grill for a warm twist.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are the cutest, easiest, and most shareable way to enjoy the classic dessert we all know and love. With juicy strawberries, soft cake, and creamy whipped topping, they’re a total crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but takes barely any time to make.
Perfect for warm-weather parties or just a fun dessert twist—because shortcake on a stick? Always a good idea.
