Quick & Easy Donut Strawberry Shortcake
This Donut Strawberry Shortcake recipe is a fun, no-bake twist on a classic! Made with glazed donuts, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, this dessert is ready in just 15 minutes!
A Creative Twist on a Classic Dessert
If you’re craving something sweet, fresh, and just a little over-the-top (in the best way), you need to try this Donut Strawberry Shortcake. It’s a fun twist on the classic summer dessert, but faster, easier, and just plain fun.
This easy dessert is perfect for lazy summer days, last-minute entertaining, Valentine’s Day, a regular Saturday morning, or when you’re just looking for a creative excuse to pick up a box of donuts. Let’s make it happen.
What Is Donut Strawberry Shortcake?
Try a fun new take on strawberry shortcake! Instead of using a biscuit or sponge cake, we are using a glazed yeast donut. This tasty option pairs well with juicy, sweet strawberries and light whipped cream. It’s a treat you’ll want to try!
Why You’ll Love Donut Strawberry Shortcake:
Simple Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Donuts
- 4 glazed donuts (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the berries)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Donut Strawberry Shortcake
- Prep the Strawberries: Slice the strawberries and sprinkle a little sugar on top. Toss gently and allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes. This process is known as macerating, and it makes a rich, juicy strawberry syrup.
- Make Fresh Whipped Cream: If you’re making homemade whipped cream, combine the heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Use an electric mixer and beat with a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Or grab a tub of Cool Whip topping and call it a day. No judgment here. Spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag with a large tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a plastic zip-top bag and snip off a corner to create a piping tip.
- Assemble Your Shortcakes: Carefully slice each donut in half like a sandwich. Pipe a layer of whipped cream onto the bottom half. Spoon a generous amount of strawberries and their juices onto the whipped cream layer. Add a dollop (or two) of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, then top with the other half of the donut. Optional but encouraged: more whipped cream and a mint leaf on top.
The Best Donuts for Strawberry Shortcake
Krispy Kreme vs Local Bakery vs Homemade Donuts
You really can’t go wrong, but here’s the scoop:
- Krispy Kreme: Super soft and sweet, melts in your mouth, and so worth a trip to the donut shop!
- Local bakery: Typically a little firmer, making it better for stacking.
- Homemade: Great if you have a go-to recipe, but not necessary for this shortcut dessert.
Best Donuts to Use
- Glazed yeast donuts (the classic pick)
- Cake donuts (firmer texture, slightly less sweet)
- Cinnamon sugar or strawberry-flavored donuts for fun variations
Donut Strawberry Shortcake Variations
Chocolate Glazed Donut Version
Sub in a chocolate-glazed donut and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Add chocolate chips or serve with chocolate-dipped strawberries for an extra dose of decadence.
Mini Donut Shortcakes for Parties
Use mini glazed donuts and make individual shortcakes on skewers or in little jars. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or birthday parties.
Strawberry + Blueberry for a Patriotic Twist
Toss some blueberries into the mix for a red, white, and blue dessert. Great for 4th of July or Memorial Day gatherings.
Tips for Serving & Storing Donut Strawberry Shortcake
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the strawberries and whipped cream ahead of time, but wait until just before serving to assemble them. Donuts can get soggy if they sit too long.
How to Prevent Soggy Donuts
Drain off some of the extra juice from the strawberries before layering. Keeping the whipped cream thick, light, and airy is great, but stability is also essential here.
FAQs about Donut Strawberry Shortcake
Sweet Treats for Strawberry Season
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, surprising the kids with a sweet treat, or just want a shortcut dessert that’s fun and delicious, Donut Strawberry Shortcake is the ultimate treat. It’s proof that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that break the rules—and start with donuts.
Enjoy, friend! And remember, you never need a special occasion to enjoy a donut! You deserve it.
Pin this easy donut strawberry shortcake for your next summer BBQ!
Quick & Easy Donut Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
- 4 glazed donuts
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar for the berries
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries: Slice the strawberries and sprinkle a little sugar on top. Toss gently and allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes. This process is known as macerating, and it makes a rich, juicy strawberry syrup.
- Make Fresh Whipped Cream: If you're making homemade whipped cream, combine the heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Use an electric mixer and beat with a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Or grab a tub of Cool Whip topping and call it a day. No judgment here. Spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag with a large tip. If you don't have a piping bag, use a plastic zip-top bag and snip off a corner to create a piping tip.
- Assemble Your Shortcakes: Carefully slice each donut in half like a sandwich. Pipe a layer of whipped cream onto the bottom half. Spoon a generous amount of strawberries and their juices onto the whipped cream layer. Add a dollop (or two) of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, then top with the other half of the donut. Optional but encouraged: more whipped cream and a mint leaf on top.
