Strawberries & Cream Dessert

This Strawberries and Cream Dessert is our favorite treat for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, picnics, and fun gatherings! With layers of fluffy whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and tender cake, it looks elegant and impressive, but is secretly SO easy to make. No matter the occasion, this simple recipe is always a crowd favorite. And it’s so pretty! 

Why You’ll Love This Strawberries and Cream Dessert

This strawberry cream dessert is proof that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly special. Lightly sweetened fruit, soft whipped cream, and tender pound cake make every bite irresistible. Here’s why we’re obsessed and know you’ll love it, too:

• Virtually No Prep – We’re using pre-made pound cake. So, all we have to do is prep the strawberries and layer everything together. Dessert doesn’t get easier than that! 
• Great for a Crowd – As written, this recipe makes enough for 6 generous servings and can easily be doubled or even tripled if hosting a party. 
• Tastes & Textures – With juicy strawberries, airy whipped cream, and soft, buttery pound cake, every bite offers the perfect balance of tastes and textures. 
• Easy to Make Ahead – We often prep the strawberries and whipped cream in advance. Then, all we have to do is assemble the cups right before serving. It makes for stress-free entertaining! 

RELATED: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Ingredients

This strawberries and cream dessert comes together with fewer than ten simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Fresh Strawberries – Look for bright berries free from bruises or discoloration. They should have a sweet, fruity aroma, too. Remove the tops and quarter the berries before you begin. 
• Sugar – Enhances the natural flavor of the strawberries. 
• Vanilla – Adds depth and sweetness to both the berries and the whipped cream. 
• Pound Cake – Use either homemade or store-bought pound cake. We love Entenmann’s All Butter Loaf Cake! 
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Forms the base of the whipped cream. Make sure it’s nice and cold for easy whipping.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream. 
• Garnishes – We like to add fresh mint leaves and edible gold leaf for a final touch. They’re optional but so fun! 

How to Make This Easy Strawberries and Cream Dessert 

This recipe is the perfect last-minute dessert. All you need is a mixing bowl, a stand mixer or hand mixer, and serving glasses. Here’s how to make a quick Strawberries and Cream Dessert: 

1. Macerate the strawberries – Mix the quartered strawberries in a large bowl with sugar and vanilla extract, and set aside. This is crucial for softening the fruit and enhancing its sweetness! 
2. Make the cream – Beat the whipped cream ingredients until medium-stiff peaks form. We use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, but a handheld electric mixer or even a regular whisk will work. They just take a little more effort! 
3. Layer – Dollop the whipped cream into a serving glass. Then, add the strawberries and cake pieces, and finish with another layer of whipped cream and more strawberries. Repeat the process, filling 6 glasses 
4. Serve – Top each glass with fresh mint leaves and gold leaf, if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy! 

Tips

• Let the strawberries sit. Giving the strawberries time to macerate with the sugar and vanilla helps release their juices and creates extra flavor for layering.
• Use cold cream. Cold heavy cream whips up faster and holds its shape better, so it stays fluffy and doesn’t become sad and runny once layered with the cake and berries. 
• Don’t overwhip. Stop mixing once medium-stiff peaks form. Continuing to whip will cause the cream to become grainy. 
• Cut the cake evenly. Smaller, uniform pound cake cubes make the layers easier to build and ensure you get a little of everything in each bite.
• Assemble just before serving. This keeps the cake from soaking up too much moisture and helps the layers stay fresh and distinct.
• Put them in pretty glasses! We love these Vintage Coupe Glasses for a fun spin. 
• Adjust sweetness to taste. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar. Or, add a touch more if they’re tart.

You’ll Also Love: Berry Fruit Tart Recipe

Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Version – Swap the pound cake for chocolate pound cake, or regular or Oreo cheesecake brownie cubes for a chocolate strawberry twist.
• Lemon Strawberries & Cream – Add a little lemon zest to the strawberries or the whipped cream for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Angel Food Cake – Use angel food cake instead of pound cake for a lighter, airier dessert.
• Mixed Berry – Replace half of the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful berry blend.
• Extra Decadent – Drizzle the layers with chocolate sauce or strawberry syrup for an extra indulgent touch.
• Make It Mini – Assemble the dessert in small glasses or jars for parties, showers, or dessert tables.
• Create Larger Portions – Divide the ingredients between 4 larger glasses for bigger, shareable portions. 

Make Ahead Option

If you want to prep in advance, feel free to make a pound cake ahead of time, storing it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. 

Then, keep the strawberries in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the whipped cream in another container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Re-whip the cream, if needed, to fluff it back up before serving. Then, assemble the glasses as usual. 

How to Store 

This recipe is best served right away while all the ingredients are still fresh. However, if needed, you can cover the glasses with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind that the longer they sit, the softer the cake will be. 

More Strawberry Recipes 

• Chocolate Strawberry Upside Down Cupcakes
• Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
• Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Ice Cream
• Strawberry Crunch Cake
• French Strawberry Cake
• Strawberry Pop-Tarts

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