Indulge in Easy No-Bake Nutella Strawberry Shortcake: Your Ultimate Quick Dessert Fix
Welcome to a delightful treat that promises to brighten any day, especially a Monday! After a weekend packed with activities – from thrilling flag football games and team picnics to nurturing the garden with new seeds and plants, and endless basketball sessions (thanks to an 8-year-old’s birthday hoop!) – a little something special is definitely in order. And what better way to uplift spirits than with a luscious Nutella Strawberry Shortcake? This dessert is not just a pick-me-up; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and irresistible flavors.
While the classic strawberry shortcake holds a special place in many hearts, often anticipated with the peak of strawberry season, this rendition introduces an exciting twist. By pairing the fresh, vibrant taste of strawberries with the creamy, rich notes of Nutella, we elevate a beloved dessert into something truly extraordinary. It’s a harmonious blend that appeals to both traditionalists and those seeking a modern, chocolate-hazelnut infused delight.
Celebrating Flavor: Chocolate & Strawberry Perfection
This tempting recipe emerged from the May #chocolateparty, where the challenge was to pair chocolate with strawberries. While chocolate-dipped strawberries are a timeless classic, I aimed to venture beyond the expected and create something fresh and innovative. Strawberry shortcake, a family favorite that usually makes an appearance once a year with hand-picked fresh strawberries, felt like the perfect canvas for experimentation. This year, I got an early start on strawberry season and, most importantly, incorporated the glorious addition of Nutella!
The combination of chocolate and strawberries is a culinary match made in heaven. The sweetness and slight tang of ripe strawberries perfectly complement the deep, sometimes bitter, notes of chocolate. When Nutella, with its creamy hazelnut and chocolate blend, enters the equation, it adds an unparalleled richness and a velvety texture that transforms the entire experience. This shortcake is more than just a dessert; it’s an exploration of how familiar flavors can be reimagined to create something truly memorable and utterly delicious.
Effortless Elegance: The Beauty of No-Bake
One of the best aspects of this Nutella Strawberry Shortcake is its incredible ease of preparation. This recipe thoughtfully utilizes pre-made dessert cake cups, readily available in the produce section of most grocery stores. Initially, I considered using angel food cake or pound cake, but in an effort to maintain a healthier approach, these smaller, portion-controlled cups, at just 80 calories each, were an ideal choice. Of course, you are welcome to use any base you prefer, including crafting your own homemade shortcake from scratch if time allows!
The real magic, however, lies in its no-bake nature. By opting for store-bought cake components, this dessert comes together in mere minutes, requiring absolutely no oven time. This makes it an absolutely perfect solution for those sweltering summer days that are always just around the corner, or for any occasion when you crave a delicious treat without the heat and fuss of baking. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or simply when you need a quick, indulgent escape. The swift assembly means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delectable creation.
Nutella Strawberry Shortcake
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Ingredients
- 4 mini angel food cake cups
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 1/3 cup Whipped Cream
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, gently mix together the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a delicious, syrupy topping.
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Take each mini angel food cake cup and carefully slice it horizontally into two equal halves. This creates the base layers for your shortcake assembly.
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On the bottom half of each sliced cake cup, spread approximately 1 tablespoon of Nutella. If your Nutella is too firm, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spread. Top this rich Nutella layer with a generous spoonful of your sugared strawberries.
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Gently place the other half of the cake cup over the Nutella and strawberry layers, creating a sandwich. Spoon over additional strawberries onto the top. Finish each shortcake with a delightful dollop of fresh whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Tips for the Perfect Nutella Strawberry Shortcake
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: The key to a delicious shortcake is fresh, ripe strawberries. They should be vibrant red, fragrant, and firm but not hard.
- Macerating Strawberries: Don’t skip the step of mixing strawberries with sugar and letting them sit. This process, called macerating, draws out their juices, creating a natural syrup that infuses more flavor into the dessert.
- Warm Nutella (Optional): If your Nutella is a bit stiff, warming it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can make it much easier to spread smoothly across the cake layers. Be careful not to overheat it.
- Whipped Cream: While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, homemade whipped cream offers a superior fresh taste and texture. Simply whip heavy cream with a touch of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange your shortcakes carefully. A neat stack with extra berries spilling out and a generous dollop of whipped cream makes for an Instagram-worthy dessert!
Creative Variations to Try
This Nutella Strawberry Shortcake recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make it your own:
- Different Berries: While strawberries are classic, blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley would also be fantastic.
- Cake Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use small slices of pound cake, brioche, or even homemade biscuits as your shortcake base.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or even mini chocolate chips between the layers for an extra crunch.
- Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest mixed with the strawberries can add a bright, refreshing note that cuts through the richness of the Nutella.
- Boozy Twist: For an adult version, you could add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a liqueur like Grand Marnier or Chambord to your macerating strawberries.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan angel food cake, a plant-based chocolate-hazelnut spread, and coconut whipped cream for a delightful vegan treat.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This Nutella Strawberry Shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, immediately after assembly, when the cake is soft, the strawberries are juicy, and the whipped cream is light and airy. It’s an ideal dessert for:
- Summer picnics or barbecues
- Quick weeknight treats
- Special occasions or celebrations
- A delightful accompaniment to coffee or tea
If you have leftovers, they can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the cake might soften significantly and the whipped cream may deflate over time. For the best experience, assemble individual shortcakes just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make my own shortcake base?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade touch, you can bake traditional shortcake biscuits or a simple sponge cake. Just ensure they are cooled completely before assembly.
Is there a substitute for Nutella?
If you don’t have Nutella, you could use another brand of chocolate-hazelnut spread. For a different flavor profile, consider using melted chocolate or even a rich chocolate ganache, though it won’t have the distinct hazelnut flavor.
Can I prepare parts of this dessert in advance?
Yes, you can slice the strawberries and sugar them up to a few hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated. You can also have your whipped cream ready (if homemade). The actual assembly of the shortcakes, however, should be done just before serving to prevent the cake from getting soggy and the whipped cream from deflating.
How can I make this dessert more indulgent?
For an extra luxurious treat, consider adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside your shortcake, or drizzling a little extra melted chocolate on top of the whipped cream.
A Sweet Conclusion
This Nutella Strawberry Shortcake offers a refreshing and utterly delicious spin on a timeless classic. Its ease of preparation, vibrant flavors, and delightful textures make it an instant hit for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this no-bake dessert promises a satisfying experience with minimal effort. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible combination of fresh strawberries, creamy Nutella, and light shortcake. It’s the perfect way to sweeten your day!