Celebrate National Strawberry Shortcake Day

Every year on June 14, dessert lovers unite to celebrate National Strawberry Shortcake Day. This delightful holiday falls at the peak of strawberry season, making it the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the most beloved summer treats.

A Brief History of Strawberry Shortcake

Image by Jill Wellington and Pixabay

Strawberry shortcake has a long and delicious history. The first known mention of shortcake appeared in an English cookbook in 1588. By the mid-19th century, strawberry shortcake had gained popularity across the United States, often served with sweetened cream or butter. Over time, whipped cream became the preferred topping, creating the classic dessert we know today.

Today there are many different kinds of strawberry shortcake:

• The classic strawberry shortcake is almost like a buttermilk biscuit topped with sliced berries (in their own juice) and freshly whipped cream.

• Others prefer a vanilla cake-like base with thick, strawberry pie filling and Cool Whip.

• Shortbread cookies can also form the bottom layer, topped with fresh strawberry slices, whipped mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

How to Celebrate

The best way to celebrate National Strawberry Shortcake Day is, of course, by making and enjoying this delicious treat! Whether you bake it from scratch or pick up a slice from your favorite bakery, sharing strawberry shortcake with friends and family makes the day even sweeter.

Another fun idea is to have each family bring their favorite strawberry shortcake to a picnic. Everyone can taste the various recipes and even vote for their favorites!

Easy-Peasy Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make your own strawberry shortcake bars at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O

• 3 ounces instant vanilla pudding

• 1 cup almond flour

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 8 ounces Cool Whip

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions and bake.

2. Mix the strawberry Jell-O, vanilla pudding, and almond flour to create a crunchy topping. If needed, add water 1 teaspoon at a time to form a pebbly texture.

3. Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Layer the baked cake with the cream cheese mixture and top with the strawberry crunch.

5. If desired, top with a fresh strawberry.

6. Chill before serving and enjoy.

Whether you’re baking at home or heading to a local bakery, National Strawberry Shortcake Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this classic dessert. So grab some fresh strawberries and celebrate in style!