If you’re looking for a cheerful, light, and wonderfully sweet dish to brighten up your summer gatherings, look no further than this irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of fluffy whipped cream, juicy fresh strawberries, tender chunks of pound or angel food cake, sweet mini marshmallows, and creamy condensed milk, all coming together to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This recipe is so simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to treat for family picnics, potlucks, or just because you deserve something special on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze thanks to just five straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from adding sweetness and creaminess to providing the perfect burst of berry freshness and the delightful fluffiness that makes this salad stand out.
- 2 pints fresh strawberries: The star of the show bringing vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
- ½ loaf pound cake or angel food cake: Adds soft, spongy texture that soaks up the lovely flavors.
- 10.5 oz mini marshmallows: Give a delightful chew and extra pop of sweetness to the salad.
- 8 oz whipped cream topping: For that airy, fluffy essence that makes the dish feel indulgent.
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk: Rich, creamy sweetness that binds everything with luscious smoothness.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
First things first, cut your pound cake or angel food cake in half so it’s easier to handle. Then trim away any dark edges to keep the texture tender and appealing. Next, cut half of the loaf into 1½ inch cubes – this size is just right for mixing and eating.
Step 2: Mix Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the 8 ounces of whipped cream topping with the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Stir them gently but thoroughly to create a smooth, dreamy base that will tie all the ingredients together perfectly.
Step 3: Add Mini Marshmallows
Now toss in the 10.5 ounces of mini marshmallows. These little gems add a fun texture and a touch of nostalgic sweetness that elevates this salad beyond your typical fruit dessert.
Step 4: Incorporate Strawberries
Slice the fresh strawberries and add them to your creamy mixture. Their juicy freshness balances the sweetness and lightens up the overall flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine with Cake Cubes
Carefully fold the cake cubes into the mixture. The folding technique is important here — you want to coat those cubes without breaking them apart, preserving their softness while letting them soak up the delicious cream and berry goodness.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least a couple of hours, ideally overnight. This chilling allows all the flavors to marry and the texture to firm up, making every bite irresistibly luscious.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe within 1 to 3 days for peak freshness. Spoon it into dessert bowls or clear cups so the beautiful layers and colors can shine.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Top your fluff salad with a sprig of fresh mint, a few whole strawberries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add that extra wow factor. These simple toppings bring more visual appeal and a fresh burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp lemonade, iced tea, or even a subtle cheese platter. Keep the accompaniments simple to let the fluff salad be the star of your summer menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad in individual mason jars for easy transport and charming presentation. Layer the salad with whole strawberries or cake cubes visible through the glass for an enticing effect, perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fluff salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, but the cake may absorb more moisture over time, so enjoy it sooner rather than later for best texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe because the whipped cream and marshmallows don’t freeze well and textures will change once thawed.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If you want to bring it to room temperature, simply let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for this salad to maintain texture and juiciness, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid diluting the fluff.
Can I substitute the cake for something else?
Yes! Angel food cake is a nice lighter option, but pound cake is classic for a reason. You could also try shortcake biscuits or even cubed sponge cake if that’s what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free whipped topping and sweetened condensed coconut milk to keep the creamy richness while avoiding dairy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does this dessert last?
For best taste and texture, enjoy it within 1 to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Over time, the cake will soften more, and the marshmallows may begin to lose their chewiness.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up very easily, just keep the ingredient ratios the same to ensure every spoonful tastes as perfect as the original batch.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl — simple to make, beautiful to look at, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Once you experience that creamy, fruity, fluffy perfection, you’ll want to bring it to every summer event you attend!
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Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad – The Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad is a quick and easy no-cook summer dessert featuring fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, mini marshmallows, and tender pound or angel food cake cubes. This 5-ingredient recipe combines creamy, fruity, and sweet textures for a delightful treat perfect for parties or potlucks.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
Cake
- ½ loaf pound cake or angel food cake, premade or boxed mix
Dairy and Sweeteners
- 8 oz whipped cream topping
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
Other
- 10.5 oz mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Cut the pound cake or angel food cake in half. Remove any dark edges for a fresher taste, then cut half the loaf into approximately 1½ inch cubes.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large bowl, combine the 8 oz whipped cream topping with 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, stirring well to create a sweet, creamy base.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir 10.5 oz mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Strawberries: Add the sliced fresh strawberries to the bowl and gently fold them into the mixture to maintain their shape and freshness.
- Combine with Cake: Fold the cake cubes gently into the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined without crushing the cake pieces.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled within 1 to 3 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Angel food cake provides a lighter texture, while pound cake offers richer flavor—choose according to preference.
- To prevent cake from becoming soggy, fold ingredients gently and serve within the recommended timeframe.
- This recipe requires no cooking, making it an easy and quick dessert option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
