Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are a fun, easy, and delicious twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. These kabobs feature fluffy cubes of shortcake, fresh juicy strawberries, and whipped cream, all assembled on skewers for a handheld treat. Perfect for parties, picnics, or any gathering, these kabobs are visually stunning and incredibly tasty. Their bite-sized presentation makes them easy to serve and enjoy without the mess of a traditional shortcake.

I first made these for a summer barbecue, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. Not only did they look impressive, but guests loved the playful spin on a familiar favorite. The combination of soft cake, sweet strawberries, and airy whipped cream in every bite is simply irresistible.

What’s great about these kabobs is how customizable they are. You can drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence, or even add other fruits like blueberries or bananas. They’re also super kid-friendly and a fun project to make together as a family. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert or something unique to wow your guests, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit!

Perfect for:

• Summer parties
• Picnics and barbecues
• Family gatherings
• Kid-friendly treats
• Potlucks and dessert tables

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Here’s why Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs will become a go-to favorite:

• Fresh and Fruity: The combination of sweet strawberries and light shortcake is refreshing and satisfying.
• Easy to Assemble: With minimal prep, you’ll have a beautiful dessert ready in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults love these kabobs, making them a versatile option for any event.
• Portable and Mess-Free: Unlike traditional strawberry shortcake, these kabobs are easy to grab and eat without utensils.
• Customizable: You can mix and match fruits or drizzle chocolate on top for extra indulgence.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for homemade shortcake)
• Servings: 10 kabobs
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 pound cake or homemade shortcake, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
• 10-12 wooden skewers
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, melted chocolate, or crushed nuts

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Shortcake or Pound Cake: Either works perfectly for these kabobs. Pound cake is more sturdy, while shortcake offers a softer texture.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a creamy, light element to balance the fruit and cake.
• Skewers: Wooden skewers or reusable skewers make assembling and serving easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs:

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash and Prep the Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cold water, hull them, and cut them in half if they’re large.
2. Cut the Cake: Slice your shortcake or pound cake into 1-inch cubes for easy skewering.

Assemble the Kabobs

3. Thread the Ingredients: Take a skewer and thread a strawberry half, followed by a shortcake cube, and a dollop of whipped cream (if using stabilized whipped cream). Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at the top and bottom for easy handling.
4. Continue the Pattern: Repeat the threading process for all skewers, ensuring a balanced mix of strawberries and shortcake.

Finishing Touches

5. Optional Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sprinkle with crushed nuts for an extra special touch.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the kabobs fresh, with a side of whipped cream for dipping if desired.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are a versatile dessert with many serving possibilities:

• On a Dessert Tray: Arrange the kabobs on a platter for an impressive presentation.
• With a Dipping Station: Serve with bowls of chocolate sauce, caramel, or additional whipped cream for dipping.
• At Outdoor Events: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or outdoor gatherings—easy to transport and enjoy.
• As a Party Favor: Wrap individual kabobs in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a charming takeaway treat.
• Dip Bar Style: Serve kabobs alongside bowls of melted chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream for dipping.
• Mason Jar Plating: Stand the kabobs upright in mason jars with a dollop of whipped cream at the bottom.
• Kids’ Party Cups: Serve each kabob in a paper cup with colorful sprinkles and a chocolate drizzle.
• Fancy Dessert Tray: Arrange kabobs on a platter with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated look.
• Picnic Box: Pack kabobs in individual boxes with a small container of cream cheese dip.
• Layered on Cake Stand: Stack kabobs on a tiered cake stand with fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Frozen Treats: Chill kabobs in the freezer for 30 minutes and serve as a cool summer treat.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs turn out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries make all the difference in flavor.
• Choose the Right Cake: Pound cake is sturdier for kabobs, but shortcake adds a softer, more authentic shortcake experience.
• Stabilized Whipped Cream: If you want to add whipped cream directly onto the skewers, use stabilized whipped cream so it holds its shape.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the kabobs up to 4 hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Add whipped cream and toppings right before serving.
• Mix Up the Fruit: Add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or pineapple for a colorful twist.
• Secure the Cake: If the shortcake is very soft, freeze it for 10-15 minutes before cutting to make threading easier.
• Avoid Soggy Cake – Assemble just before serving to prevent the cake from absorbing too much moisture from the strawberries.
• Use Bamboo Skewers – They are sturdy and safe for food use, making them perfect for kabobs.
• Add a Touch of Mint – Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
• Try Mixed Berries – Include blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for more color and variety.
• Kid-Friendly Version – Use marshmallows instead of cake for a fun, kid-friendly alternative.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Here are 10 creative variations for Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs:

• Berry Medley Kabobs: Add blueberries and raspberries for a mixed berry version.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Kabobs: Dip the strawberries in chocolate before assembling for a decadent treat.
• Angel Food Cake Kabobs: Use angel food cake for a lighter option.
• S’mores Shortcake Kabobs: Alternate shortcake cubes with marshmallows and strawberries, then drizzle with chocolate.
• Coconut Shortcake Kabobs: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the finished kabobs for a tropical twist.
• Lemon Shortcake Kabobs: Use lemon-flavored shortcake or pound cake for a citrusy kick.
• Nutella Drizzle Kabobs: Drizzle Nutella over the kabobs for a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
• Cheesecake Shortcake Kabobs: Add cubes of cheesecake between the shortcake and strawberries.
• Strawberry Banana Kabobs: Add banana slices for a classic strawberry-banana combination.
• Gluten-Free Shortcake Kabobs: Use gluten-free cake to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

• Freezing: It’s best to freeze the cake cubes separately. Assemble the kabobs fresh for best results.
• Storage: Store the assembled kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Add whipped cream and toppings right before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Here are some tools that will make preparing your Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs easier:

• Wooden or Metal Skewers – For assembling the kabobs.
• Pastry Brush – To glaze or apply syrup on the cake or fruit.
• Melon Baller – For shaping fruits into uniform balls, if you want variation.
• Paring Knife – For precise cutting of strawberries and cake cubes.
• Cutting Board – For slicing strawberries and shortcake.
• Mixing Bowls – For preparing whipped cream or toppings.
• Piping Bag – For adding decorative whipped cream on the kabobs.
• Cooling Rack – To cool the shortcake pieces after baking.
• Kitchen Torch – Optional, for caramelizing sugar on the kabobs.
• Serving Platter – For arranging and presenting the finished kabobs.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

1. Can I use a different type of cake?
   • Yes, you can substitute pound cake with angel food cake, sponge cake, or shortcake biscuits.
2. How do I prevent the cake from falling apart?
   • Cut the cake into firm cubes and chill them for 15–20 minutes before assembling to keep them sturdy.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   • Yes, but for the best taste and texture, assemble the kabobs and add whipped cream just before serving.
4. What can I use instead of whipped cream?
   • You can use cream cheese frosting, Greek yogurt, or even melted chocolate for a different twist.
5. Are these kabobs suitable for kids?
   • Absolutely! They’re fun, easy to eat, and perfect for parties or snacks.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are a fun twist on the classic dessert, bringing together juicy strawberries, tender shortcake, and creamy whipped topping—all on a skewer! They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to holiday celebrations.

Not only are these kabobs delicious, but they’re also super easy to assemble, making them a go-to dessert when you’re short on time but still want to wow your guests. Customize them with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

No matter how you serve them, Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!