17 Unique Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Variations You Gotta Try This Summer
Every summer, I’m always on the hunt for easy and simple homemade shortcake recipes for strawberries. Nothing beats the taste of fresh strawberry desserts, especially when they’re quick and easy to make!
Below are some of the most unique and irresistible strawberry shortcake recipe variations you’ll ever try!
Updated on June 11, 2025
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Alrighty, let’s talk strawberry shortcake!
I recently stumbled upon a vintage strawberry shortcake recipe that has a crumble strawberry shortcake topping that added an extra crunch to every bite – so good! The recipe is below.
Among the best strawberry dessert recipes I’ve tried are strawberry shortcake cookies (recipe below). They’re such a treat, especially on a lazy afternoon by the pool.
For anyone who’s wondered how to make strawberry shortcake, I also have a healthy strawberry shortcake recipe that can be made vegan and/or sugar-free.
There’s also lots of unique and downright interesting strawberry shortcake treats like cookies and bars.
Whether it’s a traditional shortcake or a shortcake recipe with a fun unusual twist, these recipes below are all yummy crowd-pleasers that are simply beautiful to look at!
Strawberry Ice Cream Bar Shortcake
Wow, have you ever had a dessert that took you straight back to your childhood? Well, that’s exactly what this Strawberry Shortcake with cookie crumble did for me!
It all started with a basic sponge cake, but oh boy, the magic happens with the toppings. Whipped cream icing provides the perfect fluffy layer, and fresh strawberries add that sweet juiciness.
But the real star? A cookie crumble made from golden Oreos mixed with butter, gelatin, and ice water, baked for about 9 minutes at 400 until golden toasted perfection.
Each bite is like a nostalgic trip back to those old-fashioned ice cream bars the ice cream man sold on the beach when I was a kid.
It’s a creative twist on classic strawberry shortcake that’s as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes!
Milk Bar Strawberry Shortcake
This Milk Bar’s Strawberry Shortcake recipe is not only delicious – it’s BEAUTIFUL!
Layers upon layers of vanilla butter cake lovingly soaked in strawberry milk, topped with homemade strawberry jam, mesmerizing shortcake crumbles, and—to top it all off—gooey liquid cheesecake.
Imagine all these scrumptious goodies stacked into three spectacular layers in a mini cake.
Trust me, one bite of this and you’ll find yourself in a strawberry shortcake dreamland, crying tears of joy at its indulgent brilliance!
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake has cloud-like genoise sponge, but with my a unique twist on the recipe – swapped out the usual Cointreau in the syrup for some zesty mandarin juice, adding a citrusy flair that’s just perfect-o!
Tip: Be sure to firm up the whipped cream with a touch of gelatin.
Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake
This amazing Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake will take your taste buds on a happy adventure with the sweet, juicy burst of strawberries paired with the rich, nutty goodness of almonds.
I never thought of this combo of strawberries and almonds, but it works super well!
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake is bound to wow your taste buds and make you the star of any gathering!
The recipe was a breeze to follow and the cake’s perfectly soft texture is a dream, especially when enjoyed at room temperature.
Trust me, it’s hard to resist indulging in one more bite of this sweet and fruity treat. Just remember, while it’s still delicious after being chilled, that room temp texture is where the magic really happens!
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Oh wow, let me tell you about these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars I stumbled upon!
The recipe is from the Jenna Rae Cakes Cookbook, these bars are a berry lover’s dream come true.
I had a blast making them, and the best part? You get an explosive strawberry flavor without a single hint of extract—just pure, natural goodness!
My kitchen was filled with the most cheerful aroma, and my family was all smiles and surprise once they took a bite. If you’re looking for something that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these bars are an absolute must-try!
Strawberry Crunch Poke Shortcake
Oh, let me tell you about this Strawberry Crunch Poke Shortcake -it’s sweet, creamy, and fluffy all at once… like a cloud of deliciousness dancing on your taste buds!
I had a blast throwing it together, and let’s just say, it might have been so irresistible that sneaking a midnight snack became a new hobby!
It’s a must-try treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
These strawberry shortcake cupcakes are one of my favorite recipe variations!
These little treasures pack a flavorful punch with their unique blend of cakey goodness and biscuit-like texture.
It was my first attempt at making stabilized whipped cream to top these beauties, and it held up like a charm, proving that even baking experiments can have happy endings.
A while back, I had misplaced the recipe, but luckily, I’ve found it again here. Just SO yummy!
Healthier Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
If you’re trying to eat better, these vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are a great option! Picture biting into a cloud of fluffiness that bursts with juicy strawberries and is topped off with a sweet vanilla or cream cheese frosting.
They’re not just delicious but also customizable for those who prefer a gluten-free or sugar-free recipe option. With their irresistibly moist texture, courtesy of plant-based milk and melted vegan butter, these cupcakes scream summer vibes and are perfect for any sun-soaked celebration.
Summer Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a lighter summery version and it’s like a summer party in every bite!
Layers of the fluffiest vanilla cake, drenched with juicy, sweetened strawberries, and topped off with clouds of dreamy whipped cream.
It’s all the best parts of a traditional strawberry shortcake, but without the fuss of making individual biscuits.
It’s so light and fresh, totally perfect for impressing your friends at a sunny backyard get-together.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Be sure to also whip up some strawberry shortcake cookies too – super moist and yummy! The recipe is a breeze to follow.
If you prefer your cookies to be a little LESS sweet, just tweak the frosting recipe by skipping the butter and dialing down the powdered sugar.
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
This strawberry shortcake trifle is a sumptuous strawberry jelly, custard, and shortcake delight that’s as stunning as it is delicious!
Layers of luscious custard nestled between fluffy shortcake, all topped with a glistening strawberry jelly that adds a burst of berry goodness in every bite. It’s a visual feast for the eyes and a sweet escape for the taste buds.
More Strawberry Desserts:
