Strawberry Magic
Strawberry Magic is a delightful dessert combining tender cake, sweet strawberries, and marshmallows, perfect for gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a fruity, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Sprinkle miniature marshmallows over the bottom of the pan.
- Combine thawed sliced strawberries with syrup and dry strawberry gelatin; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, shortening, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, and eggs; beat for 3 minutes at medium speed.
- Pour the batter over the marshmallows in the pan.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool and serve with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider replacing half of the shortening with applesauce, which will also add moisture. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 cup. Ensure the strawberries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter. You can also use fresh strawberries if desired, but the syrup adds a nice flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Strawberry Magic warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Mom's Golden Nuggets as a side dish for brunch or dessert. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Magic contains roughly 546 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1179mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but be sure to add a little sugar to help release their juices. This will mimic the syrup from the frozen strawberries. Just slice them and let them sit for about 10 minutes before mixing with the gelatin.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will add a different flavor but will still work well in the batter. Just ensure that whatever you use is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for the best texture. The other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).