Strawberry Pan Shortcake
A light and fruity dessert featuring angel food cake layered with strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberries, topped with whipped cream—perfect for summer gatherings and sweet tooth satisfactions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and place them into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Dissolve the wild strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water.
- Add the frozen strawberries (with juice and sugar) to the dissolved Jell-O and stir until the berries are broken up.
- Chill the mixture until it is barely soft set.
- Pour the Jell-O and strawberry mixture over the angel food cake pieces.
- Top with Cool Whip or whipped cream.
- Chill for 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free Jell-O and a low-calorie whipped topping. If fresh strawberries are available, they can be substituted for frozen ones. Ensure the Jell-O is fully dissolved to avoid clumping. This recipe can also be adapted by adding layers of fruit or cream, similar to the delightful Fluffy Peach Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Strawberry Pan Shortcake as a refreshing dessert at summer gatherings or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with fresh lemonade or iced tea. For an added touch, consider garnishing with mint leaves or serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the angel food cake and whipped topping may change. To serve chilled portions, simply cut and enjoy straight from the fridge without any reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Pan Shortcake contains roughly 195 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! While wild strawberry is delicious, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry or cherry for a different taste. Just ensure the Jell-O complements the strawberries for the best flavor combination.
How long does it take for the Jell-O to set?
Chilling the mixture for about 2 hours is ideal, but for a firmer set, leaving it overnight is best. This ensures the layers meld together beautifully and the dessert is easy to slice when served.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
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).