Glazed Donut Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Imagine a world where classic strawberry shortcake gets a delightful makeover—swap the biscuit for a soft, sweet glazed donut and you’re in for a treat that’s unbelievably easy, totally delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. This Glazed Donut Strawberry Shortcake recipe is a favorite for anyone who craves a luscious dessert with minimal effort. From the pillowy whipped cream to the sparkly, juicy strawberries, every bite is an explosion of sweetness and texture. The best part? It takes just 10 minutes to put together! No complicated steps, no heavy baking, just pure happiness on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Fun Twist on a Classic: Forget regular shortcake—using a glazed donut adds a whole new dimension of flavor and a lovely soft texture.
• Speed and Simplicity: Prep and assembly are done in just 10 minutes. This dessert fits seamlessly into hectic evenings or impromptu celebrations.
• Dreamy Whipped Cream: There’s nothing like freshly whipped cream, and it’s shockingly easy to make from scratch.
• Vibrant, Fresh Flavors: The strawberries provide a pop of color and tangy-sweetness that balances the rich donut and cream.
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the filling and toppings to your liking—every version is delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this dessert serves a delicious purpose. Here’s what you need and why:

• Glazed donuts: These replace traditional biscuits or sponge cake. Their tender, sweet glaze acts as both cakey base and topping, letting you skip extra sugar in the filling.
• Heavy whipping cream: Essential for creating that rich, airy homemade whipped cream that makes the dessert shine. Don’t substitute—store-bought just isn’t the same!
• Vanilla extract: Adds classic warmth and a hint of sophistication to the cream.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream—it dissolves beautifully for a velvety finish.
• Strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and sliced. The star fruit of the show. Strawberries not looking their best? Macerate them briefly with a teaspoon of sugar to draw out the juices and boost flavor.

Tip: Use the freshest donuts possible for the best texture. Day-old donuts can be revived quickly in the microwave for a few seconds (just until soft).

Variations

Looking to shake things up? Here are a few irresistible twists:

• Chocolate Twist: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the filling or use chocolate-glazed donuts.
• Berry Swap: Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite fruits work just as well. Try peaches for a Southern vibe!
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut whipped cream and ensure your donuts are dairy-free.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts or almond slivers for texture.
• Citrus Brightness: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the whipped cream for a flavorful punch.

How to Make Glazed Donut Strawberry Shortcake

Whipping up this show-stopper couldn’t be easier. Here’s the quick rundown, step by step:

Step 1: Slice the Donuts

Carefully slice each donut in half horizontally. Aim for a smooth cut so you get even layers for stacking.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a cold mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high until soft peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape but still look a little pillowy—not stiff.

Step 3: Assemble the Shortcakes

Place one half of a donut cut-side up on a plate. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then a layer of sliced strawberries. Add another swoosh of cream if you like extra. Cap it off with the other half of the donut.

Step 4: Repeat and Serve

Repeat the layers with the remaining donuts. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Tip: Want mess-free presentation? Layer everything in a glass for a parfait-style treat!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cold Bowl, Cold Cream: Chill your bowl and beaters before whipping cream for the best volume and texture.
• Don’t Overbeat: Stop whipping the cream once soft peaks form—overbeating can turn it grainy.
• Donuts Matter: Fresh, pillowy donuts make all the difference! Stale donuts can be salvaged with just a hint of warming.
• Assemble Last Minute: This dessert tastes best when assembled just before serving, so the donuts stay soft but not soggy.

How to Serve

This is a dessert that shines on its own, but a few thoughtful touches can make it even better. I love serving the Glazed Donut Strawberry Shortcake with:

• Extra Fresh Berries: Scatter a few more strawberries (or other berries) around the plate for freshness.
• Mint Sprigs: Add a pop of green and aroma.
• Iced Coffee or Tea: The richness of the donut pairs beautifully with a hot or cold beverage.
• Brunch Spread: Serve as a fun brunch or breakfast-for-dessert treat alongside eggs or a fresh fruit salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra assembled shortcakes (a rare occurrence!), cover them loosely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The donuts will soften more as they sit, but the flavor will still be lovely.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled dessert, as donuts and whipped cream don’t hold up to freezing and thawing well. However, you can slice and freeze plain donuts ahead of time—just thaw before assembling.

Reheating

Day-old donuts can be revived with a quick (5-10 second) zap in the microwave before layering, but avoid reheating the assembled dessert.

Note: Whipped cream tends to deflate over time, so for the best texture, always add it fresh just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?
While you can use store-bought whipped cream, homemade makes all the difference. It’s richer, fluffier, and free of artificial flavors. Plus, whipping your own is surprisingly quick!

What kind of glazed donuts work best?
Any classic glazed donut is perfect. Yeasted donuts have a lighter, fluffier texture that holds the cream well, but cake donuts add a slightly denser bite—both are delicious, so choose your favorite.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
You can prep the individual components ahead—slice strawberries, whip cream, and store them separately—but wait to assemble until just before serving to avoid soggy donuts.

What if strawberries aren’t in season?
No problem! Mix up the fruit to suit what’s available. Frozen strawberries (thawed and drained), peaches, or even cherries will work beautifully. Toss the fruit with a little sugar to bring out more juice and sweetness if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that delivers maximum wow-factor, this Glazed Donut Strawberry Shortcake truly fits the bill. Each bite is the perfect blend of pillowy cream, juicy berries, and sweet donut—utterly unforgettable yet easy enough to throw together anytime. Don’t be afraid to get creative, swap in different fruit, or enlist little hands to help assemble. It’s the kind of joyful treat that turns any night into a celebration. Why not give it a try and see for yourself?

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