When strawberries are ripening in fields, and farmers’ markets are bursting at the seams with baskets of berries, it’s the perfect time for a family outing — a time for strawberry picking!   

Last year, we went on our adventure to Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown. The farm atmosphere was one of joy and peace and the staff was delightful. We felt like family from the moment we walked in. We came home with a huge container of the sweetest strawberries ever, which inspired several culinary ideas.  

Upon returning home, I immediately started looking up ways to incorporate them into my sourdough recipes. But we also ate our fair share of fresh strawberries in a mixed berry salad, yogurt parfaits, froze some for smoothies, and as tradition has it (at least in our home), we made strawberry shortcake.   

I grew up eating strawberry shortcake, the only way possible — vanilla dessert shells, strawberries, and a dollop (or two) of Cool Whip. It’s one of my go to deserts once the weather warms up. And it’s one both kids and adults will enjoy. 

I’m always looking for ways to build fine motor skills with my children while keeping the experience fun. My kids are able to make this recipe from start to finish independently. They really enjoy cutting the strawberries into different shapes as toppings. I would encourage you, if you're a parent who doesn’t particularly like a sticky mess, cough, cough … like me, give your kiddos a little freedom within structure and be casual about mistakes. You won’t regret it!    

I felt magic in my kitchen that week. My favorite part was the end, when my children saw their masterpieces and felt full of pride and excitement to show off their hard work. Making this simple recipe with the kids makes for cherished kitchen memories. And that’s exactly what will be happening again in our kitchen, once the strawberries begin to ripen for picking at the farm again this year.   

Mercy, it’s the pure simplicity that I love about strawberry shortcake. No bells or whistles, just fresh strawberries on a light, sweet dessert dish topped with tangy Cool Whip. One bite and its nostalgia. Memories of my childhood flood my brain! As my children would say, while kissing their fingers, “Bon Appetit!”      

Recipe    

Traditional Strawberry Shortcake   

This five-minute strawberry shortcake dessert is the perfect spring or summer treat to whip up when you're short on time — and your tastebuds will thank you.  

PREP TIME   

2 minutes   

COOK TIME   

3 minutes   

TOTAL TIME   

5 minutes   

Ingredients   

3 pre-made vanilla desert shells   

12 tbsp cool whip   

3 cups strawberries   

1 tsp sugar (optional)   

Instructions   

1. Wash and slice the strawberries.   

2. Toss the sliced strawberries with a tsp of sugar (or skip this step, if you’re on a diet).   

3. Top each half with about a half cup of strawberries.   

4. Add 2 tbsp of Cool Whip to the strawberries.   

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create a double stacker. 

6. Garnish with a sliced strawberry.   

Note: Fun shaped strawberries taste better, I promise.