If you’re looking for a fun and delightful twist on a classic dessert, the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the light fluffiness of vanilla sponge cake rolled up like sushi, generously filled with sweet whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This charming creation is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat, blending simplicity and elegance while bringing a fresh vibe to your dessert table. Whether for a fun family treat or a show-stopping party dish, this recipe promises smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the airy sponge cake to the juicy strawberries and luscious whipped cream, every component is simple but essential.
- Vanilla sponge cake sheet: The base of your sushi, light and tender, perfect for rolling without cracking.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy pop in every bite along with vibrant color.
- Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for richness and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream delicately without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the whipped cream with warm, comforting aroma.
- Strawberry jam (optional): Creates a sticky, fruity layer that complements the fresh berries.
- Melted white chocolate (optional): For an elegant drizzle that adds a touch of decadence and visual flair.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Begin by whipping the cold heavy cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks form. This luscious whipped cream is the heart of your filling, providing the perfect creamy contrast to the airy cake and juicy strawberries.
Step 2: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Place your vanilla sponge cake sheet flat on a piece of parchment paper. Trim the edges to form a neat rectangle, making it easier to roll up later. This step ensures you have a smooth canvas for your layers and a perfect sushi shape.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Jam
Spread a thin, even layer of strawberry jam over the surface of the cake. This sticky layer acts like “glue” inside, holding the whipped cream and strawberries in place once rolled. It also intensifies the strawberry flavor throughout.
Step 4: Layer the Whipped Cream
Generously spread your freshly whipped cream over the strawberry jam, smoothing it out with a spatula. This creamy layer brings richness and softness, making every sushi bite melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Arrange the Sliced Strawberries
Place the sliced strawberries in a neat line close to the edge of the cake sheet nearest to you. This bright fruit row forms the “center” of your sushi roll and ensures you get a perfect strawberry bite in every slice.
Step 6: Roll Up the Cake
Carefully lift the parchment paper edge and begin rolling the cake forward, keeping it tight enough to hold shape but gentle enough to avoid cracks. Roll completely into a log that resembles sushi roll shape, trapping all layers inside beautifully.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Wrap your cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 45 to 60 minutes. Once firm, slice into about 1-inch thick pieces. If you like, garnish with drizzled melted white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra wow factor before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe
Garnishes
The Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe shines with simple garnishes that elevate its appearance and flavor. A gentle drizzle of melted white chocolate or dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and elegant finish that guests will adore. Fresh mint leaves or tiny edible flowers also make lovely, fresh accents.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dessert with light, fresh sides like a bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream enhances its fruity charm without overwhelming the palate. A refreshing mint tea or sparkling rosé also complements the light and sweet nature of the shortcake sushi beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange your strawberry shortcake sushi on a decorative platter with colorful edible flowers and fresh mint sprigs. You can serve it with small dipping bowls of fruit coulis or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Cutting the roll into bite-sized pieces encourages no-fuss sharing and adds a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover strawberry shortcake sushi, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The cream and fresh fruit are best enjoyed fresh but will stay deliciously moist and flavorful when chilled properly.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of whipped cream and fresh strawberries may degrade, causing sogginess and loss of freshness. It’s best to make this recipe fresh or store refrigerated for short-term enjoyment.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert with whipped cream and fresh fruit, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches to make your own version of the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe. Just choose fruits that hold up well when rolled and chilled.
What if I don’t have vanilla sponge cake?
If you can’t find vanilla sponge cake, a light and airy yellow cake or even angel food cake can be alternatives. Just make sure the cake is thin enough to roll without cracking or breaking.
Can this dessert be made vegan?
With substitutions, yes! Use a vegan sponge cake, coconut whip cream or another dairy-free whipped topping, and vegan-friendly jam to create a dairy-free and vegan Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe.
How long can I keep the roll chilled before slicing?
Chilling the roll for 45–60 minutes is ideal to set the shape firmly. You can chill it up to 2 hours ahead for convenience, but avoid longer refrigeration as the fruit may release too much moisture.
What’s the secret to rolling without cracks?
Rolling the cake while it’s fresh, moist, and using parchment paper to support the roll helps prevent cracks. Also, trimming the edges for a neat, even surface and rolling gently but firmly are key to a flawless sushi roll appearance.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe is such a joyful treat to make and share — it brings a creative spin to classic flavors that everyone knows and loves. Once you give it a try, it’s hard not to smile at how adorable and delicious this dessert is. It’s perfect for impressing friends, celebrating special moments, or simply indulging in a whimsically sweet snack. So gather your ingredients and roll up some happiness today!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Sushi is a delightful and creative twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. Using a vanilla sponge cake rolled with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and optional strawberry jam, this recipe offers bite-sized, sushi-inspired slices that are perfect for parties or a fun dessert treat. The combination of creamy, fruity, and cake textures makes it a refreshing and visually appealing dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 sheet vanilla sponge cake (approx. 9×13 inches)
Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup melted white chocolate (optional)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is thick and holds its shape well.
- Trim the cake: Lay the vanilla sponge cake flat on a sheet of parchment paper. Trim the edges carefully to form a neat rectangle for even rolling and presentation.
- Add the jam: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the surface of the sponge cake, if using, to add an extra layer of sweetness and strawberry flavor.
- Layer the whipped cream: Spread the prepared whipped cream evenly on top of the jam-covered cake, ensuring a consistent layer for a smooth roll.
- Arrange strawberries: Place the sliced fresh strawberries in a row near the edge of the cake closest to you, to ensure they are nicely visible and distributed inside the roll.
- Roll the cake: Using the parchment paper as a guide, carefully roll the cake forward into a log shape, making sure the filling stays inside and the roll is tight but not squeezed too hard.
- Chill the roll: Wrap the rolled cake securely in parchment or plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes to firm up and develop flavors.
- Slice and serve: After chilling, slice the roll into 1-inch pieces to create sushi-like bites. Garnish each slice with melted white chocolate drizzles or a dusting of powdered sugar, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in this dessert.
- Ensure the whipped cream is cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks more easily.
- The strawberry jam is optional but adds a nice tangy sweetness that complements the fresh fruit.
- Chilling the rolled cake is important to help maintain its shape and make slicing easier.
- For variation, you can substitute vanilla sponge cake with pound cake or chiffon cake if preferred.
- Store leftover slices covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
