Strawberry Slab Dessert Cake

by

🍓 Strawberry Slab Dessert Cake 🍓
A luscious, no-bake treat layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries!

📝 Introduction

This stunning dessert is a Strawberry Slab Cake—a beloved classic in many households, especially during strawberry season. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, summer gatherings, or when you simply want something fruity, fresh, and creamy. This cake is like a giant strawberry shortcake, layered in a tray with a cloud of whipped cream and crowned with glazed, juicy strawberries. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also incredibly simple to make.

🛒 Ingredients

For the crust (optional – or use store-bought cake or graham cracker base):

  • 2 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the creamy layer:

  • 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (or 2 cups heavy cream, whipped with sugar)

For the strawberry topping:

  • 5–6 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup strawberry glaze or pie filling (or homemade: see below)

Optional homemade strawberry glaze:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)

🍰 Instructions

1. Prepare the crust (if using):

  • Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar together until sandy.
  • Press into a greased baking tray or sheet pan.
  • Chill in the fridge while you prepare the cream layer.

2. Make the cream layer:

  • Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  • Fold in whipped topping or freshly whipped cream.
  • Spread over chilled crust evenly using a spatula.

3. Prepare the strawberries:

  • Wash and slice strawberries.
  • If using store-bought glaze, mix with strawberries in a bowl.
  • If making homemade glaze, heat water, sugar, and cornstarch in a pan until thickened. Stir in strawberry gelatin, remove from heat, and let cool slightly before mixing with strawberries.

4. Assemble the cake:

  • Spoon glazed strawberries over the cream layer.
  • Smooth them out to cover the entire surface generously.

5. Chill:

  • Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight to let it set properly.

🧑‍🍳 Methods

  • Chilling Method: Key to keeping the layers firm and the topping shiny.
  • No-Bake Option: You can skip the crust or use ladyfingers, angel food cake pieces, or even crushed cookies.
  • Presentation Tip: Use a large flat baking sheet for a slab-like shape and ease of cutting.

🕰️ History

Strawberry desserts have roots in American and European cuisine, dating back to the 1800s when strawberries became widely cultivated. Whipped cream and strawberries were a luxurious pairing often served to royalty. This slab-style cake is a modern twist on traditional strawberry shortcake, designed for ease, visual appeal, and large gatherings.

🌿 Benefits

  • Rich in Vitamin C from fresh strawberries
  • Good source of calcium from cream cheese and dairy
  • Mood-boosting dessert with sweet and fruity satisfaction
  • Crowd-friendly and easy to scale up
  • Great for no-bake lovers during hot months

🧪 Formation and Structure

  • Layer 1 (Base): Offers structure and crunch.
  • Layer 2 (Cream): Soft, rich, and fluffy. Balances the fruit.
  • Layer 3 (Strawberries): Juicy, bright, and the star of the show.

This architecture ensures every bite is balanced in texture and flavor!

🫶 For the Lovers of…

  • Strawberry Shortcake
  • No-bake Summer Desserts
  • Creamy, fruity layers
  • Crowd-sized treats
  • Visual WOW factor dishes
  • Whipped and dreamy textures

🍓 Nutrition (per slice estimate – 1 of 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Vitamin C: 35% DV
    Values vary depending on ingredients and toppings.

🏁 Conclusion

This Strawberry Slab Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer, of freshness, of family gatherings and happy moments. It’s light, luscious, and absolutely addictive. Whether you serve it at a picnic or a birthday, it always wins hearts.

💖 For the Lovers… Again!

To all who adore strawberries, creamy layers, and desserts that don’t need baking—this one’s for you. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create magic. You just need strawberries, cream, and love.

Would you like a chocolate version, a peach twist, or a more traditional baked strawberry cake next?

Leave a Comment