Description
Portable, make-ahead strawberry shortcake skewers that are perfect for summer parties. These easy appetizers feature fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers on a stick for mess-free enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and dried
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
- 1 package (approx. 20) mini vanilla wafers
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the cream sticks.
- Chill a large mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla bean paste.
- Whip the cream on medium-low speed, then increase to high, until stiff peaks form. Do not over-whip.
- Take a skewer and slide on a strawberry, pushing it down halfway.
- Add a generous dollop of whipped cream (about 1 inch thick) onto the skewer.
- Slide another strawberry on top, pressing it gently into the cream. Repeat the pattern: strawberry, cream, strawberry.
- Aim for three strawberries and two dollops of cream per skewer, finishing with a strawberry on top.
- Gently press a mini vanilla wafer into the top strawberry to add structure and crunch.
- Place assembled skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Just before serving, sift confectioners’ sugar over the tops and garnish with mint if desired.
Notes
Ensure strawberries are completely dry before assembling to prevent the cream from sliding off. The cream must be whipped to stiff peaks to hold the structure. These can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Do not freeze, as the texture of the whipped cream will change upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, summer dessert, party appetizer, make-ahead dessert, portable dessert, Labor Day recipe, easy dessert, skewers