If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible, this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe will absolutely make your day. It’s a creamy, dreamy celebration of juicy strawberries, tender cake cubes, fluffy marshmallows, and velvety whipped cream, all tossed together in a single bowl of pure joy. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue, making something special for a potluck, or just want a treat that feels like summer in a spoon, this is the kind of recipe that consistently delivers smiles and empty bowls.

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, each element of this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe does some heavy lifting to create a treat that’s full of contrasting textures and gorgeous color. When you bring them all together, the result is nothing short of magical. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Fresh Strawberries: Bursting with sweetness and a lovely pop of color, strawberries are the absolute star here—try to pick ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor!
Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: This forms the soft, spongy base—use half a loaf for the perfect cake-to-cream ratio and cut it into generous cubes for the fluffiest experience.
Mini Marshmallows: These lend a delightful chew and a bit of whimsical fun, making the salad extra fluffy and sweet.
Whipped Cream Topping: Adds lightness and creaminess, perfectly binding everything together into a smooth, cloud-like consistency.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Just the right touch of rich sweetness that ties all the flavors into a harmonious blend—don’t skip it!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Begin by grabbing your pound cake or angel food cake and slicing it right down the center. Set one half aside for another treat (or a sneaky snack later on!). For the half you’ll use, trim away any dark or dry edges to keep the final salad beautifully soft and light. Cut the cake into cubes about 1½ inches—a little larger than dice. This lets each piece hold its own in the creamy salad while soaking up that luscious dressing.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl (trust me, you want extra space for everything that’s about to come), combine the whipped cream topping with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir this duo together gently until it’s silky-smooth and uniform—the creaminess will make every bite a dream, so take a moment here to make sure these get thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows

Next, fold in the mini marshmallows. These bite-sized treats bring a subtle, delightful chew to the salad, giving it a playful texture that’s surprisingly satisfying. Stir them in gently to coat every marshmallow in that creamy base—don’t rush this, as you want the fluffiness to shine through in every spoonful.

Step 4: Slice and Add the Strawberries

Wash and slice your strawberries, aiming for even, medium-thick slices so they’re easy to scoop up but sturdy enough not to disappear in the salad. Add them to the bowl, marveling at the vibrant red color they bring—if you nibble on a few, I won’t tell. Their tart juiciness cuts through the creamy sweetness in the most delightful way.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now comes the moment of truth! Gently fold the cake cubes and sliced strawberries into the creamy, marshmallowy goodness. Use a spatula and a soft touch to avoid breaking up the cake too much—think of yourself as coaxing everything together rather than stirring forcefully. Each ingredient should be evenly distributed, so every bite is a bit of cake, berry, and cream.

Step 6: Chill the Salad

Cover your glorious bowl of Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and slide it into the fridge. This chilling step does wonders for the flavor and texture, allowing the cake to soak up the creamy mixture and everything to meld beautifully. Let it rest for at least a couple of hours, or even overnight for the most decadent results.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to share, spoon generous helpings into small bowls, parfait glasses, or even mason jars for a bit of presentation flair. The salad is at its absolute best within 1-3 days of making it—so dig in and relish every creamy, strawberry-packed bite with your favorite people.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Dressing up your Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe is half the fun! Try topping it off with extra slices of fresh strawberries, a few whole mini marshmallows, or a little sprig of fresh mint. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds an irresistible bakery-style touch. Presentation may be simple, but these little flourishes make each dish feel truly special.

Side Dishes

This salad fits right in at casual gatherings alongside backyard barbecue fare, summer grilled chicken, or classic picnic sides like coleslaw and corn on the cob. It’s also a fantastic finish to a spring brunch with egg casserole or quiche—its lightness and bright berry flavors balance out a savory spread perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe layered in clear dessert glasses for a trifle-inspired look, or pile it onto crisp shortcake biscuits for an extra-decadent twist. For a party, spoon individual portions into mini cups with a strawberry on top, or let guests build their own with a self-serve “fluff bar” featuring extra mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to three days when kept in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will continue to soak up the cream, becoming extra luscious, but after a couple days, things might get a bit too soft—so it’s best enjoyed relatively soon after making.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The whipped cream and marshmallows tend to lose their signature fluffy textures once thawed, and strawberries can release extra moisture, making the entire dessert a bit soggy. It’s best to savor this recipe fresh and cold from the refrigerator for the ultimate flavor and mouthfeel.

Reheating

No reheating necessary here! This treat is meant to be served chilled, straight from the fridge. If you’ve made it ahead, just give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen up the mix and redistribute all those lovely strawberries and cake cubes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the bright flavor and best texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw them completely first, and pat off excess juice to prevent the salad from getting watery.

Is it okay to use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream offers a rich, fresh flavor and works beautifully in this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe. Just make sure your whipped cream is stabilized (with a touch of sugar and maybe a little gelatin) to maintain the salad’s fluffy texture.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! In fact, making your Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe a few hours or even the night before helps all the flavors meld and the cake soak up the creamy mixture. Just be sure to cover tightly and store in the fridge until serving.

What kind of cake works best?

You can use either pound cake or angel food cake for the perfect fluffy texture. Pound cake gives a richer, more buttery flavor while angel food keeps things extra light and airy—choose your favorite or try both styles on different occasions.

Any suggestions for mix-ins or extra flavors?

Definitely! Chopped fresh pineapple, blueberries, or raspberries add extra fruitiness. A handful of white chocolate chips or toasted coconut can provide a fun twist. Just keep the proportions in check so the salad stays light and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a celebration in a bowl, this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe is calling your name. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun—perfect for sharing and sure to become a family favorite. Don’t wait for a special occasion; give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you’d ever expect!

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and refreshing dessert salad that combines the flavors of strawberry shortcake in a light and fluffy mixture. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe:

2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
½ loaf pound cake or angel food cake premade or boxed mix
10.5 oz mini marshmallows
8 oz whipped cream topping
14 oz sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Cut the pound cake or angel food cake into cubes.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture
Mix the whipped cream topping with sweetened condensed milk.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallows
Combine mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Slice and Add the Strawberries
Slice fresh strawberries and add them to the bowl.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Fold all ingredients together gently.
Step 6: Chill the Salad
Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad fresh within 1-3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American