Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries (sliced); 2 cups heavy whipping cream (whipped); 4 cups shortcake cubes (bite-sized pieces); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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By: Maria
Posted: 03/12/2025

This Strawberry Shortcake Fluff salad is a light, creamy, and irresistibly sweet dessert salad that combines juicy strawberries, fluffy whipped topping, vanilla pudding, and crumbled shortcake biscuits. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or a quick summer treat, this no-bake recipe is easy to make and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor! 🍓🥄✨

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Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
1 cup (240 g) mini marshmallows
2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, diced
1 cup (100 g) crushed shortbread cookies (or crumbled pound cake)
½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

In a large bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
Let sit for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Stir in the mini marshmallows, diced strawberries, crushed cookies, nuts (if using), vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Before serving, stir gently and garnish with extra strawberries and cookie crumbles.

Notes

Want it even fluffier? Add ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Make it healthier: Swap whipped topping for homemade whipped cream.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
No fresh strawberries? Use frozen, thawed strawberries but drain excess liquid.

Why This Recipe Works

The creamy vanilla pudding base blends perfectly with fluffy whipped topping, juicy strawberries, and crunchy cookie crumbles, creating a refreshing, no-bake dessert that’s sweet, light, and full of texture.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad is a fun, easy, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or sweet craving. With simple ingredients and no baking required, it’s a must-try treat! Make it today and enjoy a spoonful of creamy, fruity bliss! 🍓🥄✨

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?

Yes, you can absolutely make this dessert ahead of time! The Strawberry Shortcake Fluff is best when chilled for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. You can assemble the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add any garnishes like extra strawberries or cookie crumbles. Be aware that the cookie crumbles may soften slightly over time, so consider adding those just before serving for the best texture.

Are there any ingredient substitutions I can make if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?

Certainly! If you don’t have shortbread cookies, you can substitute them with crumbled pound cake, graham crackers, or even vanilla wafers; use the same 1 cup (100g) measurement. If you’re out of whipped topping, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream, using 1 cup of heavy cream whipped with 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of some or all of the whipped topping, starting with ½ cup. If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, but be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mix.

How can I tell when the Strawberry Shortcake Fluff is perfectly chilled and ready to serve?

The Strawberry Shortcake Fluff is perfectly chilled when it has set up and the flavors have had a chance to blend. After chilling for at least 1 hour, the pudding base will have thickened, and the mixture will have a creamy, fluffy consistency. You’ll notice the strawberries have softened slightly and released some of their juices, enhancing the overall flavor. The salad should be cold to the touch. A good visual cue is that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds its shape when scooped.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up! To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredients. For example, use two packages of vanilla pudding mix, two cups of milk, and two 8-oz containers of whipped topping. Make sure you have a large enough bowl to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to chill the salad for a slightly longer time to ensure it’s fully set, possibly up to 2 hours. The cooking time remains the same, but the chilling time may need to be adjusted.

What are the nutritional highlights of this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff, and are there ways to make it healthier?

This Strawberry Shortcake Fluff offers a good dose of Vitamin C from the strawberries and some calcium from the milk and pudding. The addition of nuts, if used, adds healthy fats and protein. To make it healthier, consider using homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping, and using Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of some or all of the whipped topping for added protein and probiotics. You can also reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or honey in moderation.

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Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad

This refreshing Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad is a light and fluffy dessert with a blend of juicy strawberries, whipped cream, and soft shortcake cubes, perfect for summer gatherings.

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