There’s something about strawberry shortcake that instantly feels like summer. It’s light, sweet, and nostalgic in that barefoot-in-the-kitchen, windows-open kind of way. But every once in a while, it’s fun to take a classic and give it a little wink—and that’s exactly what these Strawberry Shortcake Donuts do.
Instead of biscuits or sponge cake, this version uses soft glazed donuts as the base. Slice them open, layer on juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that feels playful, indulgent, and completely irresistible. It’s simple, a little over-the-top (in the best way), and perfect for warm-weather cravings when you want something fun without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Glazed Donut Strawberry Shortcakes
- A fun twist on classic strawberry shortcake
- Made with store-bought donuts for ultimate ease
- Perfect for spring and summer gatherings
- No baking required
- Sweet, creamy, fruity, and totally crowd-pleasing
If you love donuts and strawberries, this dessert is basically a love letter to both.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to pull these together:
- Glazed donuts – Store-bought or homemade
- Fresh strawberries – Sliced
- Granulated sugar – To macerate the strawberries
- Heavy whipping cream – For homemade whipped cream
- Powdered sugar – Lightly sweetens the cream
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Donuts
1. Prepare the strawberries
Add the sliced strawberries to a medium bowl and toss with the granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, until they release their juices and become syrupy.
2. Make the whipped cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to use.
3. Slice the donuts
Slice each glazed donut horizontally, creating a top and bottom—just like a sandwich.
4. Assemble the shortcakes
Place the bottom half of each donut on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the juicy strawberries over the donut, followed by a dollop (or two) of whipped cream. Add the donut top and finish with more whipped cream and strawberries if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Donut Shortcakes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor
- Letting the strawberries sit with sugar is key—it creates that classic shortcake syrup
- Don’t overwhip the cream; soft, pillowy peaks work best
- Assemble just before serving so the donuts stay soft and fluffy
Ingredients
- 4 glazed donuts
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Shortcake Donuts are proof that desserts don’t have to be complicated to feel special. They’re playful, nostalgic, and just indulgent enough—perfect for backyard get-togethers, last-minute guests, or those evenings when you want a little extra sweetness without a lot of effort.
Classic summer flavor… with a donut on top. 🍓🍩