There’s a very short window every year when strawberries are so good you almost don’t want to do anything but eat them fresh off the strainer over the sink.
And then, standing there and thinking, I can’t help but think of the buttercream baked into the strawberry shortcake, and how the baked strawberries crumble into a strawberry pie with the flavor of buttery oats.
Friends, strawberry desserts are one of the best summer gifts. Whether you’ve just come home from the farmers market with all the berries money can buy (it happens every time), or you’re looking for something worth making on a hot Saturday afternoon, this is the list for you. These are my top strawberry dessert recipes: pies, cakes, cookies, bars, and one really great no-bake situation.
Get your berries. Let’s get into it.
Strawberry pies, crisps and cobblers
There’s nothing more summery than a strawberry shortcake cooling on the counter. These recipes tap into that seasonal magic without making you sweat (much) for it.
My best strawberry crumble pie ever!
This is one. The jammy, bubbly strawberry filling beneath the buttery crumbly topping manages to add a crunchy pie crust and helps thicken the strawberry juices as the pie bakes. I have made this pie more times than I can count and it never disappoints. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cut a slice on the side to drink with your morning coffee.
| Reader review | “It’s definitely 5 stars.” – Janet |
| Preparation time | 2 hours |
| Cooking time | 45-50 minutes |
| Total time | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Yield | 1 9-inch pie pan |
| Status: | A pie |
Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Cobbler
I know. I know! Just trust me. This cobbler leans heavily into the peanut butter and jelly energy we all grew up with, but in the most mature, dessert-appropriate way. It’s unexpected with juicy strawberry shortcake. It totally works and it’s fun.
| Reader review | “Honestly, it was the best thing ever. If you’re reading this, BE SURE!” – Allison |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 35 minutes |
| Total time | 55 minutes |
| Yield | Serves 9 |
| Status: | Fruits |
Strawberry tarts and cookies
Cake is always the right answer. Especially when it’s pink.
My favorite easy strawberry sheet cake
This cake is my go-to for a summer gathering that requires feeding more than four people without losing my mind. What kind of sheet cake won’t do? It starts with a white cake mix, boosts strawberry Jell-O and sour cream, and ends with a cream cheese frosting you’ll definitely want to eat right out of the bowl. Very southern. A very church party.
| Reader review | “I’ve made this cake for my girls 3 years in a row and they ask for it every birthday.” – Sabina |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 30 minutes |
| Total time | 50 minutes |
| Yield | Section 12-16 |
| Status: | A cake |
Strawberry Pie Bars
Everything you love about strawberry pie in a shareable, handheld format that lends itself well to picnics, parties, and any occasion when an entire pie seems like too much of a commitment. A butterscotch shortbread base (that doubles as a crumbly filling), plus a fresh strawberry filling that’s perfectly sweetened and thickened. Truly one of the easiest bakes on this list without compromising on deliciousness.
| Reader review | “This recipe was absolutely divine with fresh picked strawberries.” – Candace |
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking time | 35 minutes |
| Total time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Yield | 9-12 bars |
| Status: | Fruits |
Almond Flour Whipped Ricotta Strawberry Bars
These bars are gluten-free, which is almost a no-brainer once you taste them. The layer of whipped ricotta is creamy and delicate so that the strawberries on top feel like fruit jewels.
| Reader review | “This was so easy to put together and my family gave it 4 thumbs up.” – Anneka |
| Preparation time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking time | 16-18 minutes |
| Total time | 45 minutes |
| Yield | 9-12 bars |
| Status: | Gluten free |
Strawberry Shortcakes
Cookie season deserves its own section. Full stop.
Dad’s Cookies makes the best strawberry shortcake
The secret to a truly great strawberry shortcake isn’t the strawberries. It’s the cookie. This recipe uses my dad’s cookie formula, which produces a soft, flaky, buttery base that transforms peak season berries and a cloud of whipped cream into something truly special. It’s a classic combination at its best (imho).
| Reader review | “Holy mom, I just made these and they are amazing! 1000000/1000000″. – Milk |
| Preparation time | 40 minutes |
| Cooking time | 18 minutes |
| Total time | 1 hour |
| Yield | 9-12 cookies |
| Status: | Bread, summer, breakfast |
Snickerdoodle Strawberry Shortcakes
What happens when you swap a classic cookie for a giant cookie snickerdoodle? This: The cinnamon-sugar cookie base adds warmth that plays beautifully against the bright, fresh strawberries. A fun twist on a classic that deserves its place at any summer table.
| Reader review | “You just learned every cookie I got. Love this.” – Erin |
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking time | 12 minutes |
| Total time | 45 minutes |
| Yield | 6 cookies |
| Status: | Desserts, cookies |
Strawberry dessert without baking
For those days when the oven is simply not invited.
Strawberry Malt Icebox Cake
I suck at the taste of malt. Layers of malted whipped cream and fresh peak-season strawberries, frozen until the whole thing is flaky and dreamy. A cross between a shortcake and a milkshake at it’s best. No oven, no effort of chopping berries and layering cookies and really impressive results.
| Reader review | “Made this for my book club and everyone loved it, including me.” – Morgan |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | Night chill |
| Total time | 12-24 hours |
| Yield | 8 servings |
| Status: | Cake, summer, birthday |
No-Bake Eton Mess Sundaes
A deconstructed British classic that requires zero time in the oven. Crushed meringue, fresh peak season strawberries and soft whipped cream layered in pan cups. It looks like you tried a lot. You didn’t.
| Reader review | “These No-Bake Eton Mess Sundaes are like the perfect Mother’s Day treat…” – Shummy Claire |
| Preparation time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking time | None |
| Total time | 15 minutes |
| Yield | 4 servings |
| Status: | No-Bake, Summer, Strawberry |
Recipes using freeze dried strawberries
Even when fresh strawberries aren’t at their peak, freeze-dried strawberries add an intensely concentrated flavor to baked goods year-round. These are the recipes where freeze dried berries are the star.
Taylor Swift’s Strawberry White Chocolate Chai Sugar Cookies
What started as a Swifty tribute turned into a full-on baking obsession. Freeze-dried strawberries are folded into a chai-infused sugar cookie dough finished with white chocolate chips. Flavorful, fun and really hard to eat just one.
| Reader review | “These are amazing. Based on other previous reviews, I also only used 2 cups of flour and they turned out great.” – Peyton |
| Preparation time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Cooking time | 12 minutes |
| Total time | 1 hour 42 minutes |
| Yield | about 20 cookies |
| Status: | Cookies, strawberries, freeze dried |
No-Bake Neapolitan Birthday Cake
A holiday cake that takes zero time in the oven. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry no-bake cheesecake filling make this the birthday cake that earns the highest compliments and most anxious recipe requests.
| Reader review | “I have a friend who can’t eat eggs. I always make him Rice Krispies treats. Now I can make a cake. Thank you.” – Jenny |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | None |
| Total time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Yield | 8-12 beautiful layers |
| Status: | No-Bake, Birthday, Frozen |
Dede’s Strawberry Pistachio Doberge Cake
New Orleans-style dobergé cake with alternating layers of strawberries and pistachios, inspired by the legendary Dede’s Bakery. Freeze-dried strawberries give the filling a deep pink color and concentrated flavor.
| Reader review | “Yes, my mother will be 90 next week and she loves strawberries. So this will be her cake. Thank you.” – Debbie |
| Preparation time | 4 hours or overnight |
| Cooking time | 25 minutes |
| Total time | 4 hours 25 minutes |
| Yield | 8 to 12 layers |
| Status: | Cake, strawberry, freeze dried |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best strawberry desserts for a crowd?
Sheet cakes and bars are your best friends here. Strawberry Sheet Cake and Strawberry Pie Bars travel well, slice easily, and can be made a day ahead. An ice box cake is also a great option to make and it actually gets better overnight.
Can I use frozen strawberries in these recipes?
For pies, cobblers and pies, absolutely. Thaw them first and squeeze out the excess liquid so the filling doesn’t get watery. For cookies and no-bake desserts, fresh strawberries will always give you better results in both flavor and texture.
What is the easiest strawberry dessert to make?
Strawberry sheet cake is probably the most accessible because it starts with a cake mix and comes together quickly. Strawberry Malt Icebox Cake is a close second; no baking required and it basically assembles itself.
How to store strawberry desserts?
Most of these keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Pies and crumbles are best the day of baking or the day after. Icebox cake and bars actually get better after overnight in the fridge.
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