Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs | Valentine’s Day

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strawberry shortcakes skewers

What’s Up, Hungry People

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, folks, and it’s time to sprinkle a little extra sweetness into the mix for your loved ones! This year is particularly special for me – it marks the five-year anniversary of Nick’s and my first official date.

As a cherry on top, at the end of March, we’re jetting off to New York City to celebrate half a decade of love!

To keep things low-key and budget-friendly this Valentine’s Day (gotta save for the Big Apple, right?), I’m whipping up some homemade, heart-shaped strawberry shortcake kabobs.

strawberry shortcakes on sticks

Here’s What You Need

  • Vanilla Cake Mix: The base for your cake, providing structure and classic vanilla flavor.
  • Ingredients on Cake Mix Box: Typically include eggs, oil, and water for cake moisture and binding.
  • Strawberries: Add natural sweetness and a romantic, heart-shaped visual appeal.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips into a light, fluffy texture for creaminess and richness.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and balances the flavors.

Let’s Cook

While I’m all about making things from scratch (I swear, they just taste better when they’re infused with love), don’t sweat it if you want to take a shortcut with store-bought shortcakes and whipped cream. The key here is to add your personal touch.

valentines day strawberry shortcake

First up, let’s talk about giving those strawberries a lovey-dovey makeover. Turning them into heart shapes is surprisingly easy and oh-so-adorable. Start by removing the white top and leaves. Then, create a heart shape by making two diagonal slits at the center of the strawberry’s top and removing the small, triangular center. Feel free to round the edges a bit, but they look pretty heart-like even without extra sculpting!

Now, onto the cake. Once your cake has cooled, cut it into heart shapes. If you’re wondering about the perfect texture and flavor for your shortcake, think light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to complement the strawberries.

Whipped cream time! Whether you whip it up yourself or go the ready-made route, remember, it’s all about the love you put into it.

Assembly is where the magic happens. Take a bamboo skewer and thread on a strawberry heart, a piece of cake, and finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat until your skewer is a delicious tower of Valentine’s joy.

No skewers? No problem! Simply pile those heart-shaped goodies on a plate and let the whipped cream rain down. More is more when it comes to sweetness on Valentine’s Day.

Serve these kabobs with a side of affection (and maybe a smooch).

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs Tips

  • Choosing Strawberries: Look for firm, ripe strawberries for easier cutting and better flavor.
  • Baking the Cake: Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking. A toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done.
  • Cutting Heart Shapes: Use a sharp knife for precision. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect – it’s the thought that counts!
  • Whipping Cream: Chill your bowl and beaters beforehand for firmer peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, or it can become buttery.
  • Assembling Kabobs: If you’re not a fan of skewers, layering the components in a glass can create a stunning parfait.
valentines day strawberry shortcake treat

Alright, Hungry People, there you have it – the sweet and simple way to bring some homemade love to your Valentine’s Day (or any day, really). These strawberry shortcake kabobs are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes too.

And let’s be real, who wouldn’t love a dessert that looks as good as it tastes? Plus, the joy of making these kabobs yourself – from the heart-shaped strawberries to the fluffy whipped cream – adds an extra layer of care to your sweet gesture. So grab your skewers (or don’t, plates work too), and let’s make some sweet memories! Enjoy!

strawberry skewers

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs for Valentine’s Day

The Starving Chef
Whip up homemade Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs with heart-shaped strawberries and fluffy vanilla whipped cream. A sweet treat for any occasion!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Valentine’s Day
Cuisine Cake, Fruit, Valentine’s Day
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix + ingredients listed on box required to make the cake
  • 1 box strawberries
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • cup sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or a silicone mat) and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Spread the cake batter across the sheet in an even layer.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges are slightly pulling away from the sides of the baking sheet. After baking, transfer the cake to a cooling rack and let it cool completely.
  • While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberries by cutting them into heart shapes. To do this, cut off the top 1/4 inch of each strawberry (including the white part and the leaves). Then, make two diagonal slits on either side of the hollow center of the strawberry to remove a small wedge and shape it like a heart. Optionally, round the edges for a more defined heart shape. Place the strawberries in the refrigerator.
  • In a small mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture has doubled in size and firm peaks begin to form. The whipped cream should be thick enough that it doesn’t fall off a spoon easily.
  • Once the cake has cooled, cut it into heart-shaped pieces (or squares, if preferred). Assemble the cake pieces, strawberries, and dollops of whipped cream onto bamboo skewers. Chill the skewers until you're ready to serve them.
  • Enjoy this delightful treat with a hug and a kiss from your loved one – and even more whipped cream on top!

Video

Keyword cake, skewer, strawberries
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