Easy Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Recipe

If you love strawberry shortcake but want an easy party dessert that feeds a crowd, this strawberry shortcake lasagna cake is always a hit. It has layers of soft cake, sweet cream cheese icing, vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and strawberry glaze for a fun twist on a classic summer dessert.

Strawberry shortcake has always been one of my favorite desserts for family gatherings. I even asked for it for my birthday growing up, and now it’s one of my favorite desserts to serve for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, summer cookouts, and birthdays.

This easy strawberry shortcake cake is made in a 9×13 glass baking dish, which makes it perfect for parties, potlucks, and any occasion where you need a simple dessert everyone will love.

The creamy layers, fresh berries, and sweet glaze make it feel special, but it’s still easy enough to make without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake

This strawberry shortcake lasagna cake is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. It has all the fresh, sweet flavor of classic strawberry shortcake with a fun layered twist that makes it perfect for sharing.

• It’s great for parties. This recipe is made in a 9×13-inch pan, making it easy to slice and serve at parties.
• It has the best layers. Soft cake, fluffy cream cheese icing, vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and strawberry glaze come together for a dessert that tastes creamy, fruity, and nostalgic.
• It’s make-ahead friendly. Since the cake needs time to chill, you can prepare it before guests arrive and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
• It’s a fun twist on strawberry shortcake. Instead of biscuits or individual shortcakes, this version turns the classic dessert into a layered strawberry shortcake cake that feels extra special.
• It uses fresh strawberries. Juicy strawberries add the perfect bright, fresh flavor, making this dessert beautiful for spring and summer.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake

This strawberry shortcake lasagna cake comes together in layers. The most important tip is to let the cake cool completely before adding the icing, vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and glaze.

Step 1: Bake the cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk in 2 additions. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition.

Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake in the oven on the middle rack at 350 degrees for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before adding strawberries, whipped cream, and glaze.

Step 2: Make the cream cheese icing

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until fluffy. Add the vanilla, then slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream and continue mixing until the icing becomes thick, fluffy, and firm enough to spread.

This icing is what gives the strawberry shortcake cake its creamy, dreamy layers, so take your time and beat it until it holds its shape.

Step 3: Add the first icing layer

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese icing over the top. Make sure the cake is not warm, or the icing will soften and become harder to layer.

Step 4: Add the vanilla wafers

Place rows of vanilla wafers over the icing. They add a sweet cookie layer and help give this dessert its fun strawberry shortcake lasagna layer.

Step 5: Add strawberries

Slice the fresh strawberries lengthwise, then layer them over the icing. Try to spread them evenly so every slice gets plenty of strawberry flavor.

Step 6: Repeat the layers

Add another layer of icing, followed by another layer of vanilla wafers. Finish with a final layer of icing and strawberries.

Step 7: Chill before serving

Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours before serving. This helps the layers set and makes the cake easier to slice.

Step 8: Add strawberry glaze

Right before serving, drizzle strawberry glaze over the top and add extra fresh strawberries if desired. This gives the cake a beautiful finish and a sweeter strawberry flavor.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake

A few simple tips will help this strawberry shortcake lasagna cake turn out pretty, creamy, and easy to slice every time.

• Let the cake cool completely. If the cake is even slightly warm, the cream cheese icing can soften too much and slide around as you layer it.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries. Fresh strawberries give this dessert the best flavor, color, and texture. Frozen strawberries can release too much liquid, so save those for smoothies, sauces, or homemade glaze.
• Do not overfill the cake pan. Fill the 9×13-inch pan about two-thirds of the way with batter so the cake has room to rise without overflowing.
• Chill before serving. Refrigerating the cake for at least 3 hours helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
• Add the strawberry glaze at the end. For the prettiest presentation, drizzle the glaze over the cake right before serving.
• Use a sharp knife for clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat pieces.
• Make it extra festive. For Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or summer parties, add blueberries with the strawberries for a festive red, white, and blue dessert.

Can I Make Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, this strawberry shortcake lasagna cake is a great make-ahead dessert because it needs time to chill before serving. You can assemble the cake earlier in the day or make it the night before, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

For the best presentation, wait to add the strawberry glaze and extra fresh strawberries until shortly before serving. This keeps the top looking fresh.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake

Store the strawberry shortcake lasagna cake covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Because this dessert has cream cheese icing, heavy whipping cream, fresh strawberries, and strawberry glaze, it should stay chilled and not sit out at room temperature for too long.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vanilla wafers will soften as the cake sits, but the flavor will still be delicious.

For the best texture and presentation, this dessert is best served within the first 24 to 48 hours. If you know you’ll have leftovers, wait to add extra fresh strawberries and glaze to individual slices instead of the whole cake.

Can You Freeze Strawberries for This Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze strawberries, but fresh strawberries work best for the layers in this strawberry shortcake lasagna cake. Fresh berries hold their shape, add better texture, and make the finished dessert look prettier when sliced.

Frozen strawberries are better for making strawberry glaze, sauces, smoothies, ice cream, sorbet, or other strawberry desserts.

When to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake

This strawberry shortcake lasagna cake is one of those desserts that works for almost any spring or summer celebration. It’s easy to make and serves a crowd.

Serve it for:

• Memorial Day or Fourth of July: Add blueberries on top with the strawberries for an easy red, white, and blue dessert.
• Fourth of July: Drizzle the strawberry glaze right before serving and decorate with extra berries for a festive holiday treat.
• Summer BBQs: This chilled dessert is perfect after burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and other classic cookout foods.
• Birthday parties: If you love strawberry shortcake, this makes a fun and unexpected birthday cake.
• Potlucks: Since it’s made in a baking dish, it’s easy to transport and serve.
• Baby showers or bridal showers: The creamy layers and fresh strawberries make it pretty enough for a special dessert table.
• Family gatherings: It’s simple, sweet, and nostalgic, which makes it a dessert everyone will want.
• National Strawberry Shortcake Day: June 14 is the perfect excuse to make this easy strawberry shortcake cake and celebrate with something sweet.

SaveSaveSaveSaveStrawberry Shortcake Lasagna Cake FAQs

What is strawberry shortcake lasagna cake?

Strawberry shortcake lasagna cake is a layered strawberry dessert made with soft cake, cream cheese icing, vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and strawberry glaze. It’s a fun twist on classic strawberry shortcake.

Can I make strawberry shortcake lasagna cake the night before?

Yes, you can make strawberry shortcake lasagna cake the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. For the best presentation, wait to add the strawberry glaze and extra fresh strawberries until shortly before serving.

Do I have to use vanilla wafers?

No, you don’t have to use vanilla wafers, but they add great flavor and texture. You can also try shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or ladyfingers if you want a slightly different flavor.

Can I use store-bought strawberry glaze?

Yes, store-bought strawberry glaze works well and keeps this recipe easy. You can also make a homemade strawberry glaze with strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water if you have extra berries on hand.

How long does strawberry shortcake lasagna cake last?

Strawberry shortcake lasagna cake will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when covered tightly. For the best texture, serve it within the first 24 to 48 hours.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for the layers because they hold their shape and texture. Frozen strawberries release extra liquid when thawed, so they work better for homemade glazes, sauces, smoothies, or toppings.

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This strawberry shortcake lasagna cake is the kind of dessert that feels special yet easy enough to make for a casual summer gathering. With layers of soft cake, fluffy cream cheese icing, vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, and sweet strawberry glaze, it has all the flavor of classic strawberry shortcake in a fun party-ready version.

It’s simple, nostalgic, and always one of those desserts people go back to for seconds. If you love this summer recipe, be sure to also check out another one of my favorites, no-bake banana split icebox cake.

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