If you have a sweet tooth and a playful spirit in the kitchen, this Shortcake Sushi Recipe will become one of your new favorite desserts. Imagine the fresh, fruity explosion of strawberries combined with airy vanilla sponge cake and luscious whipped cream, all rolled up to mimic sushi rolls—but tastier and more indulgent. It’s a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for impressing guests or simply savoring a sweet moment at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of many sliced strawberries inside a white bowl. The strawberries have a bright red outer layer with visible yellow seeds, and the inside is a lighter, almost pale pink color with a soft texture. The slices vary in size and are tightly packed, showing their juicy and fresh look. Part of a silver spoon is visible on the right side, resting among the strawberry slices. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet brilliantly effective. Each ingredient plays a vital role, lending the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that makes this Shortcake Sushi Recipe stand out.

Vanilla sponge cake: The soft, fluffy base that wraps around all the delicious fillings to create that signature roll texture.
Fresh strawberries: Juicy and vibrant, they add a natural sweetness and a pop of color that’s irresistible.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, it brings a creamy softness that complements the cake and fruit.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream gently without any graininess, ensuring smoothness in every bite.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the whipped cream into pure indulgence.
Strawberry jam (optional): Adds an extra layer of fruity richness and helps bind the ingredients together inside the roll.
Melted white chocolate (optional): For drizzling on top—it adds a touch of elegance and an extra hint of sweetness.

How to Make Shortcake Sushi Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by whipping your heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial because the whipped cream adds luxuriously light texture and sweetness that makes the sushi rolls feel special and delightful in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake

Place your vanilla sponge cake on a piece of parchment paper and trim the edges carefully to create a neat rectangle. This makes rolling easier and ensures your final sushi rolls are tidy and visually appealing, just like actual sushi.

Step 3: Layer the Jam and Cream

Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam across the surface of the sponge cake for a fruity base. Then, evenly spread the whipped cream right on top. These layers work together to create a luscious combination that gives each sushi slice a harmonious depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries

Arrange your sliced fresh strawberries in a line along the edge of the cake closest to you. This not only adds a fresh burst of flavor but also gives the rolls that classic sushi look once sliced. Don’t be shy with the strawberries—they’re the star of the show!

Step 5: Roll It Up

Using the parchment paper, carefully roll the cake forward over the strawberries to form a tight log. This rolling technique locks all the delicious elements inside, creating that sushi-roll shape with a delightful shortcake twist.

Step 6: Chill the Roll

Wrap the roll tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for about 45 to 60 minutes. This step is essential because it firms up the cream and helps the flavors meld together, making slicing cleaner and serving easier.

Step 7: Slice and Garnish

Once chilled, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, drizzle with melted white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving. These garnishes make the Shortcake Sushi Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.

How to Serve Shortcake Sushi Recipe

The image shows a rectangular white plate on a white marbled surface with eight pieces of sushi arranged neatly in two rows. Each sushi piece has a pink outer layer with a soft, slightly textured look and is topped with small green mint leaves and a halved bright red strawberry. Inside the sushi, there is a white creamy layer surrounding a whole red strawberry, creating a colorful contrast. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the right side of the plate, partially visible. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the fresh, vibrant sushi pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Shortcake Sushi Recipe, consider adding visual and flavor enhancements. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate transforms the rolls into delightful little works of art. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also add a beautiful touch and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of mixed berries to complement the strawberry theme. A cup of green tea or a fruity sparkling water can create a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful serving idea, arrange the sushi rolls on a wooden sushi board or a bamboo mat alongside small bowls of strawberry jam or chocolate sauce for dipping. You could even make a dessert platter mixing different fruit slices and cream dollops to accompany your Shortcake Sushi Recipe and wow your guests with charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the sliced Shortcake Sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to keep the cake moist and the cream fresh.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing this delicate dessert isn’t ideal because the whipped cream and fresh strawberries can lose texture upon thawing. If you must freeze, consider freezing the sponge cake alone and assembling the sushi just before serving for optimal freshness.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert! In fact, it’s best served chilled to maintain the creaminess of the whipped cream and the freshness of the strawberries. Simply take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to bring it to the perfect temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even kiwi slices for different flavors and colors that still work beautifully with the cake and cream.

What kind of sponge cake works best?

A light and airy vanilla sponge works best because it’s tender enough to roll without cracking yet sturdy enough to hold the fillings. You can also try a store-bought sheet cake if you’re short on time.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip the cream a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled and give it a quick whip before assembling if it starts to deflate.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Definitely! Its bright colors, fun sushi shape, and sweet flavors make it a big hit with kids and adults alike. Just be mindful of allergies related to dairy or strawberries.

How long does it take to make the Shortcake Sushi Recipe?

The hands-on preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional hour for chilling. It’s a perfect recipe for when you want something impressive but not complicated.

Final Thoughts

This Shortcake Sushi Recipe is a playful and delicious way to transform classic dessert flavors into a fun presentation that’s sure to wow anyone lucky enough to try it. The balance of fresh fruit, creamy whipped filling, and soft sponge cake wrapped in a sushi roll shape will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Give it a go—you’ll love the smiles it brings to the table!

Shortcake Sushi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Shortcake Sushi is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, rolled sushi-style with fluffy vanilla sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and sweet whipped cream. This no-bake, visually stunning dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for parties or special occasions, offering a fun way to enjoy the flavors of strawberry shortcake in bite-sized sushi rolls.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 sheet vanilla sponge cake (approx. 9×13 inches)
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional)
1/4 cup melted white chocolate (optional)

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Instructions

Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a sweet and fluffy topping for the sponge cake.
Prepare the Sponge Cake: Lay the vanilla sponge cake flat on parchment paper and trim the edges to form a neat rectangle for easier rolling.
Add Jam and Cream Layers: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the surface of the cake, then layer the whipped cream on top, smoothing it out to cover the cake completely.
Arrange Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in a neat line near the edge of the cake closest to you, setting up the roll’s filling.
Roll the Cake: Using the parchment paper to help, carefully roll the cake forward to form a tight log, encasing the cream and strawberries inside.
Chill the Roll: Wrap the rolled cake securely and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes to allow it to set and hold its shape.
Slice and Serve: Remove the cake roll from the fridge and slice it into 1-inch pieces. Garnish with melted white chocolate drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to add an elegant finishing touch.