Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn a world overflowing with traditional desserts, the concept of dessert sushi may just take you by delightful surprise! Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. This imaginative dish wraps soft cake, airy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries into a fun roll that’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Perfect for summer barbecues or a lively family cooking adventure, it’s both easy to prepare and an unforgettable dessert that everyone will be raving about. Plus, with simple substitutions, this recipe can be made gluten-free or even vegan! Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a culinary twist that they’re sure to love? Why is Dessert Sushi So Fun? Playful Presentation: Strawberry Shortcake Sushi is not just delicious; it’s an eye-catching twist that sparks conversation at any gathering. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it with your favorite fruits, transforming it into mango or kiwi rolls for a tropical flair. Easy to Make: Even novice cooks can master this recipe, turning moments in the kitchen into memorable culinary adventures—perfect for involving kids! Great for Gatherings: This dish is bound to be the star at summer barbecues or dessert tables, making it a hit with friends and family. Diet-Friendly Options: With simple substitutions, you can cater to various diets, making it gluten-free or even vegan-friendly—check out how to make it your own with dairy-free alternatives or fun toppings! Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Ingredients For the Base • 1 pound cake – This soft cake serves as the foundation for your delicious dessert sushi. Substitute with angel food cake for a lighter texture. For the Cream • 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip – Adds a rich, creamy layer; consider dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version. For the Fruit Filling • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced – Offers freshness and natural sweetness; substitute with mango, kiwi, or bananas for a tropical twist. Optional Enhancements • Strawberry jam or puree – Spreading this between layers enhances flavor and adds moisture. • Toppings like graham cracker crumbs, sprinkles, or shredded coconut – These add fun visual appeal and texture to your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Step 1: Prepare the Rice Start by rinsing 1 pound of short-grain rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch. After rinsing, transfer the rice to a pot with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Step 2: Cook Rice Once your rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. While it’s cooling slightly, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice, ensuring each grain is coated, and then allow it to cool to room temperature for rolling. Step 3: Prepare Filling While the rice cools, whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form, which takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually blend in powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla for sweetness and flavor. Simultaneously, finely dice 1 cup of fresh strawberries to prepare the fruity filling for your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Step 4: Assemble Sushi Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over a bamboo mat, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Spread an even layer of cooled rice across the plastic wrap, leaving about an inch at the top. Next, dollop the whipped cream mixture and scatter the diced strawberries evenly over the rice, getting creative with the arrangement for a beautiful finish. Step 5: Roll & Shape Grasping the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, keeping the filling inside. Use gentle pressure to form a tight roll while peeling back the plastic wrap as you go. Roll it until you reach the uncovered edge of rice; wet this edge with a bit of water to help seal the roll tightly. Step 6: Slice & Serve Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the rolled Strawberry Shortcake Sushi into bite-sized pieces—typically about 1 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a chilled platter to serve, perhaps garnishing with extra strawberries or toppings like graham cracker crumbs to elevate your presentation. Enjoy your fun and delightful dessert! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Fridge: Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month, but enjoy them fresh for the best taste. Reheating: Thaw frozen sushi in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy it chilled, as reheating may alter the texture of the whipped cream and cake. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the components (cake and cream) a day ahead and keep the rice and fruit separate until you’re ready to assemble, ensuring maximum freshness when serving. What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Sushi? Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the playful charm of your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal berries and citrus adds a refreshing brightness, balancing the sweetness of your sushi. Whipped Cream Dip: Create a luscious dip with flavored whipped cream for extra creaminess; it’s perfect for enhancing each bite of the sushi. Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the sushi adds a decadent touch that harmonizes with the sweetness of the strawberries. Green Tea: Serve chilled or hot green tea alongside for a subtle, earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dessert. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a delightful texture contrast and add a tropical feel, complementing the fruit-stuffed sushi seamlessly. Ice Cream Scoops: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream creates a rich, creamy counterpoint, inviting guests to savor the dessert in every possible way. Sparkling Water: A fizzy sparkling water adds a refreshing zest that cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing your flavor experience. Graham Cracker Crust Dessert Bars: Offer a crispy, crumbly side that echoes the subtle crunch of any toppings you choose on your sushi. Chilled Fruit Punch: A fruity punch, perhaps with hints of pineapple and citrus, provides a vibrant and refreshing drink option to accompany your dish. Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Chill Ingredients: Keep the whipped cream and fresh strawberries cold before using them. This helps maintain the structure and freshness of your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Always rinse the short-grain rice until the water is clear to remove excess starch. This prevents it from becoming too sticky or gummy during cooking. Rolling Technique: It may take a few tries to get the rolling technique just right. Don’t worry! Practice will help you achieve a tighter, more aesthetically pleasing roll. Be Bold with Flavors: Experiment with different fruits and toppings! Adding tropical fruits like mango or creating a chocolate drizzle can give a delightful twist to your dessert. Mind the Slicing: Use a sharp, wet knife to slice the finished rolls. This ensures clean cuts and retains the beautiful layers of your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Variations Indulge your creativity and personalize your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi with these delightful variations! Dairy-Free: Use coconut whipped cream or cashew cream to create a rich, non-dairy alternative that everyone will love. Fruit Swap: Substitute strawberries with tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or peaches for a refreshing twist that will excite your taste buds. Gluten-Free: Replace the pound cake with gluten-free sponge cake or a homemade gluten-free cake mix to cater to those with dietary restrictions. Nutty Addition: Add crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios into the cream mixture for an extra crunch and depth of flavor. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or a chocolate sauce over the assembled sushi rolls for a decadent finish that chocolate lovers will adore. Flavor Twist: Enhance the rice with a splash of almond extract or orange zest for a subtle flavor twist that elevates the overall dish. Mini Rolls: Create bite-sized versions using mini cakes or cupcake rounds, perfect for finger food at parties or gatherings. Fun Toppings: Experiment with toppings like colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or shredded coconut to make your dessert even more festive and fun. Whether you’re looking for a deliciously unique dessert for a summer gathering or a fun project with the kids, these variations will excite and inspire your taste buds. Don’t forget to check out my Strawberry Spinach Salad for a refreshing side dish to pair with your sushi creation! Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Shortcake Sushi are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the pound cake and whipped cream up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can dice the strawberries and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; just be sure to sprinkle a little lemon juice to prevent browning. When you’re ready to assemble, simply mix the cooled rice with the prepared cream, layer with strawberries, and roll it all together. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of a delightful dessert with minimal effort on the day of serving! Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe strawberries for the best flavor? Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red all over with a fresh green cap. Avoid strawberries with dark spots or signs of bruising. The fresher they are, the sweeter they will taste, enhancing your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. How long can I store Strawberry Shortcake Sushi in the fridge? You can store your Strawberry Shortcake Sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To maintain the best texture and flavor, I recommend enjoying it fresh, as it’s at its peak right after assembly! Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Sushi? Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled—this preserves the delightful sweetness and texture. What should I do if my sushi roll falls apart? Very! If your roll falls apart, don’t fret! This often happens if the rice is too sticky or not rolled tightly enough. To troubleshoot, ensure that your rice is rinsed thoroughly and allow it to cool completely before rolling. As you roll, use gentle but firm pressure to keep everything intact. Practice helps improve your technique, so keep at it! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Certainly! This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cake and ensuring your whipped cream or Cool Whip is also gluten-free. For a vegan-friendly option, substitute the cake with a suitable vegan version, use coconut whipped cream, and replace dairy products in toppings if necessary. Always check labels to avoid allergens! Can I use other fruits in my Strawberry Shortcake Sushi? The more, the merrier! You can absolutely swap strawberries for other fruits like mango, kiwi, or bananas. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and sweetness, letting you get creative with your dessert. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile! Strawberry Shortcake Sushi – A Fun and Sweet Twist Experience a delightful dessert sushi with Strawberry Shortcake Sushi, combining cake, whipped cream, and strawberries for a fun treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 8 piecesCourse: DessertCuisine: FusionCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 pound cake Substitute with angel food cake for a lighter texture.For the Cream1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip Consider dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.For the Fruit Filling1 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced Substitute with mango, kiwi, or bananas for a tropical twist.Optional Enhancementsstrawberry jam or puree Enhances flavor and adds moisture.toppings like graham cracker crumbs, sprinkles, or shredded coconut Add fun visual appeal and texture. Equipment fine mesh strainerpotbamboo matMixing bowlSharp knifePlastic wrap Method Preparation StepsRinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Transfer to a pot with water and cook until absorbed and tender. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes, then mix in vinegar, sugar, and salt; fold into rice and cool to room temperature. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then blend in powdered sugar and vanilla. Finely dice fresh strawberries. Lay plastic wrap over a bamboo mat, spread cooled rice, dollop whipped cream, and scatter strawberries. Roll the sushi away, sealing tightly, wetting the edge to secure. Slice the sushi into bite-sized pieces, arranging on a chilled platter. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg NotesKeep the whipped cream and strawberries cold. Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent stickiness. Experiment with flavors and toppings for variety. Use a sharp, wet knife for clean cuts. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
