Servings: 12–16 | Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Chill Time: 2 hrs | Total Time: 2 hrs 55 min

Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

  • 2 boxes (15.25 oz each) white or yellow cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, water, and oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (added to enhance flavor)

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Cream Filling:

  • 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softenedTag words: strawberry shortcake, strawberry dessert, casserole dessert, Chef Ed recipe, strawberry shortcake casserole, strawberry cream dessert, summer party dessert, whipped cream filling, large dessert pan, cake casserole, berry dessert tray, cream cheese strawberry filling, potluck desserts, picnic casseroles, easy strawberry recipe, strawberry bake, family dessert ideas, creamy fruit dessert, strawberry lemon combo, strawberry whipped cream dessert, layer dessert, Southern strawberry shortcake, Chef Ed sweets, oven-baked shortcake, whipped strawberry casserole, creamy fruit bake, berry-filled cake, comforting desserts, sweet casserole recipes, strawberry season recipe
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)

Optional Toppings:

  • Crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberry slices

Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch deep baking dish or large casserole pan.
Prepare both boxes of cake mix according to package directions, adding 1 tsp vanilla extract to the batter for richness.
Pour into the prepared dish and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—about 30 minutes. Let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to release juice.
Stir in the cornstarch and continue to cook for 2 more minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Tag words: strawberry shortcake, strawberry dessert, casserole dessert, Chef Ed recipe, strawberry shortcake casserole, strawberry cream dessert, summer party dessert, whipped cream filling, large dessert pan, cake casserole, berry dessert tray, cream cheese strawberry filling, potluck desserts, picnic casseroles, easy strawberry recipe, strawberry bake, family dessert ideas, creamy fruit dessert, strawberry lemon combo, strawberry whipped cream dessert, layer dessert, Southern strawberry shortcake, Chef Ed sweets, oven-baked shortcake, whipped strawberry casserole, creamy fruit bake, berry-filled cake, comforting desserts, sweet casserole recipes, strawberry season recipeStep 3: Make the Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to gently poke holes across the surface.
Pour the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the cake layer, letting it soak into the holes.
Spoon and spread the cream filling evenly over the strawberry layer.
Top with optional crushed cookies, fresh whipped cream, or strawberry slices.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve chilled, spooned out in generous, gooey shortcake layers.

Chef Ed’s Tips:

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add 2 tbsp strawberry preserves into the fresh strawberry layer.
  • Want it more indulgent? Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the cake before the strawberry layer.Tag words: strawberry shortcake, strawberry dessert, casserole dessert, Chef Ed recipe, strawberry shortcake casserole, strawberry cream dessert, summer party dessert, whipped cream filling, large dessert pan, cake casserole, berry dessert tray, cream cheese strawberry filling, potluck desserts, picnic casseroles, easy strawberry recipe, strawberry bake, family dessert ideas, creamy fruit dessert, strawberry lemon combo, strawberry whipped cream dessert, layer dessert, Southern strawberry shortcake, Chef Ed sweets, oven-baked shortcake, whipped strawberry casserole, creamy fruit bake, berry-filled cake, comforting desserts, sweet casserole recipes, strawberry season recipe
  • You can substitute pound cake or angel food cake chunks for the base for a no-bake version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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