Sweet, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Whipped Strawberry Bliss Dip with Shortcake Skewers is a festive dessert that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. It combines rich cream cheese with a swirl of jam and fresh whipped cream for a light, irresistible dip, while mini biscuit-style shortcakes bring a buttery, tender bite.
Perfect for brunches, baby showers, spring parties, or casual backyard get-togethers, this dish brings a bright and creamy finish to any occasion. Serve it as a centerpiece dessert board or offer it as a pass-around treat—either way, it’s guaranteed to steal the show.
Full Recipe:
For the Dip:
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
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1 cup confectioners’ sugar
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1 tablespoon milk
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1 1/2 teaspoons strawberry jam
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1 tablespoon strawberry jam (for swirling)
For the Shortcake Skewers:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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2 tablespoons white sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup shortening
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1 egg yolk
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2/3 cup buttermilk
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Fresh strawberries, sliced
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Toothpicks or mini skewers
Directions:
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In a large bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
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In another bowl, cream together cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of strawberry jam until smooth.
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Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
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Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or knife until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and buttermilk. Stir this into the dry ingredients just until moistened.
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Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 5–6 times. Pat or roll dough into a 1/2-inch round.
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Cut using a 1-inch biscuit cutter and place on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then on a wire rack completely.
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Once cooled, cut biscuits in half.
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Assemble skewers by layering a biscuit half, a strawberry slice, and the other biscuit half on a toothpick.
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Before serving, swirl 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam decoratively into the chilled dip. Serve alongside the shortcake skewers.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Charm of Strawberry Shortcake in a Dip
The Very Dairy Strawberry Shortcake Dip is more than just a recipe—it’s a delightful transformation of a classic dessert into an interactive, shareable experience. This creative take captures everything people love about strawberry shortcake—fluffy whipped cream, juicy berries, and tender cake—but reimagines it in the form of a creamy dip served alongside adorable shortcake skewers. It’s a playful, modern update that preserves the nostalgia of the original while introducing a fresh format that’s ideal for parties, brunches, or sweet snacking.
A Flavor That Feels Like Summer
There’s something eternally refreshing about strawberries, especially when they’re in season. They bring brightness and a gentle acidity that balances perfectly with the rich dairy components of the dip—cream cheese, whipped cream, and a touch of strawberry jam. The result is a flavor profile that’s both sweet and light, indulgent but not overpowering. When paired with the soft, buttery shortcake biscuits and the natural juiciness of fresh strawberries, the dip becomes a harmony of textures and tastes that dance on the palate.
The “very dairy” name is no joke—it leans into the creamy richness that makes this dip so addictive. The whipped cream gives it an airy, mousse-like texture, while the cream cheese provides structure and a slight tang. The final swirl of strawberry jam not only makes the presentation pop, but also adds a deeper fruit flavor that brings it all together.
Why This Dip is Perfect for Entertaining
One of the strongest points of this dish is its visual appeal and shareability. Rather than serving a traditional dessert that requires slicing or plating, this dip invites guests to grab a skewer and scoop up their own serving. It’s casual, fun, and feels just a little bit indulgent. Kids love it. Adults sneak back for seconds. And the interactive nature makes it perfect for everything from bridal showers and baby showers to summer picnics and holiday brunches.
Additionally, the dish holds up well at room temperature for a few hours, making it ideal for buffets or grazing tables. It doesn’t require special utensils beyond some toothpicks or skewers, and it’s easy to portion and enjoy without any mess.
Versatile and Adaptable for Every Occasion
Although the base recipe is delightful as written, the dip is extremely versatile. You can customize the shortcakes by using store-bought pound cake, angel food cake, or even ladyfingers for an extra touch of elegance. Similarly, you could swap out the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries or blueberries to match the seasons or your color theme.
For a more decadent variation, consider folding in white chocolate chips, or drizzling the top with melted chocolate before serving. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated flavor profile, a dash of balsamic glaze or finely chopped mint can elevate the dip into something truly gourmet.
You can also convert the recipe into a mini dessert parfait by layering the dip and strawberries in small glasses with crumbled shortcake at the bottom—perfect for individual servings at formal events.
Nutrition and Dietary Considerations
While this is definitely a dessert dip and not a low-calorie option, it does offer some flexibility for dietary preferences. If you’re trying to reduce sugar, you can substitute the confectioners’ sugar with a low-glycemic alternative like erythritol or a blend. There are also lactose-free cream cheese and plant-based whipped cream options available on the market, making it possible to adapt the recipe for those with lactose intolerance or dairy-free diets.
However, as the name suggests, “Very Dairy” is at the heart of this recipe’s appeal. The creamy texture and flavor are achieved through dairy-rich ingredients, and that’s part of what makes it such a crowd-pleaser.
For portion-conscious eaters, the dip can be served in smaller batches, or presented as part of a larger dessert board where it’s just one of several options.
Cultural Connections and Classic Roots
Strawberry shortcake is a dessert deeply rooted in American culinary tradition. It has appeared in various forms for centuries, evolving from simple sweet biscuits with fruit to more elaborate layered cakes. The flavor combination is often associated with early summer, when strawberries are in peak season and celebrated in everything from festivals to backyard garden parties.
The dip format respects those roots but brings in a 21st-century twist. Instead of a plated dessert, it becomes a communal one. It’s emblematic of modern eating—more flexible, more shareable, and visually driven for today’s digital age of food photography and social media.
Shortcake in this context draws from Southern American influences, especially the use of buttermilk biscuits. The combination of sweetened shortcakes and tangy cream cheese gives the dip a balance that echoes traditional Southern baking—rich but never cloying, indulgent yet refined.
Perfect Pairings and Presentation Ideas
This dip doesn’t need much to shine, but the right pairings can turn it into the centerpiece of a dessert spread. Fresh berries on the side—raspberries, blueberries, even blackberries—can be dipped in alongside the shortcake skewers. Thin chocolate wafers or vanilla cookies also work beautifully.
Presentation-wise, a shallow glass bowl allows the swirl of strawberry jam to show through elegantly. Garnishing the bowl with a fresh strawberry fan or edible flowers like pansies or violets can enhance the aesthetic. Serve on a wooden board with arranged skewers fanning out, and you have a showstopping centerpiece.
If you’re planning to feature this recipe at a themed event, you can color-coordinate the serving elements. For example, red and white serving ware for Valentine’s Day or a rustic basket display for summer picnics can take the visual appeal to the next level.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dip is best when made a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly. It can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for optimal flavor and freshness.
If you’re preparing for an event, you can bake the shortcakes the day before and store them in an airtight container. The dip itself can be made a few hours in advance, allowing you to focus on setup and decor without last-minute stress.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream and cream cheese may change upon thawing, becoming watery or grainy.
Conclusion: A Whimsical Twist on a Classic Favorite
The Very Dairy Strawberry Shortcake Dip is the kind of dessert that makes people smile. It’s creative, nostalgic, and crowd-friendly—all wrapped up in a dish that’s easy to prepare and fun to serve. It takes the comforting flavors of a beloved American dessert and presents them in a format that’s perfectly aligned with today’s entertaining trends.
Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to try something new with strawberries, this dip delivers joy in every bite. With its luscious texture, bright berry flavor, and customizable serving options, it’s a recipe that will keep guests coming back for more—and one that might just become a new classic in your kitchen.