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If you have ever dreamed of a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, this Strawberries Lenox Shortcake is exactly what you need. Inspired by the charm of vintage strawberry shortcake recipes, this layered dessert combines juicy strawberries macerated in fresh orange juice and a splash of Blue Curaçao, pillowy homemade whipped cream, and tender pound cake cubes all assembled beautifully in individual jars or glasses. It is elegant enough for a dinner party and simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Whether you grew up loving classic strawberry shortcake pictures on your grandmother’s recipe cards or you are discovering this timeless dessert for the first time, this recipe will earn a permanent place in your rotation. The strawberry shortcake aesthetic here is elevated yet approachable no fancy pastry skills required, just fresh ingredients and a little patience while the berries marinate.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Strawberries Lenox Shortcake
- No baking required uses a store-bought pound cake for effortless assembly
- The Blue Curaçao adds a subtle, sophisticated citrus twist to classic macerated strawberries
- Served in individual jars or glasses for a stunning strawberry shortcake aesthetic presentation
- Perfect for make-ahead entertaining the strawberries marinate for at least 2 hours
- A crowd-pleasing dessert inspired by vintage strawberry shortcake traditions
Equipment You Will Need
- Mixing bowls for macerating strawberries and whipping cream
- Electric mixer to beat the whipping cream to firm peaks quickly and easily
- Kitchen utensils for folding, serving, and assembling layers
- Chef’s knives for coring and quartering the strawberries
- Cutting board for safe and efficient strawberry prep
- Measuring cups and spoons set for precise ingredient portions
Ingredients
Strawberries Lenox
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries, rinsed, cored and quartered | 32 ounces |
| Orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Blue Curaçao | 2 teaspoons |
Shortcake Assembly
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pound cake (16-ounce loaf) | 1 loaf |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh mint sprigs | As desired |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries Lenox
- Using your chef’s knife and cutting board, rinse, core, and quarter all 32 ounces of fresh strawberries. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, granulated sugar, and Blue Curaçao using your measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Pour the orange juice mixture over the strawberries and gently toss to coat them completely.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, stirring occasionally or give the bowl a gentle shake the way mom used to do.
Assembling the Shortcake
- Cut 3/4 of the pound cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside. Reserve the remaining quarter for another use.
- Using your electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream in a mixing bowl until firm peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, place 1/4 cup of the Strawberries Lenox and mash the berries with a fork or kitchen utensil. Add 1 cup of the whipped cream and gently fold together until well incorporated. This creates your strawberry whipped cream topping.
- To assemble, place a dollop of plain whipped cream at the bottom of each of your 4 dessert jars, bowls, or wine glasses.
- Add a layer of pound cake cubes, then cover with a generous spoonful of the Strawberries Lenox.
- Repeat the layers: plain whipped cream, pound cake cubes, and more Strawberries Lenox.
- Finish each serving with a generous dollop of the strawberry whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Best Strawberries Lenox Shortcake
- Let the strawberries marinate fully. Two hours is the minimum, but overnight marination in the refrigerator produces an even richer, more flavorful syrup.
- Use cold heavy cream. For the firmest peaks, make sure your cream and your mixing bowl are well chilled before whipping with your electric mixer.
- Do not skip the Blue Curaçao. It adds a delicate citrus floral note that elevates this from a standard strawberry shortcake to something truly special. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute with a teaspoon of orange zest and a few extra tablespoons of orange juice.
- Pound cake alternatives. You can use angel food cake, sponge cake, or even homemade biscuits if you prefer a more traditional shortcake base.
- Serve in clear glasses. Presentation matters with this dessert. The gorgeous pink and red layers look stunning in clear dessert jars or wine glasses perfect for strawberry shortcake aesthetic photos.
- Make it ahead. Prepare the Strawberries Lenox and the plain whipped cream up to a day ahead. Assemble just before serving to keep the pound cake from becoming too soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberries Lenox Shortcake?
Strawberries Lenox Shortcake is a layered dessert featuring strawberries macerated in orange juice, sugar, and Blue Curaçao served over pound cake cubes with layers of homemade whipped cream and a strawberry whipped cream topping. It is a refined, vintage strawberry shortcake variation served in individual jars or glasses.
Can I make Strawberries Lenox Shortcake without alcohol?
Yes. Simply replace the Blue Curaçao with one teaspoon of orange zest and an extra tablespoon or two of fresh orange juice. The dessert will still be bright, fruity, and delicious.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
The Strawberries Lenox component can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The whipped cream can also be prepared ahead. However, assemble the layers no more than a few hours before serving to keep the pound cake from becoming overly soggy.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before macerating. The texture will be softer than fresh berries.
What glasses or jars work best for serving?
Wide-mouth mason jars, parfait glasses, or wine glasses all work beautifully. The goal is to show off those gorgeous strawberry shortcake layers for an impressive strawberry shortcake aesthetic presentation.
How long do leftovers keep?
Once assembled, this dessert is best consumed within 24 hours. The Strawberries Lenox on their own will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Kitchen Equipment List
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PrintStrawberries Lenox Shortcake : Easy Vintage Strawberry Shortcake Dessert in a Jar
A layered vintage strawberry shortcake dessert featuring strawberries macerated in orange juice and Blue Curaçao, served over pound cake cubes with homemade whipped cream and strawberry whipped cream in individual jars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
32 ounces fresh strawberries, rinsed, cored and quartered
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Blue Curaçao
1 (16-ounce) pound cake
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Fresh mint sprigs, if desired
Instructions
1. Place quartered strawberries into a medium bowl.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice, sugar and Blue Curaçao.
3. Pour over the strawberries and gently toss to coat completely.
4. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving, stirring occasionally.
5. Cut 3/4 of the pound cake into 1-inch cubes.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream until firm peaks form.
7. Place 1/4 cup of the Strawberries Lenox into a medium bowl and mash. Add 1 cup whipped cream and gently fold until incorporated.
8. In 4 dessert jars or glasses, place a dollop of plain whipped cream. Add pound cake cubes and cover with Strawberries Lenox.
9. Repeat layers with plain whipped cream, pound cake and more Strawberries Lenox.
10. Top with the strawberry whipped cream.
11. Serve with a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
Strawberries can marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Replace Blue Curaçao with orange zest for a non-alcoholic version.
Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy cake.
Use cold cream and chilled bowl for best whipping results.