Name: Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries; ½ cup white sugar; 4 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes); 1 angelfood or pound cake, sliced; 1 cup whipping cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons coconut extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup toasted coconut or store-bought toasted coconut chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 49 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that bursts with bright, tropical flavors yet feels perfectly familiar, then this Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries soaked in zesty lime syrup, fluffy cake, and luscious coconut whipped cream, this recipe transforms a classic treat into a vibrant, refreshing delight. Every bite is a celebration of summer’s best fruits paired with the creamy richness of coconut, making it an irresistible dish you’ll want to share with friends and family all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a woman's hand with purple nail polish squeezing a halved green lime above a bowl filled with bright red sliced strawberries. The strawberries fill the bowl and appear fresh with a juicy texture. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. The photo is sharp, focusing on the lime and strawberries with a soft blur on the rest. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward creating this stunning dessert. Each element is simple yet essential, bringing its own texture, flavor, and color to the final masterpiece.

Angelfood or Pound Cake: Choose a light and airy angelfood cake for fluffiness or a rich pound cake for buttery depth—either works wonderfully.
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star, filling your shortcakes with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
½ cup white sugar: Sweetens the strawberries and helps draw out their natural juices for the lime syrup.
4 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice: Adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness with refreshing citrus notes.
1 cup whipping cream: The base for the indulgent coconut whipped cream topping, lending richness and smooth texture.
½ cup powdered sugar: To sweeten the whipped cream gently without any grittiness.
2 teaspoons coconut extract: Brings the irresistible tropical aroma and flavor that sets this recipe apart.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth while complementing the coconut and strawberries perfectly.
¾ cups toasted coconut or toasted coconut chips: Adds delightful crunch and an extra layer of coconut flavor on top.

How to Make Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry-Lime Mixture

Start by tossing your sliced fresh strawberries with the white sugar and fresh lime juice in a mixing bowl. Stir everything gently to combine, then let it sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process allows the sugar to dissolve completely, coaxing out the strawberries’ juicy sweetness and melding it beautifully with the bright, tangy lime, creating a light syrup that will soak into the cake.

Step 2: Whip the Coconut Cream

Pour the whipping cream into a chilled bowl and begin beating on medium speed with an electric mixer. After about a minute, start adding the powdered sugar slowly along with the coconut and vanilla extracts. Continue whipping until soft peaks form. The coconut extract brings a tropical, exotic flair to the cream, making it an unforgettable part of the shortcake experience.

Step 3: Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice your angelfood or pound cake into individual servings. Spoon a generous layer of the strawberry-lime mixture over each slice, making sure to drizzle some of that luscious lime syrup too—it’s pure magic. Top each portion with a generous dollop of your freshly whipped coconut cream, then finish by sprinkling the toasted coconut on top for a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream Recipe

This image shows two thick, golden-yellow slices of cake stacked on a white plate with a dotted border, placed on a gray and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface. On top of the cake slices, there is a layer of bright red, chopped strawberries, and a dollop of white whipped cream crowns the dessert. Thin, white coconut flakes are scattered around the plate and on the cake. In the background, there are two whole strawberries and half a cut lime with a light green interior. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the fresh and colorful look of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch that dazzles, consider adding a few whole strawberries or a twist of lime zest on top of the coconut cream. These garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of extra freshness that make your presentation as delightful as the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp mint salad or a glass of sparkling rosé. If you want to keep things simple, a scoop of coconut or lime sorbet serves as a perfect companion, enhancing the tropical vibe without overpowering the shortcakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the strawberry-lime mixture, cake pieces, and coconut cream in clear glass jars or parfait cups for a stunning layered dessert. This presentation not only looks elegant but also makes serving a breeze at parties or casual gatherings. You could also serve mini versions using cupcake liners for a fun, bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream Recipe, store them covered in the refrigerator. The cake will absorb the moisture over time, so it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for peak freshness and texture.

Freezing

While the strawberry mixture can be frozen, it may release extra liquid when thawed, affecting the cake texture. For best results, freeze only the whipped coconut cream in an airtight container, then re-whip slightly before serving. Freezing assembled shortcakes is not recommended due to texture changes in the cake and cream.

Reheating

If you prefer your shortcakes a little warm, briefly microwave the cake portion alone for 10-15 seconds before assembling with strawberries and coconut cream. Avoid heating the whipped cream; instead, add it fresh after warming the cake.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but if you’re out of season, thawed frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just be aware the mixture might be a bit more watery.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped cream?

Absolutely! You can whip chilled coconut cream (the solid part from a can of coconut milk) with powdered sugar and coconut extract to create a delicious vegan-friendly coconut whipped cream.

Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?

While lime juice adds a distinctive tropical tang, lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary. Your shortcakes will still taste fantastic, just with a slightly different citrus note.

How far in advance can I prepare the strawberry-lime mixture?

You can prepare the strawberry-lime mixture up to 4 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but avoid preparing too far in advance to maintain freshness and texture.

What type of cake works best for this recipe?

Angelfood cake offers a light, airy base that lets the strawberry and lime shine, while pound cake gives a denser, buttery richness. Both are excellent—choose according to your preference and what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream Recipe is a joyful celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures all rolled into one unforgettable dessert. Whether serving a crowd or treating yourself, its fresh, tropical flair will brighten any day. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a delicious new favorite to share with those you love.