Strawberry Shortcake Fudge – Quick, Creamy, No-Bake Bliss

Strawberry Shortcake Fudge is the kind of treat that just makes you smile. It’s pink, it’s creamy, it’s got vanilla wafers tucked inside like a little hidden love note, and it tastes like a dreamy summer picnic. If you’ve got 20 minutes to spare (plus a little patience while it sets), you can whip up this show-stopping dessert faster than your kids can ask, “Is it ready yet?” With layers of strawberry fudge hugging crisp vanilla cookies and a sprinkle of crushed wafers on top for crunch, this Strawberry Shortcake Fudge recipe is practically begging to be shared—whether it’s for a bake sale, holiday tray, or a late-night snack.

And did I mention it’s cooked entirely on the stovetop? No oven, no fuss. So if you’ve got a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic flavors (hi, strawberry milk lovers!), keep reading—you’re gonna want to bookmark this one.

Table of Contents

What is Strawberry Shortcake Fudge?

Strawberry Shortcake Fudge is a no-bake dessert bar that brings together two irresistible things: the creamy richness of fudge and the fruity, nostalgic flavor of strawberry shortcake. Think of it as the lovechild of strawberry candy and your favorite childhood dessert, with crunchy vanilla wafers snuck in between silky strawberry fudge layers.

The base starts with a classic fudge blend—sugar, butter, evaporated milk, white chocolate chips, and marshmallow fluff—then gets its strawberry flavor from jello powder. But the real twist? That layer of whole vanilla wafers tucked in the middle like a crispy surprise. It’s then finished with a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top for that satisfying snap. The result is a treat that’s rich but not overwhelming, sweet but not cloying, and just the right amount of playful. It’s a colorful little square of joy that doesn’t require fancy tools, baking skills, or a trip to the bakery.

Reasons to Try Strawberry Shortcake Fudge

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent but is secretly super easy, Strawberry Shortcake Fudge is the answer. First, it’s a total time-saver. You’ll spend maybe 15 minutes stirring on the stovetop, and the rest is just chilling time (which, let’s be honest, we all need more of). Second, it’s kid- and crowd-approved. Whether you’re feeding a room full of picky snackers or impressing your in-laws, this pretty pink fudge never fails. It’s also make-ahead friendly, which means it’s a smart choice for party prep, gifting, or sneaky midnight bites.

Plus, it’s way more exciting than your standard chocolate fudge, thanks to that fruity strawberry jello flavor and cookie crunch. And let’s not ignore the visual appeal—those soft pink layers are totally Instagram-worthy. Best of all, you can find all the ingredients at your regular grocery store. No need to chase down obscure stuff or spend a fortune. Easy, colorful, and totally delightful—what’s not to love?

Ingredients Needed to Make Strawberry Shortcake Fudge

To make Strawberry Shortcake Fudge, you’ll need:

• 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jello powder
• ⅔ cup (168 g) evaporated milk
• 2 cups (340 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow fluff
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 2 cups vanilla wafers
• ¾ cup crushed vanilla wafers, for topping

Instructions to Make Strawberry Shortcake Fudge – Step by Step

Line Your Pan and Get Prepped

Let’s start simple. Grab an 11×7-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can lift the fudge out later like a pro. This isn’t just for aesthetics—it makes cleanup a breeze, and honestly, who has time to scrub sticky pans?

Cook the Fudge Base – Step by Step Style

In a large saucepan (big enough to handle a little bubble-up), combine the sugar, unsalted butter, strawberry jello powder, and evaporated milk. Stir it all together over medium heat. Once everything melts into a pretty pink mix, bring it to a gentle boil. Let it roll for about 5 minutes, or until it hits 234°F on your candy thermometer. Don’t have one? No sweat—aim for a full boil with steady bubbling, not a volcano. Stir often to avoid scorching.

Melt the White Chocolate Chips

Once your mixture is hot enough, remove it from the heat. Now, toss in your white chocolate chips. Stir, stir, stir until everything is silky smooth and glossy. If you’re feeling impatient (hi, same), it’s tempting to rush this part, but give it a solid minute or two of mixing to make sure everything melts properly.

Add Marshmallow Fluff, Vanilla & Salt

Next up, scoop in the marshmallow fluff (yep, it’s sticky, and yep, it’s worth it). Add your vanilla extract and that pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Stir it all together until the fudge looks like a fluffy strawberry dream.

Layer the Fudge and Vanilla Wafers

Pour half of your fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth it out with a spatula. Then, press in a layer of whole vanilla wafers—this is where the “shortcake” magic happens. Try not to eat one… or five. Then pour the remaining fudge over the wafers and spread it out gently.

Top with Crushed Wafers

Take your crushed vanilla wafers and sprinkle them generously over the top. This gives your fudge that golden, crunchy finish that makes people go “oooh” before they even take a bite.

Let It Cool (The Hardest Part)

Leave the fudge out at room temp for about 2 hours to set. You can stick it in the fridge to speed things up if you’re impatient, but the texture is creamier when it sets slowly.

Slice and Serve

Once the fudge is firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Slice it into bite-size squares and try not to devour three pieces before you plate it. Serve it on a platter, gift it in a cute tin, or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here.

What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Fudge

Strawberry Shortcake Fudge plays well with others. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert or a warm mug of coffee to balance the sweetness. It’s also adorable on a dessert charcuterie board with chocolate truffles, pretzels, and fruit. If you’re packing lunchboxes or picnic baskets, toss in a square or two alongside some Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars for a double berry moment. Feeling extra festive? Pop it next to a bowl of fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a party-ready platter.

Key Tips for Making Strawberry Shortcake Fudge

Use a candy thermometer if you have one—it takes the guesswork out of boiling. Stir constantly while the fudge is on the stove. Sugar burns quickly and nobody wants that. Don’t skimp on the marshmallow fluff—it’s what gives this fudge its soft, creamy texture. For the wafer layer, use whole cookies, not crushed. They hold up better and give you that shortcake bite. Let it set completely before slicing, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess (albeit a delicious one). And if you’re making it ahead, don’t stress—it keeps really well in the fridge. Bonus tip? Add a handful of freeze-dried strawberries on top for a fun twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips Strawberry Shortcake Fudge

Strawberry Shortcake Fudge stores like a dream. Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days, or stash it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just layer parchment between pieces to avoid sticking. If you prefer a firmer texture, the fridge is your friend. Want that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite? Let it come to room temp before eating. You don’t really “reheat” fudge, but if it feels too firm from the fridge, 5-10 seconds in the microwave will soften it right up. Don’t go longer—it’ll melt into goo.

FAQs

Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Fudge? Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.
Can I use real strawberries instead of jello? Not in this recipe—it’s all about that bright, artificial strawberry flavor. If you want a fruitier, more natural version, check out our Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies.
What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff? You can try mini marshmallows, but fluff works best for that silky texture.
Is this fudge super sweet? Yes—like most fudge. That’s why it pairs well with coffee or dark chocolate.
Can I use different cookies? Totally! Golden Oreos or graham crackers also taste amazing here.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Fudge is a treat that brings joy in every bite—pretty, nostalgic, and ridiculously easy. With its pink strawberry layers, crunchy vanilla cookies, and no-bake simplicity, it’s perfect for busy folks who want something special without the stress. Whether you’re serving it at a party, giving it as a gift, or enjoying it solo while hiding from your kids (no judgment), it always hits the sweet spot. Ready to add this colorful treat to your dessert lineup? Trust me—it’s worth it.

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