Do you put milk on it? Strawberry shortcake

[RoseMGenuine]

I have a bunch of vanilla cupcakes in the freezer with no icing on them and, when my husband said he wanted a dessert, I got a few out. After I cut them in half, toasted them; and laid three halves on each plate I put about a tablespoon of cold milk on each. Then I heated some cut frozen strawberries with honey in the microwave and spooned it on top.

When I presented him with the plate he didn't understand the milk thing. I told him that, when I was a kid, we'd get those sponge dessert shells from the grocery store for strawberry shortcake. We always put milk and strawberries on them. He said it's supposed to be whipped cream and he's never heard of the milk thing before. (And yeah, I know proper shortcake is more biscuit like but, as good as that is, it doesn't have the childhood nostalgia. Haha)

But milk soaked cake is such a comfort food thing for me now. Does anyone else do this? I'd say it's regional but he and I are both from Ohio! What do you do?

 

[RoseMGenuine]

I found an interesting article on the history of the dessert. Apparently pouring cream in the cake was common prior to refrigeration. Whipped cream came later. So I'm close? My parents were thrifty so they would have used milk since that's what they had.

http://toriavey.com/toris-kitchen/2013/05/history-strawberry-shortcake-recipe/

I love culinary history.

 

[ChesterV]

I'm from "The South" here in the USA. Yes, here, some people put sweet cream on theirs. I'm sure some put milk, because of the cost.....but I've always had it with whipped cream.

You could have also sprinkled a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar on the cakes before putting milk on them, and then with the fruit on top, called them Mini Tres Leches. Which is really good in itself.

 

[RoseMGenuine]

I'm from "The South" here in the USA. Yes, here, some people put sweet cream on theirs. I'm sure some put milk, because of the cost.....but I've always had it with whipped cream.

You could have also sprinkled a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar on the cakes before putting milk on them, and then with the fruit on top, called them Mini Tres Leches. Which is really good in itself.

Ooo! I might have to do that tonight! that sounds good.

 

[Becky]

I've never heard of that before! You learn something new everyday I guess

 

[Ready2BakeRedhead]

Hi, I'm half dutch and since the day I could stand on a footstool in Ohma's (Grandma's) kitchen I knew there's no other way to eat it if you're dutch! In a bowl, like cereal, with milk and sugar. It's delicious

 

[chassis]

Never heard of milk on the best summer dessert known to humankind. Sounds like a regional/ethnic thing.

shortcake
Macerated strawberries
Home made whipped cream, optionally fortified with white chocolate ganache

 

[Mtk]

I have a bunch of vanilla cupcakes in the freezer with no icing on them and, when my husband said he wanted a dessert, I got a few out. After I cut them in half, toasted them; and laid three halves on each plate I put about a tablespoon of cold milk on each. Then I heated some cut frozen strawberries with honey in the microwave and spooned it on top.

When I presented him with the plate he didn't understand the milk thing. I told him that, when I was a kid, we'd get those sponge dessert shells from the grocery store for strawberry shortcake. We always put milk and strawberries on them. He said it's supposed to be whipped cream and he's never heard of the milk thing before. (And yeah, I know proper shortcake is more biscuit like but, as good as that is, it doesn't have the childhood nostalgia. Haha)

But milk soaked cake is such a comfort food thing for me now. Does anyone else do this? I'd say it's regional but he and I are both from Ohio! What do you do?

Today would be my dad's 100th birthday. Every year he celebrated with strawberry shortcake — sort of. My mom would bake her 1-2-3-4 cake (not shortcake). Then she'd top it with cream that was whipped by hand. The strawberries were washed, hulled, left whole, and arrayed on top. Of course, the birthday boy cut the first piece. He then put it in a bowl and poured in milk that the cake soaked up like a sponge.
I made the cake last night in order to celebrate his 100th today— and we'll be eating it just the way he liked it.

 

[retired baker]

its very common in south America.
tres leche cake.

tres leche rigin - Google Search

 

[pastrypastaonion]

I have a bunch of vanilla cupcakes in the freezer with no icing on them and, when my husband said he wanted a dessert, I got a few out. After I cut them in half, toasted them; and laid three halves on each plate I put about a tablespoon of cold milk on each. Then I heated some cut frozen strawberries with honey in the microwave and spooned it on top.

When I presented him with the plate he didn't understand the milk thing. I told him that, when I was a kid, we'd get those sponge dessert shells from the grocery store for strawberry shortcake. We always put milk and strawberries on them. He said it's supposed to be whipped cream and he's never heard of the milk thing before. (And yeah, I know proper shortcake is more biscuit like but, as good as that is, it doesn't have the childhood nostalgia. Haha)

But milk soaked cake is such a comfort food thing for me now. Does anyone else do this? I'd say it's regional but he and I are both from Ohio! What do you do?

Nostalgic comfort foods are the best, right? And that sounds like a unique twist on strawberry shortcake. I just add cream but I think I'll try this.

 

[Pattyhanselmoore]

I have a bunch of vanilla cupcakes in the freezer with no icing on them and, when my husband said he wanted a dessert, I got a few out. After I cut them in half, toasted them; and laid three halves on each plate I put about a tablespoon of cold milk on each. Then I heated some cut frozen strawberries with honey in the microwave and spooned it on top.

When I presented him with the plate he didn't understand the milk thing. I told him that, when I was a kid, we'd get those sponge dessert shells from the grocery store for strawberry shortcake. We always put milk and strawberries on them. He said it's supposed to be whipped cream and he's never heard of the milk thing before. (And yeah, I know proper shortcake is more biscuit like but, as good as that is, it doesn't have the childhood nostalgia. Haha)

But milk soaked cake is such a comfort food thing for me now. Does anyone else do this? I'd say it's regional but he and I are both from Ohio! What do you do?

YES!! We did that in my home, too. Sponge cake shells, strawberries and milk. I grew up in Michigan, but my parents were from Ohio.

 

[midnightbastet]

I totally get the milk thing! I grew up soaking cake in milk for a delicious treat, just like you described. It's such a comforting dessert. While my husband prefers whipped cream, milk-soaked cake brings back nostalgic memories. But being on a diet it is such frobidenn fruit for me now.

 

[Sharzi]

I could understand some thick cream before freezing, or putting whipped cream on it... but milk seems like it would make the cake mushy... something I would personally not enjoy.

 

[retired baker]

I could understand some thick cream before freezing, or putting whipped cream on it... but milk seems like it would make the cake mushy... something I would personally not enjoy.

the cake sucks the milk up and becomes spongey.
If you like baba rhum you would find this similar.

 

[Mona]

I totally understand! I grew up with the same thing—soaking cake in milk and adding strawberries is such a comforting treat for me too. It might not be the traditional way, but it’s all about what brings you joy and nostalgia. Your version sounds delicious and comforting!

 

[Jessie_Roos]

Your milk-soaked cupcake idea sounds really comforting and delicious! It’s always interesting how different people have their own unique takes on classic desserts. I totally get the nostalgia factor—you can’t beat those childhood memories.

I haven’t tried soaking cake in milk myself, but I can see how it would add a nice moist texture and subtle flavor. It reminds me a bit of how some people enjoy their cake with a bit of coffee or tea. I think it’s great that you have a personal twist on strawberry shortcake that brings back fond memories. It’s definitely a fun way to make a simple dessert extra special!

As for your husband’s reaction, maybe he just needs a bit of convincing! Sometimes, trying a new twist on a classic can be a nice surprise. You might even want to let him try it the way you remember from childhood; he might come around.

Does anyone else have similar nostalgic dessert tweaks they love? I’d love to hear more!

 

[Mona]

That sounds like such a delicious and nostalgic twist on strawberry shortcake! I love how food traditions from childhood stick with us, and the milk-soaked cake sounds like a real comfort food. I grew up with the more typical whipped cream version too, but honestly, I can totally see how the milk would give it that creamy, soaked-in goodness—kind of like a tres leches vibe but with strawberry shortcake!

I think every family has their own little food quirks that make certain dishes feel extra special. The toastiness of the cupcakes must have added a nice texture too! I might have to try this next time I make strawberry shortcake, just to see how it compares. Thanks for sharing your idea!

 

[juan witmore]

It depends on personal preference! Some people enjoy adding milk to their strawberry shortcake, especially if they're making a sort of dessert bowl with the cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. Others prefer to keep it classic without milk. How do you like yours?