First Issue Dolls

The formal introduction of the Strawberry Shortcake line of Kenner dolls was made in the spring of 1980 (cited from Strawberry Shortcake: The First $100 Million by American Greetings).

The launch of the doll line included four dolls: Three five inch dolls, Strawberry Shortcake, Huckleberry Pie, and Blueberry Muffin and one "baby", Apple Dumplin' who was accompanied by a hard plastic turtle pet.

The three original five inch dolls were issued with flat hand. This style was eventually changed to a curved hand style in subsequent releases.

The rest of the initial line of dolls were released in 1981 when Kenner added five new friends. They included: Raspberry Tart, Lemon Meringue, Orange Blossom, and an additional "baby", Apricot that included a soft vinyl bunny. This release also included the first villain of the line, the "lovable scoundrel" Purple Pieman with his Berry Bird.

Although they are picture in the original product literature from Kenner wth flat hands, these dolls were never released that way to the American public. The dolls that made it to market had curved hands.

At this time the original three five inch dolls (Strawberry, Huckleberry, and Blueberry) also began to appear with curved hands. The same first issue boxes were used for them. These three dolls can be found in both curved and flat hands in this first issue style box.