Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from summer, you can’t go wrong with this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. It combines light, fluffy shortcakes with sweet, luscious strawberries and homemade whipped cream to create a dessert that is both simple and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe’s balance of textures and flavors makes it a true classic that shines every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to make such a memorable dessert. Each component plays an essential role in delivering the perfect combination of sweetness, fluffiness, and creaminess.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the shortcake dough; it provides structure and that tender crumb we adore.
• Granulated sugar: Used twice—once in the dough and once to sweeten the strawberries—adding just the right touch of sweetness.
• Baking powder: The key leavening agent that ensures our shortcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Cut into cold cubes, it adds richness and creates that irresistible flaky texture.
• Whole milk: Moistens the dough gently, contributing to the soft tender crumb.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Added to both dough and whipped cream for that warm, comforting aroma.
• Fresh strawberries: The star of the dish, bringing vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and freshness.
• Heavy cream: Whipped into fluffy cream that crowns the shortcake with smooth, airy goodness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream with a delicate finish.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Mix

Begin by heating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked shortcakes. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—these dry ingredients form the foundation of your delightful shortcake.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Next, cut chilled unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or even your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial—it’s how you get those flaky, tender bites everyone loves.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract. This liquid mixture provides moisture and flavor, bringing the dough together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the flour and butter mix, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the dough starts to form. Remember, keep it light and don’t overwork the dough for the best texture.

Step 5: Shape the Dough and Cut Shortcakes

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently about 5-6 times until it forms a rough ball. Flatten it into a 1-inch thick rectangle, then use a round biscuit cutter to shape your shortcakes. Arrange them close but not touching onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the kitchen fills with that irresistible sweet, buttery aroma. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before assembling.

Step 7: Macerate the Strawberries

While the shortcakes bake, hull and slice fresh strawberries, then toss them with granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes; this helps release their natural juices and creates a luscious, syrupy topping.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This creamy topping is what makes the strawberry shortcake truly heavenly.

Step 9: Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Slice each shortcake horizontally in half. Spoon a generous amount of the sweet strawberry mixture onto the bottom half, crown it with a hefty dollop of whipped cream, and then top it with the other half of the biscuit. Serve right away and delight in every bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

While classic strawberry shortcake shines on its own, adding a few extra touches can elevate the presentation. Think fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and fragrance or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a sweet finish that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with light accompaniments that won’t overpower it. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside can turn your strawberry shortcake into a perfect summer meal finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation by serving strawberry shortcake in clear glass parfait dishes layered with shortcake pieces, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream. This not only looks stunning but allows your guests to see all the delicious layers before diving in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any strawberry shortcake left (though it’s rare!), store the components separately in airtight containers—the shortcakes at room temperature or refrigerated, and the strawberries and whipped cream in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked shortcakes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving and add fresh strawberries and whipped cream to bring them back to life with that fresh-baked magic.

Reheating

Warm shortcakes gently in a low oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked texture. Avoid reheating strawberries or whipped cream—they’re best served cool and fresh for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries definitely bring the best flavor and texture, but if you need to use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery shortcake. Macerate them with sugar just as you would fresh strawberries.

Is it possible to make the shortcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust liquid amounts slightly, but the concept stays the same, and you’ll still get delicious results.

How long does the whipped cream stay fresh?

Homemade whipped cream is best used within 24 hours when stored in the fridge. After that, it may start to separate or lose volume, so plan to whip it fresh if possible for the best texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough a day in advance; wrap it tightly and keep it refrigerated. When ready, roll, cut, and bake as directed. This helps save time on busy days.

What’s the secret to flaky shortcakes?

The key is using cold butter and minimal handling of the dough. Cutting the butter into small cubes and mixing it into the flour while still cold creates pockets of buttery flakes that give each bite that signature delightful texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a timeless treat that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Its blend of sweet strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and dreamy whipped cream is pure happiness on a plate. I hope you give it a try soon and share the joy it brings with your loved ones—it’s truly a recipe that calls for smiles all around.

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