Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Classic Dessert Loved by All
Strawberry shortcake recipe is one of those desserts that never loses its charm. The very first time I learned how to make strawberry shortcake cake, I was helping my grandmother in her kitchen. The scent of fresh strawberries mixed with sugar filled the air, butter melted into flour created the perfect shortcake, and the soft whipped cream made every bite feel like summer on a plate. This classic strawberry shortcake recipe is both simple and elegant, a treat that works for family dinners, holidays, or any time you crave a nostalgic dessert.
Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice strawberries and mix with granulated sugar. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to release juices and create syrup.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in heavy cream and mix just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Pat dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut rounds using a biscuit cutter.
- Place rounds on a baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Split the baked shortcakes. Spoon strawberries and syrup onto the bottom half, top with whipped cream, then place the top biscuit. Garnish with more cream and berries if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love this strawberry shortcake
This homemade shortcake recipe is the perfect balance of buttery biscuits, juicy berries, and fluffy cream. Here is why it stands out:
- The shortcakes are golden and tender with just the right crisp edges.
- The strawberries create their own natural syrup, giving a rich strawberry topping for shortcake.
- The whipped cream is lightly sweetened and holds shape beautifully.
- You can prepare it as an old fashion strawberry shortcake for a rustic touch or turn it into a big strawberry shortcake layered cake for celebrations.
- It adapts easily for other fruits like peaches, raspberries, or blueberries.
If you have been searching for a recipe for shortcake that feels both traditional and versatile, this is the one to keep in your collection.
Ingredients for the perfect strawberry shortcake
Here is everything you need along with substitution tips:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| All purpose flour | 2 cups | Provides structure. Gluten free blend works too. |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp | Helps the shortcakes rise. |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances flavors. |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup plus extra | Sweetens dough and strawberries. |
| Unsalted butter cold | ½ cup | Cold butter creates flaky layers. |
| Heavy cream | ¾ cup plus more | Rich dough and brushed tops. |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 lb | Hulled and sliced. |
| Powdered sugar | ¼ cup | Smooth sweetness for whipped cream. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds depth and warmth. |
If you want to try a strawberry shortcake icing recipe you can drizzle cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla icing over the top for extra sweetness.
How to make strawberry shortcake step by step
Many people wonder how to make shortcake that turns out fluffy every time. Follow these steps:
- Slice strawberries and mix with sugar. Let them sit at least 30 minutes to create syrup.
- In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in heavy cream just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Pat dough to three quarter inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter.
- Place on baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle sugar, and bake at 425°F until golden.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Split each shortcake, spoon strawberries with juice, top with whipped cream, and finish with the other half. Garnish with more cream and fresh berries.
That is how to make strawberry shortcake cake from scratch with bakery quality results.
How to serve strawberry shortcake
Strawberry shortcake shines when plated with a touch of creativity. Serve individual portions stacked high for dramatic effect. Offer deconstructed bowls of biscuits, berries, and cream so guests can assemble their own. For spring brunch add edible flowers. During summer pair it with iced tea or lemonade. For holidays turn it into a big strawberry shortcake layered with whipped cream and sugared cranberries. Whether casual or elegant this dessert always impresses.
How to perfect strawberry shortcake
A few secrets guarantee success with this classic strawberry shortcake recipe. Keep butter very cold before mixing into the flour to ensure flakiness. Press cutters straight down without twisting so the biscuits rise tall. Handle dough gently for a tender crumb. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for the fluffiest texture. Always allow strawberries to macerate fully with sugar to create syrup that becomes the best strawberry topping for shortcake. Trying a strawberry shortcake icing recipe is another way to personalize this dessert.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even a simple recipe for shortcake can fail without attention to detail. Warm butter makes dough greasy and prevents flaky layers. Overbaking dries out the biscuits. Skipping the maceration step leaves strawberries bland. Using room temperature cream will not whip into stiff peaks. Adding too much liquid to the dough makes it heavy and sticky. Keeping these mistakes in mind ensures your old fashion strawberry shortcake turns out perfect every time.
Storage and reheating instructions
Shortcakes can be baked ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the freezer for two months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for five to seven minutes until warm. Strawberries are best eaten fresh but will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Whipped cream should be prepared fresh unless stabilized with mascarpone or gelatin. For a big strawberry shortcake always assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain before using. Fresh berries still make the best old fashion strawberry shortcake.
Can I make whipped cream ahead of time?
Yes, especially if stabilized with gelatin. Perfect for preparing a large strawberry shortcake cake for parties.
Can I make the shortcakes gluten free?
Yes, a one to one gluten free flour blend works.
What other fruits can I use?
Peaches, raspberries, or blueberries are wonderful choices in a homemade shortcake recipe.
Can I bake one large shortcake instead of small ones?
Yes, simply bake dough as one round to create a single big strawberry shortcake layered like a torte.
Conclusion
Strawberry shortcake recipe is timeless because it combines simple ingredients into something unforgettable. The flaky biscuits, juicy strawberry topping for shortcake, and soft whipped cream create a dessert that is both nostalgic and elegant. Whether you stick with an old fashion strawberry shortcake or experiment with a strawberry shortcake icing recipe, this dessert always delights. Save this recipe, make it for your next gathering, and enjoy the sweet tradition of learning how to make shortcake at home.
