Classic Strawberry Shortcake A Taste of Summer

Q: What's the secret to light and fluffy shortcakes?

The key is to use *very* cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough! Cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a tender, flaky texture reminiscent of a good scone. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough shortcakes, which are about as welcome as a soggy Yorkshire pudding. So, handle the dough gently and mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Q: How do I store leftover strawberry shortcake?

Honestly, if you have leftover *assembled* strawberry shortcake, it's best eaten within a few hours. The shortcakes will absorb moisture from the strawberries and cream, making them soggy. If you have leftover components, store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature, the macerated strawberries in the refrigerator, and the whipped cream separately in the refrigerator. This way, you can assemble fresh shortcakes later and avoid that dreaded soggy situation.

By SandraAugust 3, 2025

4.00 (6 Ratings)

My goto strawberry shortcake recipe Tender biscuits macerated fresh strawberries homemade whipped cream An easy American classic Perfect for summer potlucks Get the recipe now ... Healthy Eats

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Sweet Summer Memories and a Perfect Bite

Remember those long summer days? I do. Honestly, nothing screams summertime like a delicious Strawberry shortcake recipe . It’s the perfect dessert to celebrate the season.

This one is a little different, a touch nostalgic, and unbelievably tasty. We are talking about classic Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries here.

A Taste of American Summer

This Classic American dessert recipe has roots deep in American culinary tradition. It's a celebration of simplicity and seasonal ingredients.

The recipe is pretty easy. From start to finish, it takes about an hour, yielding around 6 servings of pure happiness.

Think warm, buttery biscuits, juicy berries, and light whipped cream.

Why You'll Love This

This Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries is more than just a dessert. This recipe's charm lies in its freshness. It is also perfect for a casual BBQ or a fancy afternoon tea.

It showcases the bright flavor of fresh berries and has a rich Homemade whipped cream recipe that pulls it all together.

It's an easy dessert recipe for summer that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This version of a Strawberry shortcake recipe stands out because of the balance. The light sweetness of the biscuit complements the tartness of the berries perfectly.

Plus, the homemade whipped cream? Oh my gosh! It's like a cloud of pure vanilla goodness.

Get Ready to Bake

So, are you ready to dive into the ingredients? Don't worry, it is nothing complicated. Let's gather what we need to create this delicious dessert.

It is a good Strawberry dessert idea .

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this killer Strawberry shortcake recipe . Honestly, it's way easier than you think.

You know those easy dessert recipes for summer that everyone raves about? Yeah, this is one of them.

The Good Stuff: Ingredients Breakdown

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need, measurements are key!

Main Ingredients

Fresh Strawberries : You'll want 4 cups (600g) . Look for bright red, plump berries that smell amazing. If they smell like strawberries, that's a win! This is important for a perfect Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries .
Granulated Sugar : ¼ cup (50g) for the strawberries, and ¼ cup (50g) for the shortcakes.
All-Purpose Flour : 2 cups (250g) .
Baking Powder : 1 tbsp .
Salt : ½ tsp .
Cold Unsalted Butter : ½ cup (113g) . Make sure it's cold , seriously. Cut into cubes!
Whole Milk : ⅔ cup (160ml) . Or, if you're feeling fancy, use heavy cream!
Heavy Whipping Cream : 1 cup (240ml) for the Homemade whipped cream recipe .
Powdered Sugar : 2 tbsp (25g) .
Vanilla Extract : 1 tsp for everything.

Seasoning Notes

Okay, spices aren't a huge deal here. Vanilla extract is your MVP. A little lemon juice in the strawberries brightens things up.

Try this Summer berry desserts . Oh my gosh! It’s good. If you want to be a total rebel, add a pinch of cinnamon to the shortcake dough.

Equipment Needed

Don't freak out! You probably have everything.

Large bowl: For mixing.
Whisk: To get everything combined.
Pastry cutter: Or just use your fingers. Seriously, it works!
Baking sheet: To bake those little biscuit shortcake recipe beauties.
Parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze.
Electric mixer: For the Homemade whipped cream recipe . A hand mixer will do the trick.

Now that you have the right tools, you can create a Classic American dessert recipe . Strawberry dessert ideas are so simple.

This Old fashioned strawberry shortcake recipe is one of the best Shortcake variations . Also macerating the strawberries to create this Macerated strawberry recipe it’s really important.

I actually have memories of my granny making this for me. Honestly, it’s the best.

Okay, let's get down to business and talk Strawberry shortcake recipe . Seriously, is there anything more summery? We're diving into a classic that's been around for ages.

It's all about those fresh, sweet flavors dancing together.

The Magic of Maceration: Strawberry Prep!

First things first, let's talk berries. We need about 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries , and we're going to macerate them.

Toss those beauties with ¼ cup of sugar and maybe a splash of lemon juice. Honestly, the lemon juice isn't essential, but it adds a little zing.

Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial . It draws out all the lovely juices to create the perfect syrupy base for our shortcake.

Hello, Macerated strawberry recipe

Building the Perfect Biscuit

Alright, let's make some biscuit shortcakes!. Preheat your oven to 425° F ( 220° C) . While it warms up, get your dry ingredients ready.

In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour , ¼ cup of sugar , 1 tbsp of baking powder , and ½ tsp of salt .

Now, here's the key: ½ cup (1 stick) of cold butter , cubed! Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Make sure to use really cold butter. Add ⅔ cup of milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract . Mix gently until just combined.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet. Bake for 12– 15 minutes , until golden brown. Perfect Biscuit shortcake recipe .

Whipped Cream Dreams

While those shortcakes are baking, let's whip up some cream! In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla .

Beat until soft peaks form. Homemade whipped cream recipe . Don't overwhip!

Assembling Your Masterpiece

Once the shortcakes have cooled slightly, split them in half. Spoon those juicy macerated strawberries and syrup over the bottom halves.

Add a big dollop of whipped cream, top with the other half of the shortcake, and add more strawberries and cream if you like.

Serve immediately. That's it!

Pro Tips to Avoid Shortcake Fails!

Cold butter is non-negotiable . It creates that flaky texture we all love.
Don't overmix the dough! It'll make the shortcakes tough.
Macerating the strawberries is a must for maximum flavor.

This classic American dessert recipe is one of the easy dessert recipes for summer . It also offers opportunities for shortcake variations with different berries and flavorings.

A little vanilla ice cream on the side? Yes, please! Enjoy your Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries !

**Recipe Notes: Making Your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Perfect**

So, you’re ready to tackle this Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries recipe? Awesome! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

Honestly, a few little tips can make all the difference.

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, you know? A simple dollop of homemade whipped cream recipe on top looks lovely. Try layering the strawberries and cream.

A sprig of mint? Fancy! Serve it in a cute bowl or on a pretty plate. It is perfect with a glass of iced tea.

Easy dessert recipes for summer , sorted!

Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh

Old fashioned strawberry shortcake is best eaten fresh. But life happens! Leftover shortcakes? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll keep for a day or two. The macerated strawberry recipe mixture should also be refrigerated. Freezing isn't really recommended.

The texture changes, and nobody wants mushy shortcake. To reheat, pop the shortcake in a moderate oven for 5- 10 minutes .

Remix Time: Shortcake Variations

Want to get creative? A biscuit shortcake recipe can be adapted easily. Use gluten-free flour for a dietary swap. Add lemon zest to the shortcake batter.

For a seasonal twist, use peaches instead of strawberries later in the summer berry desserts season. There are lots of Strawberry dessert ideas when you start thinking.

Fuel Your Body: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real. This classic American dessert recipe is a treat, not a health food. But, fresh strawberries do have vitamins! The whole recipe provides energy. Remember, enjoy it in moderation!

Making Strawberry shortcake is easy. With these tips, your shortcake will be amazing. Don't be afraid to play around with the recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious dessert! You got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make strawberry shortcake recipe ahead of time?

While strawberry shortcake is best served fresh, you can prep some components in advance. You can bake the shortcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The strawberries can also be macerated ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, it's best to whip the cream and assemble the shortcakes just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy; nobody wants a soggy bottom!

What's the secret to light and fluffy shortcakes?

The key is to use very cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough! Cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a tender, flaky texture reminiscent of a good scone. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough shortcakes, which are about as welcome as a soggy Yorkshire pudding. So, handle the dough gently and mix just until the ingredients are combined.

I don't have any heavy cream. Can I still make whipped cream for my strawberry shortcake recipe?

While heavy cream is ideal for making stable whipped cream, you can use a substitute in a pinch. Try using chilled coconut cream – just be sure to only use the thick, solid part from the top of the can. You could also try using milk and gelatin, but the taste may not be as rich as the classic version, so it's a bit like using margarine instead of butter!

How do I store leftover strawberry shortcake?

Honestly, if you have leftover assembled strawberry shortcake, it's best eaten within a few hours. The shortcakes will absorb moisture from the strawberries and cream, making them soggy. If you have leftover components, store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature, the macerated strawberries in the refrigerator, and the whipped cream separately in the refrigerator. This way, you can assemble fresh shortcakes later and avoid that dreaded soggy situation.

Can I make this strawberry shortcake recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check the label to ensure it contains xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps bind the dough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this classic dessert without missing out. Just like enjoying a cuppa with a biscuit, even with dietary restrictions!

Is strawberry shortcake recipe bad for me? What are the nutritional considerations?

Like most desserts, strawberry shortcake is a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. It contains sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. However, it also provides some vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries. Consider using less sugar in the shortcakes and whipped cream to make it a bit healthier. Portion control is also key – enjoy a reasonable serving as part of a balanced diet.