Strawberry shortcake is the kind of dessert that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Picture this: fluffy, buttery biscuits layered with luscious strawberries and whipped cream, all harmonizing into a sweet symphony of flavors. It’s like summer on a plate, bringing nostalgia for backyard picnics and family gatherings where laughter mingles with the aroma of fresh berries.
Every bite of strawberry shortcake transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would eagerly watch her whip up this delightful treat. It was always a hit at family reunions, evoking smiles and sticky fingers as we savored each mouthful. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a special occasion, strawberry shortcake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that promises an explosion of flavor and joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry shortcake recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for baking novices
- The juicy strawberries combined with whipped cream create a delightful flavor explosion
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any gathering or celebration
- Perfect for serving at summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this dessert fits any occasion beautifully
I remember one summer afternoon when I made this for my friend’s birthday party; everyone went back for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red, ripe strawberries that are firm and fragrant for the best flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Using high-quality flour ensures tender shortcakes that absorb the sweet juice from the strawberries.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and adds balance to the whipped cream.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create light and fluffy biscuits that melt in your mouth.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your dessert without making it salty.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter, cut into small pieces; it helps create flaky layers in your shortcakes.
Heavy Cream: Whipping this cream will add a luscious texture to your dessert; don’t skimp here!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the whipped cream with warm, aromatic notes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries under cool water and patting them dry gently. Slice them into quarters and toss with a bit of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Allow them to sit while you prepare everything else.
Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This creates an airy base that will rise beautifully in the oven.
Add Butter and Mix: Cut cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving flaky biscuits that will be soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that luscious filling.
Add Wet Ingredients: Gently stir in heavy cream until just combined; be careful not to overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Turn it onto a floured surface and pat into an even rectangle about 1-inch thick.
Cut Out Your Shortcakes: Use a round biscuit cutter or glass to cut out circles from your dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with additional cream for that golden finish.
Bake and Cool: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top. Once done, let them cool slightly before assembling your masterpiece.
Now you’re ready to layer those juicy strawberries between those fluffy shortcakes!
You Must Know
- This delightful strawberry shortcake recipe brings summer’s sweetness to your kitchen
- The fluffy cake and juicy strawberries create a blissful symphony of flavors that will impress anyone
- It’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy family dessert, making every moment feel special
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ideal strawberry shortcake, bake the cake layers first, cool them completely, and prepare the whipped cream. Assemble with fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain freshness.
Add Your Touch
Consider using almond extract in the whipped cream for a nutty twist or swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Get creative while keeping it simple.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating to maintain texture, but keep whipped cream separate until ready to serve.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect strawberry shortcake, use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor
- Make sure your whipping cream is chilled for better volume and texture
- Lastly, slice the cake layers evenly to ensure a beautiful presentation when assembled
The first time I made strawberry shortcake, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely had time to snap a photo! Their smiles were priceless and made all my baking efforts worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I make strawberry shortcake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare cake layers ahead but assemble with strawberries and cream just before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or whipped topping as alternatives to heavy cream for dairy-free options.
How do I prevent my cake from being dry?
Ensure you don’t overbake your cake and consider brushing it with syrup before assembly for moisture.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With layers of fluffy, buttery biscuits, sweet strawberries, and light whipped cream, this treat is sure to evoke fond memories of family gatherings and sun-soaked picnics. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this easy-to-make recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for strawberries)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter: Use a pastry cutter to mix cold butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir in heavy cream until just combined; do not overmix.
- Shape dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a rectangle about 1-inch thick, and cut out circles.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool before assembling.
- Assemble: Layer biscuits with strawberries and whipped cream just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shortcake (80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
