Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that beautifully combines tender, flaky shortcakes with juicy, sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream.

This recipe balances freshness, texture, and sweetness to create a dessert that’s perfect for any season, especially spring and summer.

Whether for a casual family gathering or a special celebration, homemade strawberry shortcake impresses with its simplicity and elegance.

Below, you’ll find everything you need—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions and expert tips—to make this classic dessert flawlessly at home.

Ingredients Checklist

To craft the perfect strawberry shortcake, you need a handful of quality ingredients that work harmoniously to bring out the best flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Strawberries: 2 pounds, hulled and sliced

• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (for macerating strawberries)

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (for the shortcake dough)

• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (leavening agent for the dough)

• Salt: ½ teaspoon (to enhance flavor)

• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (cold and cubed, for flaky shortcakes)

• Whole Milk or Buttermilk: ¾ cup (for moist dough)

• Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 ½ cups (for homemade whipped cream)

• Powdered Sugar: 3 tablespoons (to sweeten the whipped cream)

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for flavoring the whipped cream)

Optional equipment includes parchment paper, electric mixer, mixing bowls, and a baking sheet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make sure each component of your strawberry shortcake shines perfectly:

• Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries. Slice them evenly and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with ¼ cup granulated sugar, toss gently, and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This maceration draws out the juices, creating a naturally sweet strawberry syrup.

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Small pea-sized pieces of butter should still be visible—this is essential for flaky texture.

• Pour in the milk or buttermilk gradually, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortcakes tender.

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it over itself 2-3 times for layers, then gently pat again.

• Use a 2 ½-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes and place them on the baking sheet. Gather scraps, re-pat, and cut out more if desired.

• Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack.

• While shortcakes cool, prepare the whipped cream. Chill a mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes in the fridge. Pour in the heavy cream, add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip or it will become grainy.

• To assemble, carefully slice each shortcake horizontally in half. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries and their juice over the bottom half, then top with whipped cream. Place the top half of the biscuit over the cream and finish with more strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

Master these tips to ensure your strawberry shortcake is consistently delightful:

• Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to achieve flaky, tender shortcakes.

• Macerate strawberries for at least 30 minutes; this step enhances sweetness and moisture naturally.

• If desired, brush the tops of shortcakes with a little melted butter before baking for an extra golden crust.

• Whip cream just to soft peaks to avoid graininess and separation.

• Assemble shortcakes right before serving to prevent sogginess—moisture from strawberries can soften biscuits quickly.

• For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon to the strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry shortcake is versatile and pairs well with many accompaniments:

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

• Offer a selection of berries or stone fruits to complement or substitute strawberries.

• Pair with sparkling wine, sweet rosé, or a light herbal tea for an elegant experience.

• Individual shortcakes make perfect party portions, while larger communal servings are great for family-style dining.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry shortcake is a quintessential dessert that balances simplicity and elegance, relying on fresh ingredients and careful technique to shine.

By following this recipe and expert tips, you’ll create a moist, flaky shortcake topped with naturally sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream that everyone will love.

Remember, the magic lies in the layering of textures and the quality of your ingredients. Enjoy this dessert as a celebration of fresh flavors and classic baking, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness.