There is something irresistibly charming about a Strawberry Shortcake Recipe that bursts with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the tender crumb of buttery shortcakes, and the airy delight of whipped cream. This classic dessert perfectly balances textures and flavors, making it a go-to treat for summer gatherings or whenever your sweet tooth calls for something fresh and inviting. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite you can whip up with confidence and joy.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is what makes this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe so approachable and satisfying. Each component not only plays a vital role in flavor and texture but also adds to the dish’s inviting homemade charm.

1 lb fresh strawberries: The star of the show, offering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for the shortcakes, tender yet sturdy enough to hold toppings.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens both the shortcakes and the whipped cream, balancing the dish perfectly.
1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures your shortcakes rise beautifully and have a light texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors, giving depth to the sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold): Cold butter is key for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth shortcake texture.
1 cup heavy cream (plus extra for whipping): Adds richness and moisture essential for the dough and the luscious whipped topping.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic note to the cream mixture.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Strawberries

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for those beautifully golden shortcakes. Meanwhile, rinse your strawberries under cold water and slice them evenly. This ensures that their natural juices mix well with the sweet topping, soaking perfectly into the shortcakes after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation for your shortcakes; combining these ingredients well means your shortcakes will be evenly sweetened and rise just right.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because those tiny butter pockets create flaky layers inside the shortcakes once baked.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, stir together the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then slowly pour this into the dry mixture. Gently fold until just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep your shortcakes tender. The dough will be a bit sticky but manageable.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Shortcakes

Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased surface. Give each dollop plenty of room to spread out during baking. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the shortcakes turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked through.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

While your shortcakes are baking, whip additional heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form. This whipped cream topping is essential for the classic Strawberry Shortcake experience, adding a creamy, light finish that complements the sweet strawberries and flaky shortcake.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Once your shortcakes have cooled slightly but are still warm, split them in half and layer generously with sliced strawberries and the freshly whipped cream. The warm shortcake’s softness pairs perfectly with the cool, sweet cream and juicy strawberries for a heavenly dessert.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These little touches not only beautify the dish but also add subtle layers of flavor that enhance the overall experience.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe works beautifully as a standalone dessert, but if you’d like to pair it, consider light, refreshing options like a crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich shortcake and fruit flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your strawberry shortcake in individual glass jars for a charming presentation that makes this classic dessert feel a bit more special. Another idea is to turn it into bite-sized parfaits with layers of crushed shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover shortcakes and strawberries separate to maintain their freshness. Store shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and refrigerate sliced strawberries in a covered bowl to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Freezing

You can freeze shortcakes before baking by shaping the dough and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Avoid freezing strawberries or whipped cream as they don’t freeze well.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover shortcakes in a toaster oven or conventional oven to revive their fresh-baked texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Add fresh whipped cream and strawberries right before serving for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?

While fresh strawberries are best for their firmness and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess juice to prevent your shortcakes from becoming soggy.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream for the topping. The texture will vary slightly, but the dessert will remain delicious.

Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and bake the shortcakes a day in advance, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat them gently before assembling with strawberries and whipped cream for fresh taste.

What should the texture of the shortcake dough be?

The dough should be slightly sticky but soft enough to hold its shape when dropped onto the baking sheet. Over-mixing can make the shortcakes tough, so fold ingredients gently until just combined.

How do I get perfectly whipped cream every time?

Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl for whipping. Beat the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip into butter; stop as soon as peaks hold their shape but still feel light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sharing the joy of a well-made Strawberry Shortcake Recipe with friends and family. It’s a timeless dessert that feels both special and effortlessly inviting, perfect for any occasion. Once you try this recipe, I’m confident it will become one of your most treasured go-to sweets for celebrating the fresh flavors of strawberries and the comforting satisfaction of homemade baking.