Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 60 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances light, airy textures with the vibrant sweetness of fresh berries, you absolutely must try this Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. It’s one of those timeless treats that feels like a warm hug with each bite—pillowy shortcakes, juicy strawberries macerated to perfection, and soft homemade whipped cream come together to create an unforgettable summer indulgence. Once you experience the harmony of flavors and the featherlight crumb, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite for any gathering or cozy night in.

Fresh sliced strawberries in vibrant red hues with juicy texture in a small white bowl, a separate clear glass bowl filled with granulated sugar sparkling under soft light, a rustic ceramic bowl holding fluffy all-purpose flour with a dusting texture, nearby a wooden board displaying cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes with a creamy pale yellow color, a small glass pitcher of whole milk with a smooth, milky surface catching light reflections, a cracked large egg revealing rich golden yolk in a delicate shell half, a small glass bowl with vanilla extract showing deep amber liquid, a mixing bowl of fluffy white powdered sugar, and a chilled bowl of thick, whipped cream with soft peaks. Scattered baking powder and salt in small vintage measuring spoons, a whisk and a bowl with biscuit dough partially mixed showing crumbly texture. All ingredients artfully arranged on a clean, light wood surface with natural daylight, subtle shadows adding depth, complementary neutral-toned linen napkins and minimalistic props for warmth and contrast, soft focus background bringing attention to details, vibrant and fresh colors, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, contributing to the unforgettable texture and flavor of the dish—from the fresh strawberries that provide natural sweetness and color, to the cold butter that’s the key to those tender, flaky shortcakes, and finally the whipped cream that brings a luscious finish.

  • Fresh strawberries: Use ripe, juicy berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberries and shortcake dough just right without overpowering.
  • All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base for the shortcakes.
  • Baking powder: Ensures your shortcakes are light and fluffy with that perfect rise.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Cold unsalted butter: Keeps the shortcakes flaky and tender when cut into the dough.
  • Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the shortcake batter.
  • Large egg: Binds the ingredients and helps the structure of the shortcakes.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to both the shortcakes and whipped cream.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Whipped until soft peaks form, creating the perfect creamy topping.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream smoothly without graininess.

How to Make Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

Start by tossing your fresh sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl. This simple step lets the natural juices come out, making the berries irresistibly juicy and sweet. Leaving them at room temperature for at least half an hour thickens that irresistible syrup you’ll drizzle over your shortcake.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortcake Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then cut the cold butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs—this is the secret to the fluffy texture. Mixing cold butter into flour like this traps air pockets that create that beautiful flakiness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a smaller bowl. Pour this into the dry mixture, gently stirring until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the dough tender and fluffy. Overworking the dough can lead to dense shortcakes, and we are after airy perfection!

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Shortcakes

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, patting it into an even 1-inch thick round. Use a biscuit cutter to form six rounds and place them spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown on top. The smell at this point will have you eagerly waiting to assemble your strawberry shortcake.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

While your shortcakes cool, beat the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This luscious, airy whipped cream is the perfect balance for the sweet berries and tender biscuits, adding a cloud-like finish to each serving.

Step 6: Assemble Your Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

To serve, slice each shortcake horizontally. Spoon a generous helping of macerated strawberries with their syrup onto the bottom half, followed by a good dollop of whipped cream. Place the shortcake tops on and add extra strawberries and cream on top if you please. Serve immediately to enjoy every bit of that pillowy, berry-filled goodness.

How to Serve Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

While simple is often best with this recipe, garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant final touch. A few whole strawberries perched on top can also make your serving look spectacular and inviting.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines brightest on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, pair it with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a refreshing iced tea. These light beverages complement the dessert’s sweetness without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the classic shortcake deconstructed in a clear glass to show off each luscious layer of fruit, biscuit, and cream. Alternatively, create mini versions with small biscuit rounds for a delightful party platter that’ll wow guests with bite-sized joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your shortcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. To keep them tasting their best, it’s a good idea to keep the strawberries and whipped cream separate until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

Shortcakes freeze beautifully! Wrap each biscuit in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them later, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly in the oven to refresh that fluffy texture. Strawberries and whipped cream don’t freeze well, so prepare those fresh when serving.

Reheating

Reheat shortcakes gently in a low oven or toaster oven for just a few minutes to regain their warmth and flaky texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough or soggy. Assemble with fresh strawberries and whipped cream right before enjoying to keep everything fresh and delightful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?

While fresh strawberries are best for texture and sweetness, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to drain excess liquid before macerating with sugar to avoid soggy shortcakes.

What makes the shortcakes so fluffy in this recipe?

The key is using cold butter cut into the dry ingredients and not overmixing the dough. This technique creates pockets of air and steam during baking, resulting in the signature light and fluffy texture.

Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a cold dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, plus coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for the topping. The texture and flavor might differ slightly but it will still taste wonderful.

How long can I store the whipped cream after making it?

For best results, use the whipped cream within 24 hours. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and give it a quick whisk before serving if it settles.

Can I prepare the shortcake dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and shape the biscuits a day in advance, then store them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. Its perfect combination of light, tender shortcakes, juicy berries, and silky whipped cream makes it a timeless dessert you’ll want to return to again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of sunshine—you won’t regret it!

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Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Classic Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful American dessert featuring soft, buttery biscuits topped with macerated fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. This recipe balances the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of whipped cream and the tender crumb of freshly baked shortcakes, perfect for summer gatherings or a charming treat.

Ingredients

For the strawberries:

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

For the shortcakes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Macerate Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 1/3 cup sugar. Stir well and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to macerate and release juices.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dry Mix: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Mix Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure fluffy shortcakes.
  6. Shape Shortcakes: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into 6 rounds using a biscuit cutter and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake Shortcakes: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
  8. Make Whipped Cream: While shortcakes cool, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.
  9. Assemble Strawberry Shortcakes: Slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon strawberries with their juices over the bottom half, top with whipped cream, then place the top half of the shortcake over it. Add more cream and strawberries if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Shortcakes can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Reheat slightly before serving for best texture.
  • Use very cold butter for the fluffiest shortcakes.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the shortcakes tender and light.
  • For variation, try adding a splash of lemon zest to the strawberries during maceration for added brightness.

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