Name: Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Classic Strawberry Shortcake: A Sweet Slice of Summer Delight 🍓🍰☀️

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a classic strawberry shortcake recipe to celebrate the flavors of summer. This delightful dessert combines sweet, juicy strawberries with tender, homemade shortcakes and a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family treat, this easy strawberry shortcake is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying. With this recipe, you can create a stunning treat that will make you a hero! Get ready to indulge in the nostalgic charm of a homemade shortcake that brings smiles with every bite.

Delicious homemade strawberry shortcake with fresh berries and whipped cream.

2. The Allure of Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its uncomplicated nature. With just a few key components, you can create a memorable treat that captures the essence of summer. The combination of sweet strawberries, buttery shortcakes, and light, airy whipped cream is a timeless classic for a reason. This strawberry shortcake recipe is very versatile, you can use different types of berries, but nothing beats the classic strawberry shortcake! If you’re seeking more delightful treats, explore the possibilities in the desserts category.

3. Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Let’s break down what you’ll need. Using high-quality ingredients will help create the most delicious shortcake possible.

For the Shortcakes:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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4. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Shortcake

Ready to get baking? Here’s a detailed guide to make sure your shortcake turns out perfectly.

1. Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Gently toss them together and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process, called maceration, allows the strawberries to release their juices, creating a delicious syrup that will soak into the shortcakes. Preparing the strawberries ahead of time enhances their sweetness and flavor, making your strawberry shortcake recipe truly exceptional. Want to explore more fruit-filled dishes? Check out some refreshing salads.

Slicing fresh strawberries for classic strawberry shortcake recipe.

2. Make the Shortcake Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the heavy cream, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This homemade shortcake is light and flaky because of the cold butter and minimal mixing. For more baking adventures, see what you can find here.

Combining dry ingredients and butter for strawberry shortcake biscuits.

3. Bake the Shortcakes

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving. The golden color indicates they are perfectly baked and ready to be paired with strawberries and cream. These easy strawberry shortcakes are best when served warm, offering a delightful contrast to the cool toppings.

Shortcake biscuits on a baking sheet before baking for strawberry shortcake.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter. Freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to your strawberry shortcake recipe, complementing the sweet strawberries and tender shortcakes perfectly. For an even richer flavor, consider using cream from grass-fed cows. If you’re interested in collaborating, please work with me!

Freshly whipped cream for a classic strawberry shortcake dessert.

5. Assembling Your Strawberry Shortcake

To assemble the shortcake, split each biscuit in half. Spoon a generous amount of strawberries and their juices over the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and place the other half of the shortcake on top. Add more strawberries and whipped cream as desired. This summer dessert recipe is best enjoyed immediately, ensuring the shortcakes remain tender and the whipped cream stays light and fluffy. You also might like to look at this classic strawberry shortcake recipe for more ideas!

6. Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your strawberry shortcake is a showstopper.

Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky shortcakes. Make sure your butter is well-chilled before cutting it into the flour.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough shortcakes. Mix the dough until just combined.
Fresh Strawberries: Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find for the best flavor.
Chill the Bowl: Chilling your bowl and beaters before making whipped cream helps it whip up faster and hold its shape better.

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7. Variations and Adaptations

While the classic strawberry shortcake recipe is beloved, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Try adding a hint of lemon zest to the shortcake dough for a citrusy twist. You can also experiment with different berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry shortcake. For a richer flavor, brush the shortcakes with melted butter before baking. The possibilities are endless!

8. Serving Suggestions

Strawberry shortcake is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with other desserts. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. A sprig of fresh mint can add a refreshing touch. This homemade shortcake is ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. Or, if you prefer to eat a bit lighter, view some delicious soup recipes.

9. Conclusion

This strawberry shortcake recipe is so delicious and the perfect way to enjoy summer’s bounty. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a memorable dessert that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy strawberry shortcake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of this classic treat, and savor every bite of this delightful summer dessert recipe. If you love this, you might also enjoy looking at some breakfast brunch recipes as well!