Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Name: Classic Strawberry Shortcake: A Sweet Delight Awaits!
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 unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Posted on September 9, 2025

Dessert

Introduction to Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Ah, the sweet allure of a Classic Strawberry Shortcake! This delightful dessert is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those busy days when you want to treat yourself or impress your loved ones. With layers of fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, it’s a simple yet elegant way to celebrate life’s little moments. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe is your go-to solution. Trust me, once you serve this, you’ll be the star of the kitchen, and everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Strawberry Shortcake

This Classic Strawberry Shortcake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy moms and professionals. The taste? Oh, it’s a delightful balance of sweet strawberries, creamy whipped goodness, and buttery biscuits that melt in your mouth. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to any occasion, ensuring you’ll always have a crowd-pleaser on hand!

Ingredients for Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Classic Strawberry Shortcake. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your biscuits, providing structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the biscuits and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the biscuits rise, giving them that light, airy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and brings everything together.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it creates flaky layers in the biscuits. You can use margarine if you prefer.
Heavy cream: This rich cream is essential for both the biscuits and the whipped topping. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works beautifully!
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Powdered sugar: Used to sweeten the strawberries and the whipped cream, giving a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a lovely depth of flavor to the whipped cream.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making your Classic Strawberry Shortcake. Each step is simple, and I promise, the end result will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your biscuits rise beautifully and bake evenly. A hot oven is like a warm hug for your dough, helping it achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them well to combine. This step is essential as it evenly distributes the baking powder, ensuring your biscuits rise properly. Think of it as giving your dry ingredients a little dance party!

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving flaky biscuits. You want those little butter pieces to stay intact, creating layers as they melt during baking.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Now, pour in the heavy cream. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that light texture. It’s like bringing together old friends—just enough to mingle, but not too much to lose their individuality!

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it comes together. Then, roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out your biscuits. Remember, the less you handle the dough, the fluffier your biscuits will be!

Step 6: Bake the Biscuits

Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they should rise beautifully. You’ll know they’re done when they smell heavenly and have a lovely golden hue!

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberries

While the biscuits cool, it’s time to prepare the strawberries. In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with powdered sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the strawberries to release their juices, creating a sweet syrup that will soak into your biscuits.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This is where the magic happens! You want it to be fluffy and light, perfect for layering. Just be careful not to overwhip; we want it creamy, not butter!

Step 9: Assemble the Shortcakes

Finally, it’s time to assemble your Classic Strawberry Shortcake! Split the biscuits in half, layer them with strawberries and whipped cream, and top with the other half of the biscuit. It’s a beautiful, delicious masterpiece that’s sure to impress!

Tips for Success

Use cold ingredients for flaky biscuits; it makes a world of difference!
Don’t overmix the dough; a gentle touch keeps your biscuits light and airy.
Let the strawberries sit long enough to create a delicious syrup.
For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries.
Serve immediately for the best texture, but you can prep components ahead!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl you have.
Pastry cutter: Great for incorporating butter; a fork or your fingers work too!
Baking sheet: A standard one will do; line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Round cutter: A biscuit cutter is ideal, but a glass works just as well.
Whisk: Essential for mixing; a fork can also do the trick!

Variations of Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Add cocoa powder to the biscuit dough for a rich chocolate flavor. Layer with chocolate whipped cream for an indulgent twist!
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for a safe treat.
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace butter with vegan margarine. The result is a deliciously dairy-free dessert!
Berry Medley Shortcake: Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
Minty Strawberry Shortcake: Add fresh mint leaves to the strawberries for a refreshing twist. It’s like a garden party in your mouth!

Serving Suggestions for Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy treat.
Serve alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweetness.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Present on a beautiful platter for an elegant touch at gatherings.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent finish!

FAQs about Classic Strawberry Shortcake

As you embark on your journey to create the perfect Classic Strawberry Shortcake, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuits a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This way, you can assemble your shortcake quickly when you’re ready to serve.

What if I can’t find fresh strawberries?

If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be a good alternative. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar. They may not be as vibrant, but they’ll still taste delicious!

How do I store leftover shortcake?

To keep your Classic Strawberry Shortcake fresh, store the components separately. Keep the biscuits in an airtight container and the strawberries and whipped cream in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Can I use a different type of cream for whipping?

Yes! While heavy cream is traditional, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just chill the coconut cream beforehand for the best results. It whips up beautifully and adds a unique flavor!

How can I make my shortcake more flavorful?

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of lemon juice to the strawberries. You can also infuse your whipped cream with a bit of almond extract for a delightful twist!

Final Thoughts

Creating a Classic Strawberry Shortcake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting sweet memories. The joy of layering fluffy biscuits with luscious strawberries and whipped cream is a delightful experience that brings smiles to the table. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this dessert has a way of making moments feel extraordinary. I hope you find as much happiness in making this recipe as I do. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the sweet aroma of strawberry shortcake fill your home. Happy baking!