Oh, the memories! Every summer, as soon as those gorgeous, ruby-red strawberries hit the market, my kitchen transforms. My three little ones, bless their hearts, practically dance with excitement knowing it’s time for our annual Strawberry Shortcake Recipe tradition.
We gather around, little hands eager to help hull strawberries and gently fold them into sugar. Sometimes it’s a beautiful mess, but always, always, it leads to the most incredible homemade strawberry shortcake. This isn’t just any Strawberry Shortcake Recipe; it’s a simple, nourishing joy that captures the essence of summer and family.
It brings smiles, sticky fingers, and the true taste of love to our table. I’m so excited to share our family’s favorite, an easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe that you’ll adore.
Table of Contents
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
This simple, nourishing Strawberry Shortcake Recipe captures the essence of summer and family, offering a quick and easy homemade treat. It features tender, buttery shortcakes, sweet juicy fresh berries, and clouds of whipped cream, using basic pantry staples for a truly delightful classic.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
1/3 cup Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Cold unsalted butter
3/4 cup Whole milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
4 cups Fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
1/4 cup Powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for berries)
Instructions
- Slice your fresh strawberries, place them in a bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and gently toss to coat. Set aside to macerate
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Use a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out about 6-8 shortcakes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack
- While the shortcakes cool, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a cold bowl until soft peaks form
- Slice each cooled shortcake horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries onto the bottom half. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, then place the shortcake lid on top. Add more whipped cream and a few extra berries if desired. Serve immediately
Notes
Always use very cold butter for flaky shortcakes.
Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent tough shortcakes.
Let your strawberries macerate for at least 30 minutes; this draws out their juices and enhances their sweetness.
For the best whipped cream, ensure your bowl and whisk are chilled before whipping.
Store cooled shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate prepared strawberries in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Store whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy shortcakes.
Reheating shortcakes isn’t typically necessary, but you can gently warm them in a low oven for a few minutes if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 225mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Protein: 5.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake, Summer Dessert, Easy Recipe, Classic Shortcake, Homemade, Family Favorite, Fresh Strawberries
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RECIPE
You’ll fall in love with this classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for busy parents or anyone craving a quick, homemade treat. Secondly, this particular Strawberry Shortcake Recipe truly shines with fresh, seasonal strawberries, making it a healthy indulgence.
It embraces natural sweetness and fresh flavors. Furthermore, this best Strawberry Shortcake Recipe uses basic pantry staples, meaning you probably have everything you need right now. The shortcakes are tender and buttery, a perfect contrast to the sweet, juicy berries and clouds of whipped cream. This easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is truly a family favorite!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. These simple components make the absolute best classic strawberry shortcake.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Cold unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup Whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 cups Fresh strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for berries)
Mastering these essential tips will ensure your strawberry shortcake is nothing short of perfect, showcasing the fruit’s best flavors. For those who love to experiment with strawberries beyond traditional desserts, there are countless creative ways to enjoy them, like our fun and unique Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
For the best results with your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe, store components separately. Keep cooled shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate prepared strawberries in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Store whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Assemble this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Recipe just before serving to prevent soggy shortcakes. Reheating shortcakes isn’t typically necessary, but you can gently warm them in a low oven for a few minutes if preferred, for a perfect Strawberry Shortcake Recipe experience.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
This wonderful Strawberry Shortcake Recipe truly shines on its own. It’s a complete dessert experience, bursting with fresh flavors. However, if you’re looking to complement this simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe, a refreshing glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade makes a delightful pairing.
A light Prosecco or sparkling wine also elevates this classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for an adult gathering. Ultimately, the beauty of this fresh Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is its self-sufficiency.
While this simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a self-sufficient delight, strawberries are incredibly versatile and can be the star of countless other celebratory dishes, not just for summer. If you’re already looking ahead to crafting adorable, delicious treats for upcoming holidays, be sure to check out our Cheesecake Strawberry Santas.
FAQS
What makes a shortcake “short”?
The term “short” refers to the high fat content (usually butter) in the dough, which prevents gluten from forming long strands, resulting in a tender, crumbly texture. This is key for our delicious Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.
Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the shortcakes up to 1 day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe right before serving for the best texture.
Why are my shortcakes tough?
Tough shortcakes usually result from overmixing the dough. Too much handling develops the gluten, making them chewy instead of tender. Aim for minimal mixing for this easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for this classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe, you can use frozen. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before macerating with sugar. They might be a bit softer.
Is this a healthy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?
This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and moderate sugar. While it’s a dessert, choosing fresh berries and making it from scratch means you control the ingredients, making it a more wholesome treat than many store-bought options.
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved confection typically consisting of shortcake (a biscuit-like dough), fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. This classic American dessert is especially popular during the summer months when strawberries are in season, celebrated for its fresh flavors and simple elegance. It often brings a sense of nostalgia, embodying seasonal joy and home-cooked comfort.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes for this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Total Fat | 20-25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-15g |
| Cholesterol | 60-70mg |
| Sodium | 200-250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40-45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-4g |
| Total Sugars | 20-25g |
| Protein | 5-6g |