Name: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional); ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes OR grated; 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or turbinado sugar or sanding sugar; 2 pounds strawberries, picked through, washed, trimmed, and hulled; ¼ to ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups heavy cream, extra cold, can be placed in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes; ¼ to ⅓ cup powdered sugar, depending on desired sweetness; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If there’s one dessert that truly captures the joy of summer, it’s the Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. Imagine buttery biscuits, juicy macerated strawberries, and clouds of freshly whipped cream all stacked together in a sweet, irresistible tower. This classic treat is as easy to assemble as it is nostalgic, bringing back joyful memories of picnics, family gatherings, and those golden afternoons when strawberries taste their sweetest. Whether you’re making this for a crowd or just for yourself, it’s bound to become your go-to summertime dessert.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is how it uses simple, straightforward ingredients that sing in harmony. Each one adds its own special touch, from flaky, golden biscuits to the fragrance of fresh strawberries and the cloudlike texture of homemade whipped cream.

All-purpose flour: This classic flour is the base for your biscuits, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the biscuit dough and the strawberries, enhancing their natural flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other flavors.
Baking powder: The key to those tall, fluffy biscuits we all love.
Cream of tartar (optional): Helps give your biscuits just a bit of extra rise and tenderness.
Unsalted butter (cold): The trick to flaky layers is using butter straight from the fridge, cut in or grated for perfect texture.
Whole milk or buttermilk: Adds richness and a tender crumb—use buttermilk for extra tang!
Heavy cream: For brushing biscuit tops and making the dreamiest whipped cream.
Coarse, turbinado, or sanding sugar: Sprinkling this on top adds sparkle and a little crunch.
Strawberries: The star of the show—fresh, ripe, and oh-so-juicy is key here.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream, and its fine texture blends beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and rounds out all the flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Biscuit Dough

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 450°F. Grab your largest bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cream of tartar if you’re using it. Now comes the magic—cut the icy-cold butter into your flour mixture using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips. Keep it gentle; you want those lovely pea-sized bits of butter hiding in the dough. Pour in the milk or buttermilk, stirring only until everything just comes together. The dough should look a bit shaggy and sticky, but don’t overmix!

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Sprinkle some flour on top to keep it from sticking to your hands, then gently pat into a rectangle about one inch thick. Fold the dough in half and pat it out again—do this a few more times for extra layers. Pat the dough to about ¾ to 1 inch thickness, then cut out biscuits with your favorite cutter (or even just a knife for rustic squares). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with heavy cream, and finish with a shower of coarse sugar. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and gorgeous.

Step 3: Macerate the Strawberries

While biscuits bake, slice or chop your strawberries and toss them into a large bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over and give it all a gentle stir so each berry is coated. Let the mixture rest for 20 to 30 minutes, giving it a quick mix now and then. The sugar draws out the juices, making a vibrant syrup that transforms the berries into the ultimate shortcake topping.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

For the fluffiest cream, pop your mixing bowl and whisk attachment into the freezer for a few minutes before starting. Beat cold heavy cream on medium speed until it thickens, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until soft peaks form—just enough for a sweet, pillowy spoonful. Be careful not to overwhip, unless you want butter (which is a whole other adventure).

Step 5: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Once the biscuits are cool enough to handle, slice them in half using a serrated knife. Spoon a generous dollop of macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, then crown it with a big swoop of whipped cream. Add the top half of the biscuit, a little extra whipped cream, and more strawberries. Don’t forget a final drizzle of that luscious strawberry syrup before serving—trust me, it makes each bite unforgettable!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe feel extra special. Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves, add a dusting of powdered sugar, or top with extra sliced strawberries. If you’re feeling fancy, a light zesting of lemon or orange peel brightens each serving beautifully.

Side Dishes

Strawberry shortcake truly shines on its own, but if you want to build a complete dessert spread, consider serving with a cool pitcher of lemonade or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. For a charming brunch, pair with hot coffee and fresh fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe presentation! Try serving in individual mason jars for a picnic vibe, stack mini shortcakes for a cute appetizer-like treat, or set up a DIY shortcake bar so everyone can assemble their perfect dessert. The more creative, the more memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra biscuits or strawberries, store each component separately. Keep the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The strawberries and whipped cream are best kept covered in the fridge to preserve their freshness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the biscuits from your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe! Cool them completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The macerated strawberries don’t freeze well, but you can freeze hulled strawberries and macerate them once thawed.

Reheating

Warm leftover biscuits in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes to restore their oven-fresh texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy. Assemble with cold strawberries and whipped cream just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the biscuits a day in advance and keep them covered at room temperature. Prep the strawberries and whipped cream the same day you plan to serve for peak freshness.

How do I make my own buttermilk if I don’t have any?

No buttermilk? No problem! Stir 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice into 1 cup of cold milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got homemade buttermilk for this recipe.

How can I prevent my biscuits from turning out tough or dry?

The secret is not overmixing the biscuit dough and keeping your butter as cold as possible. Gentle folding will keep biscuits tender, while the cold butter ensures beautiful flakes.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are ideal, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if that’s what you have. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before macerating with sugar.

What’s the best way to cut biscuits if I don’t have a cutter?

No biscuit cutter? Simply use a drinking glass, a sharp knife for squares, or even shape the dough with your hands for a rustic look—remember, the flavor is what matters most!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that makes every summer moment a little sweeter, no matter how or when you enjoy it. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself and your loved ones soon—this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation!