5-Minute Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake : The Ultimate Classic Dessert Recipe

When it comes to indulgent yet refreshing desserts, strawberry shortcake is a classic that never goes out of style. This timeless dessert, with its layers of sweet, ripe strawberries, light whipped cream, and either a biscuit or sponge cake base, is perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a summer BBQ, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet treat, strawberry shortcake is always a good choice.

This recipe features a biscuit strawberry shortcake that is easy to make and full of flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its variations, allowing you to make it your own. Whether you prefer the traditional biscuit base or want to try a strawberry shortcake bread or shortcake recipe, this guide covers it all. Let’s dive into why strawberry shortcake is the ultimate dessert and how to make it at home.

Save

What Makes Strawberry Shortcake So Irresistible

The charm of strawberry shortcake lies in its simple ingredients and satisfying textures. The strawberries, naturally sweet and juicy, pair perfectly with the airy and fluffy whipped cream. The base, whether a biscuit, sponge cake, or even strawberry shortcake bread, adds structure while providing a comforting, buttery flavor. Together, these elements create a balance of sweetness, creaminess, and lightness that makes each bite irresistible.

Not only is it a visual treat, but strawberry shortcake is also highly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether you prefer extra whipped cream, a richer base, or more strawberry variations. This makes it the perfect dessert for any gathering.

Ingredients You Need for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delicious strawberry shortcake:

For the Biscuit Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and creamy whipped cream will bring together the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in the best way possible.

Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Shortcake

To make this strawberry shortcake biscuit recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

• Mixing bowls (for the biscuit dough and whipped cream)
• Whisk (for the whipped cream)
• Baking sheet (for the biscuit base)
• Electric mixer (for whipping the cream)
• Cookie cutter or glass (for cutting biscuit rounds)

These tools will ensure that your strawberry shortcake is easy to assemble and perfect every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Shortcake

Making strawberry shortcake is simple and quick. Follow these steps for a perfect dessert:

1. Prepare the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough just comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out biscuit rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the biscuits cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Strawberries

In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Toss the strawberries and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to macerate and release their juices.

3. Make the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as it could turn into butter.

4. Assemble the Shortcake

Slice the baked biscuits in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the strawberry mixture onto the bottom half of the biscuit, then top with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the biscuit on top and add more strawberries and whipped cream as desired.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate the components separately until ready to assemble.

For another twist on the traditional strawberry shortcake biscuit recipe, try this strawberry shortcake bread for a fun, bread-based variation.

Save

How to Customize Your Strawberry Shortcake

While this strawberry shortcake recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it:

• Add other fruits: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or even mango for a fruit salad-inspired shortcake.
• Change the base: Instead of biscuits, use sponge cake, angel food cake, or even pound cake for a different texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Vary the whipped cream: Try adding a bit of orange zest or cinnamon to the whipped cream for extra flavor.

For more strawberry shortcake variations, try this strawberry shortcake with cream cheese for a rich, creamy version.

Serving Ideas: How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Like a Pro

Here are some creative ways to serve your strawberry shortcake:

• In individual servings: Make single-serve portions by layering the strawberries and cream in mason jars or glasses for a fun and easy-to-serve presentation.
• For a crowd: Assemble the strawberry shortcake in a large trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert.
• With ice cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra creaminess.

For another strawberry dessert, try pairing this shortcake with strawberry ice cream for a cool and refreshing treat.

Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Shortcake

To make sure your strawberry shortcake turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

• Don’t overwork the biscuit dough: Handle the dough gently to avoid dense biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to work with.
• Let the strawberries macerate: Allow the strawberries to sit with the sugar for at least 15-20 minutes to release their juices and become more flavorful.
• Serve immediately: Strawberry shortcake is best served fresh, as the biscuits and cream can lose their texture if left too long.

For another quick dessert, try this easy strawberry shortcake made with store-bought ingredients for a shortcut version.

How to Store Leftovers from Strawberry Shortcake

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat:

Refrigeration

Store the leftover strawberry shortcake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the components (biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream) separate and assemble just before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the biscuits for up to 1 month. Let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.

What to Pair with Strawberry Shortcake

To complete your meal, try pairing strawberry shortcake with:

• A fresh mint tea or iced tea for a light, refreshing beverage.
• A scoop of sorbet or vanilla ice cream for a cold and creamy contrast.
• Grilled fruit: Serve with grilled peaches or grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

For another great strawberry dessert, try serving this with strawberry cheesecake for a rich and decadent treat.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake

Can I make strawberry shortcake ahead of time?
You can prepare the strawberries and whipped cream ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the biscuits and assemble the dessert right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best for strawberry shortcake, but you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain the excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the whipped cream ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dessert.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Is a Must-Try Dessert

This strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The light biscuit, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream create a flavor combination that’s loved by everyone. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply craving something sweet, this recipe will be your go-to for delicious and effortless dessert-making.

For more strawberry shortcake variations, try making this strawberry shortcake with cream cheese for a richer version.

Print