Strawberry Shortcake

Light, summery and simple to make, this Strawberry Shortcake is the kind of dessert you bring out when friends drop by or when you want a quick, nostalgic treat. The tender shortcake, juicy macerated strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream come together in minutes, and for a fun variation try our strawberry shortcake bars for picnic-friendly slices.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake

• Bright, fresh strawberry flavor with fluffy cream.
• Quick to prepare and perfect for last-minute entertaining.
• Kid-friendly and easy to customize.
• Makes great leftovers for a sweet breakfast or snack.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients Needed

• Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fats & Dairy
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fruit & Toppings
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
  • Whipped cream (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions 5

1. Preheat and prepare the pan

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut in the butter

Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add cream and form dough

Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla until just combined, then shape the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.

5. Cut and bake

Cut the dough into rounds and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.

6. Macerate the strawberries

Meanwhile, mix the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let them sit until juicy.

7. Assemble and serve

Once the cake is cool, slice in half, layer with strawberries and whipped cream, top with the other half, and serve with additional strawberries and whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions Strawberry Shortcake

• Serve with extra whipped cream and a mint sprig for a pretty finish.
• Add a drizzle of warm berry compote or a berry coulis.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
• Create a dessert board with shortcake slices and light pastries like strawberry honey custard tarts for a brunch spread.

Tips for Success Strawberry Shortcake

• Keep the butter cold for the flakiest shortcake texture.
• Do not overmix the dough; gentle handling keeps the cake tender.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing to avoid smooshing the layers.
• Macerate strawberries at least 10 minutes so they release plenty of juice.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; assemble fresh to keep shortcake from getting soggy.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Lemon-vanilla shortcake: add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a bright note.
• Dairy-free option: swap coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free whipped topping.
• Breakfast twist: transform the filling into warm cinnamon-strawberry rolls or try it as a base for strawberry cinnamon rolls for morning guests.

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

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