Strawberry Shortcake Recipe (with Video)

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: Strawberry shortcake is a classic, beloved dessert that brings together the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries, the richness of whipped cream, and the soft, crumbly texture of a biscuit or cake.

The delightful combination of these three elements makes it a go-to dessert for summer gatherings, holidays, and any time you’re craving something fresh and satisfying.

This guide will take you through each step, from preparing the strawberries to assembling the shortcake, so you can create a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Shortcake

Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect strawberry shortcake:

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter (cubed)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberries:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions:

• Lemon zest for a citrus twist
• A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm undertones
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Tools and Equipment Required

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

• Baking sheet or cake pan
• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Whisk or electric mixer for whipping cream
• Biscuit cutter (or a round glass if you don’t have one)
• Pastry blender or fork for cutting in the butter
• A knife for slicing strawberries

Preparation of Ingredients

Start by preparing each component so that assembling the shortcake later is quick and easy.

1. Strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Sprinkle them with sugar and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release their natural juices.
2. Cream: Keep your cream chilled until you’re ready to whip it. Cold cream whips faster and holds its shape longer.
3. Butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and chill it. Cold butter is key for flaky biscuits.

Step-by-Step Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature allows the biscuits to rise quickly and achieve a golden brown color.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Making the Biscuit Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry blender or fork to mix the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Small chunks of butter create pockets for a flaky texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the cream and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, which could make the biscuits tough.

Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Biscuits

1. Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently press it together. Pat it to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out biscuits.
2. Bake: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 4: Preparing the Strawberries

1. Slice and Sweeten Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries to a bowl and mix them with a bit of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. The sugar will help the berries release their juices, creating a sweet strawberry sauce.
2. Optional Maceration: If you want a softer, saucier texture, let the strawberries macerate for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Whipping the Cream

1. Prepare the Cream: Pour the chilled heavy cream into a bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Whip: Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream could turn grainy.

Step 6: Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake

1. Split the Biscuits: Carefully slice the cooled biscuits in half. Place the bottom halves on serving plates.
2. Layer Strawberries and Cream: Spoon a generous layer of strawberries and their juices over each biscuit. Add a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half of the biscuit over the cream. Add more strawberries and cream if desired.
3. Garnish and Serve: For added flair, garnish with mint leaves, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Optional Toppings and Flavor Variations

Consider adding some creative twists to your strawberry shortcake:

• Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy note.
• Chocolate Shavings: For chocolate lovers, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
• Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or mint for a fresh aroma and vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake

Serve your strawberry shortcake while the biscuits are still warm for the best experience. Pair it with a chilled glass of sparkling wine, iced tea, or even a creamy latte to complement the dessert.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep whipped cream and strawberries refrigerated.
• Reheating: To reheat biscuits, warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Dry Biscuits: Avoid overmixing the dough, which can make biscuits tough and dry.
2. Runny Cream: Use chilled cream, and avoid overbeating to keep it stable.
3. Soggy Layers: Assemble the shortcakes just before serving to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.

FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Q: What are the key ingredients for a classic strawberry shortcake?

A: The essentials for a classic strawberry shortcake include fresh strawberries, shortcake biscuits, and whipped cream. Some recipes may add sugar to sweeten the strawberries or use vanilla for added flavor in the whipped cream.

Q: How can I make the shortcake biscuits fluffy?

A: To achieve fluffy biscuits, use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Cold butter helps create layers, making the biscuits soft and flaky. Also, consider adding a bit of buttermilk for extra tenderness.

Q: Can I use store-bought biscuits for strawberry shortcake?

A: Yes, store-bought biscuits can be a convenient option. While homemade biscuits provide a richer flavor, using pre-made biscuits saves time and still creates a delicious dessert.

Q: How do I prepare the strawberries?

A: Slice fresh strawberries and mix them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release their natural juices, creating a sweet syrup that enhances the shortcake’s flavor.

Q: Can I make strawberry shortcake ahead of time?

A: Yes, but it’s best to store the components separately. Prepare the biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream in advance, then assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.

Q: Are there dairy-free or gluten-free options for strawberry shortcake?

A: Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free whipped cream and butter for the standard ingredients. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour for the biscuits and check ingredient labels to ensure compliance.

These FAQs provide quick tips and substitutions to make a delightful strawberry shortcake, no matter your preferences or dietary needs!

Conclusion and Final Tips

Making strawberry shortcake from scratch might take a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it. The contrast of warm, crumbly biscuits, cool whipped cream, and fresh, sweet strawberries is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dessert or just treating yourself, this dessert is bound to impress.