These Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes are the epitome of a summer dessert, offering layers of fluffy shortcake, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped cream. The light and airy texture of the shortcakes contrasts perfectly with the sweet, juicy strawberries and the richness of the whipped cream.
This dessert is perfect for any celebration, from family gatherings to summer picnics. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade treat that is both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
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2/3 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 tablespoon sugar (for strawberries)
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1 cup heavy cream (for whipped cream)
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1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the dough just comes together.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.
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Roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
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Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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While the shortcakes bake, mix sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and set aside.
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For the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Once shortcakes are baked, let them cool slightly, then slice them in half.
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Layer the bottom half of the shortcakes with strawberries, top with whipped cream, and place the other half of the shortcake on top.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Choose Homemade Strawberry Shortcake?
Homemade strawberry shortcake brings a fresh, buttery twist to this beloved classic. Unlike store-bought varieties, the homemade version offers the opportunity to control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful. The addition of flaky biscuits—made with cold butter—offers a texture that perfectly complements the sweetness of ripe strawberries. Homemade whipped cream adds richness without being overly heavy, making the entire dessert a perfect summer indulgence.
For those looking to recreate a timeless dessert, strawberry shortcake is versatile, allowing for customization to suit different tastes. You can opt for the classic biscuit base, or substitute it with angel food cake or even a light pound cake. However, the homemade biscuit approach remains a favorite for many due to its buttery and slightly flaky texture.
The Perfect Biscuit Base
The biscuit base of strawberry shortcake is a key component of the recipe. The texture should be tender and light, with a slight flakiness that pairs perfectly with the strawberries. Using cold butter in the dough is essential, as it melts during baking, releasing steam that helps to form layers and create that desirable flakiness. This is why it’s critical not to overwork the dough, as that can lead to dense shortcakes.
Selecting the Best Strawberries
When it comes to the strawberries, fresh is always best. Strawberries that are in season are ideal, as they are at their juiciest and sweetest. It’s also important to take the time to hull and slice the strawberries correctly. Slicing them into quarters helps release their juices, making them extra sweet and juicy, which adds a delightful texture to the shortcake.
Additionally, macerating the strawberries with a bit of sugar before assembling the dessert allows the berries to draw out their natural juices, creating a syrupy mixture that enriches the flavor of the shortcake. Letting the strawberries rest for a little while before serving also intensifies their flavor, making every bite a burst of freshness.
Making the Whipped Cream
No strawberry shortcake would be complete without a dollop of whipped cream on top. While store-bought whipped cream can do the job, making it from scratch is highly recommended for a rich and indulgent treat. Heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks and sweetened with a bit of granulated sugar and vanilla extract. The result is a light, fluffy topping that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the biscuit base.
For an added twist, some people choose to stabilize their whipped cream using gelatin or cornstarch, which ensures that it holds up longer without deflating. However, fresh whipped cream made just before serving is always a great option, ensuring the ultimate light and fluffy texture.
Tips for Success
To make sure your strawberry shortcake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
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Use cold ingredients: Whether it’s butter for the biscuits or heavy cream for the whipped cream, make sure your ingredients are cold. This helps with the flakiness of the biscuits and the fluffiness of the whipped cream.
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Macerate the strawberries: Give the strawberries time to release their juices by mixing them with sugar ahead of time. This step enhances the flavor and ensures that your shortcake is sweet and juicy.
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Don’t overwork the dough: When making the biscuits, handle the dough gently. Overworking it can result in tough biscuits, so be careful to mix just until everything comes together.
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Fresh is best: Use the freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor. If you have access to local, in-season berries, they will provide the sweetest and juiciest flavor for your shortcake.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that’s easy to serve and enjoyable for everyone. After baking the biscuits and preparing the strawberries and whipped cream, the assembly is simple. Slice each shortcake in half, place a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries on the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and then add the top of the shortcake. A final dollop of whipped cream and a few extra strawberries on top make for a picture-perfect dessert.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and an added layer of flavor. This will also make your shortcake look even more inviting and elegant when served.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Homemade strawberry shortcake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer. With its light, fluffy biscuits, sweet and juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped cream, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, having a casual family dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dessert brings a touch of freshness and joy to your table.
It’s also a versatile recipe that allows you to adjust and customize according to your taste. You can use different bases, such as angel food cake or pound cake, and mix in other fruits to add variety. However, the traditional biscuit base will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who cherish this classic dessert.
Once you experience the magic of homemade strawberry shortcake, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make—what’s not to love?
The next time you’re looking for a light yet indulgent dessert, make sure to try this recipe. It’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your home, especially during those warm summer months when strawberries are at their peak. Enjoy the simplicity, beauty, and deliciousness of strawberry shortcake, and share the joy with family and friends.