Name: Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup butter; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup sugar crystals; 24 oz strawberries; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Indulge in a classic dessert that brings together the delightful combination of fluffy shortcake biscuits, fresh strawberries, and creamy, homemade whipped cream. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Photos of Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to pick up a few items during your trip to the supermarket. Ensure you have heavy whipping cream for the homemade whipped cream, and don't forget the sugar crystals to add a delightful crunch to your shortcakes. Fresh strawberries are essential for the best flavor.

Ingredients For Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

flour: The base of the shortcake, providing structure and texture.

sugar: Adds sweetness to both the shortcake and the strawberries.

baking powder: Helps the shortcakes rise and become fluffy.

salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the shortcake.

whole milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the dough together.

sugar crystals: Sprinkled on top for added sweetness and a delightful crunch.

strawberries: The star of the dessert, adding fresh, juicy flavor.

heavy whipping cream: Whipped to create the luscious topping.

vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness to the whipped cream.

powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape.

One reader, Josy Cornell says:

This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is a delight! The biscuits are perfectly flaky, and the fresh strawberries with homemade whipped cream make it heavenly. Simple to follow and absolutely delicious. A must-try!

Josy Cornell

Techniques Required

How to use a food processor: Explanation on how to add ingredients and pulse until the desired consistency is achieved. How to use a cookie scoop: Explanation on how to properly scoop and place dough onto a baking mat. How to beat heavy cream: Explanation on how to use a hand mixer or stand mixer to achieve soft and stiff peaks. How to split biscuits: Explanation on how to properly split the baked biscuits in half for assembly.

How To Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Whip up a sweet and tart strawberry shortcake with this easy recipe! It soft, moist, and delectable creamy, and takes less than an hour to make.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupsflour
¼cupsugar,divided
1tbspbaking powder
½tspsalt
¼cupbutter,cold, cut into small cubes
1cupwhole milk
¼cupsugar crystals
24ozstrawberries,(2 pints), hulled and sliced
2cupsheavy whipping cream
2tspvanilla extract
2tbsppowdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter into a food processor, then pulse until the butter is in pea-sized crumbles. Add in the milk, pulsing until the dough comes together.
Using a cookie scoop, add the shortcake dough onto a silicone baking mat on a sheet pan, then sprinkle each dough mound with ½ tablespoon of sugar crystals.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl with the strawberries, then stir together.
In a medium sized bowl, add the heavy cream, and beat with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer until soft peaks form.
Add in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then whip for an additional 15 to 20 seconds until stiff peaks form.
Once the biscuits are cooled, split them in half, top with strawberries and whipped cream, then top with the biscuit top. Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 475.77kcal
Fat: 29.32g
Saturated Fat: 17.98g
Trans Fat: 0.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.35g
Carbohydrates: 48.55g
Fiber: 2.55g
Sugar: 22.01g
Protein: 6.04g
Cholesterol: 99.82mg
Sodium: 319.74mg
Calcium: 220.52mg
Potassium: 252.11mg
Iron: 0.95mg
Vitamin A: 307.95µg
Vitamin C: 50.37mg

Technique Tip for This Recipe

When making the whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve a better texture.

How to Save Time on Making This Dessert

Use pre-sliced strawberries: Save time by buying pre-sliced strawberries from the store instead of slicing them yourself.

Pre-made whipped cream: Opt for pre-made whipped cream to skip the step of whipping it yourself.

Food processor efficiency: Use a food processor to quickly combine the dough ingredients.

Silicone baking mat: A silicone baking mat ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, saving you time.

Quick cooling: Place the biscuits on a wire rack to cool faster, so you can assemble the shortcakes sooner.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a gluten-free alternative and adds a nutty flavor to the shortcake.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in baking, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
sugar crystals - Substitute with turbinado sugar: Turbinado sugar has larger crystals and a slight molasses flavor, making it a good topping alternative.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries provide a tart and sweet flavor similar to strawberries and can be used in the same quantity.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that whips up similarly to heavy cream and adds a coconut flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the shortcake.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be ground into a fine powder and used as a natural sweetener alternative.

Best Way to Present This Dessert

Use elegant plating: Place a single shortcake biscuit on a pristine white plate to create a clean canvas. Split the biscuit in half and set the bottom half in the center of the plate.
Layer with precision: Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of the shortcake, ensuring an even distribution of fruit and syrup.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe a swirl of freshly whipped cream over the strawberries. This adds height and elegance to the presentation.
Top with the biscuit: Gently place the top half of the shortcake biscuit over the whipped cream, slightly askew to showcase the layers beneath.
Garnish with finesse: Add a small sprig of fresh mint or a single whole strawberry on the side of the plate for a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Drizzle with syrup: Lightly drizzle some of the strawberry syrup from the macerated strawberries around the plate to create an artistic and flavorful accent.
Dust with powdered sugar: Using a fine sieve, dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the top of the shortcake for a delicate, snowy finish.
Serve with a smile: Present the dish with confidence and a warm smile, ensuring that the culinary professionals can appreciate the care and creativity put into each element.

Best Tools for This Recipe

Oven: Used to bake the shortcake dough at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.
Food processor: Helps to combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter into a crumbly mixture and then mix in the milk to form the dough.
Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform portions of shortcake dough for even baking.
Silicone baking mat: Provides a non-stick surface for baking the shortcake dough, making cleanup easier.
Sheet pan: Holds the shortcake dough mounds while they bake in the oven.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the strawberries with sugar and to whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract and powdered sugar.
Hand mixer: Whips the heavy cream to form soft and then stiff peaks, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream.
Stand mixer: An alternative to the hand mixer for whipping the heavy cream, providing hands-free operation.
Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients together and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Knife: Splits the cooled biscuits in half for assembly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the biscuits.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.

How To Store / Freeze This Dessert

To keep your strawberry shortcake fresh, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the biscuits, allow them to cool completely after baking. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw the biscuits at room temperature or warm them in a 350 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
For the strawberries, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they are already mixed with sugar, consume them within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.
The whipped cream should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It is best used within 24 hours, as it may lose its texture and become watery over time.
If you need to prepare the whipped cream in advance, you can stabilize it by adding a teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in a tablespoon of warm water before whipping. This will help it hold its shape for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To assemble the strawberry shortcake after storing, simply split the biscuits, add the strawberries and whipped cream, and enjoy your delightful dessert.

Random Fact About This Recipe

A fun fact about this strawberry shortcake recipe is that it dates back to at least the late 19th century in the United States. The combination of biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream has been a classic American dessert for generations, often enjoyed during summer when strawberries are in season.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This strawberry shortcake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter are pantry staples, while strawberries and heavy whipping cream are reasonably priced, especially in season. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

This strawberry shortcake recipe leans towards the indulgent side, given its high sugar and fat content. The use of ¼ cup sugar in the dough, additional sugar crystals, and sweetened strawberries contribute to a significant sugar load. The heavy whipping cream adds a hefty dose of saturated fat. While strawberries provide vitamins and antioxidants, the overall nutritional profile is skewed towards high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat.

Replace whole milk with almond milk or skim milk to reduce fat content.
Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in the dough and for sweetening strawberries.
Swap out half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on saturated fat.
Opt for Greek yogurt instead of heavy whipping cream for a protein boost and lower fat content.
Incorporate whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase fiber.
Add chia seeds or flaxseeds to the dough for extra nutrients and fiber.
Reduce the portion size of the shortcake and increase the amount of strawberries to balance the dessert.

Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe

This strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. The use of a food processor ensures a consistent, tender dough, while the sugar crystals add a pleasant crunch. Fresh strawberries macerated with sugar enhance their natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the rich, homemade whipped cream. The balance of textures and flavors makes this a standout dessert. However, consider chilling the dough briefly before baking for even fluffier shortcakes. Overall, it's an easy yet impressive treat that captures the essence of summer.

Enhance Your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Peach Salad: Elevate the shortcake experience with a refreshing grilled peach salad. The smoky sweetness of grilled peaches pairs beautifully with the creamy whipped cream and juicy strawberries. Add a sprinkle of goat cheese and a drizzle of honey for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Lemon Basil Sorbet: Complement the richness of the strawberry shortcake with a zesty lemon basil sorbet. The tangy lemon and aromatic basil cleanse the palate, making each bite of the shortcake feel like the first. It's a refreshing twist that adds a burst of flavor to your dessert spread.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Add a savory touch to your dessert table with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. The salty prosciutto and tender asparagus create a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy shortcake. This elegant side dish brings a sophisticated balance to your meal.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Brighten up your dessert course with a vibrant mango avocado salsa. The creamy avocado and juicy mango offer a tropical twist that complements the strawberry shortcake. Add a hint of lime and cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Cucumber Mint Cooler: Refresh your guests with a cucumber mint cooler. The crisp cucumber and cool mint provide a light and invigorating beverage that pairs perfectly with the rich and fruity shortcake. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that enhances the overall dining experience.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dessert

Classic Blueberry Muffins: Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins. These delightful treats are bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a golden, crumbly streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!

Lemon Raspberry Pound Cake: This lemon raspberry pound cake is a delightful fusion of tangy lemon and sweet raspberries. The moist, dense cake is perfect for dessert or an afternoon tea treat.

Peach Cobbler: Dive into a warm, comforting bowl of peach cobbler. Juicy peaches are enveloped in a sweet, buttery crust, making it an irresistible dessert, especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Chip Scones: These chocolate chip scones are a delightful combination of flaky, buttery dough and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent afternoon snack.

Mixed Berry Parfait: Layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and a medley of fresh berries, this mixed berry parfait is a refreshing and healthy dessert option. It's as beautiful as it is delicious!

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these stuffed mushrooms. The earthy flavor of mushrooms is perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy cheese filling. Add a touch of garlic and herbs for an extra layer of flavor. These bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection, making them an irresistible start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with this classic bruschetta. Freshly toasted baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt bring out the natural flavors, creating a simple yet elegant appetizer that pairs beautifully with a glass of wine.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with aromatic herbs. Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Grill the chicken until it's perfectly charred and juicy. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that's both healthy and satisfying.

Spaghetti Carbonara: Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then toss it in a creamy sauce made from egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of black pepper. Add crispy pancetta or guanciale for a savory, smoky flavor. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a luscious, silky sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a dish that's both simple and indulgent.

Why trust this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe:

This recipe for strawberry shortcake is a must-try because it combines simplicity with delicious results. The buttery shortcake is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the light, airy whipped cream. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. Trust this recipe for a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends.

If you enjoyed this easy strawberry shortcake recipe, be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in our Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using. Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make the shortcake dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

What if I don't have a food processor?

No worries! You can use a pastry cutter or even your hands to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you get pea-sized crumbles. Then, stir in the milk until the dough comes together.

How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?

The biscuits should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re done.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?

Sure, you can use store-bought whipped cream if you're short on time. However, homemade whipped cream tastes fresher and allows you to control the sweetness.