Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for Summer Bliss

Name: Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh strawberries; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

January 27, 2026

Updated:

January 27, 2026

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There’s something magical about strawberry shortcake. Picture it: fluffy layers of cake, sweet and juicy strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream that seem to float just above the plate. It’s like a summer day captured in dessert form. The moment you take a bite, you experience the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that dances on your taste buds, making you wonder if this is what happiness tastes like.

I remember the first time I made strawberry shortcake for my friends during a sunny picnic. As I served up the slices, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. The laughter, the light-hearted banter, and those delightful strawberry-stained smiles are etched in my memory forever. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a summer barbecue, or just a Wednesday afternoon when you need a pick-me-up, this dessert never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This strawberry shortcake is incredibly easy to prepare with simple steps anyone can follow

The flavor combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream is simply irresistible
Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to become the centerpiece of any gathering

Perfect for summer picnics but versatile enough for celebrations year-round

Making this delightful dish has brought smiles all around my kitchen table; I always get requests for seconds.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor; they should smell sweet and vibrant.

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cake; sifted flour gives it an airy texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the cake and the whipped cream; adjust to your taste.
Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh; this ingredient helps your cake rise beautifully.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easier mixing; it contributes moisture and richness.
Milk: Whole milk works best for moisture; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk as needed.

Heavy Cream: Essential for luscious whipped cream; chill it beforehand for better whipping results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to your shortcake; opt for pure vanilla extract for optimal flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven : Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven rack is in the center position for even baking.

Prepare Your Strawberries : While the oven heats up, wash and slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let them sit until they release their juices.

Make the Shortcake Batter : In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¾ cup sugar until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Milk : In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually mix in 1 cup of milk until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients : Slowly fold in your dry ingredients mixture into the wet batter using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be slightly lumpy.

Bake the Cake : Pour your batter into a greased round cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake

Once cooled slightly, slice your cake into two layers horizontally. Place one layer on a serving plate and spoon over half of those juicy strawberries along with some whipped cream.

Top with the second layer of cake, followed by more strawberries and whipped cream on top. Feel free to decorate with mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy!

And there you have it! Your homemade strawberry shortcake ready to wow everyone at your next gathering or just treat yourself because hey—you’re worth it! Enjoy every creamy bite filled with sweet strawberry goodness!

You Must Know

Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that combines sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery biscuits

You can easily adjust the sweetness based on your preference
The fresh aroma of strawberries will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere for any gathering

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the strawberries first so they can macerate while you bake the biscuits. This allows their juices to blend beautifully, creating a luscious topping.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider using different berries or adding a splash of vanilla in your whipped cream for a unique twist. You can even try gluten-free flour for the biscuits if desired.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep the biscuits from getting soggy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the fluffiest biscuits, avoid overmixing the dough; just combine until moistened

For extra flavor, use fresh vanilla beans instead of extract in your whipped cream
Always serve immediately after assembling strawberry shortcake for optimal texture and flavor

The first time I made strawberry shortcake, my friends devoured it within minutes, declaring me a dessert genius! Their enthusiasm inspired me to perfect this recipe further.

FAQs

FAQ

What kind of strawberries should I use for strawberry shortcake?

Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor and juiciness in your dessert.

Can I make strawberry shortcake ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare components ahead but assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I store leftover strawberry shortcake?

Keep each component separate in airtight containers to prevent sogginess and maintain quality.

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