The aroma of freshly baked strawberry shortcake fills the air like a sweet, fruity hug that instantly lifts your spirits. This delightful dessert, with its fluffy cake layers and luscious whipped cream, is a celebration of summer in every bite. Imagine sinking your fork into soft, moist cake, topped with sun-ripened strawberries that burst with flavor. Each mouthful is a symphony of sweet and creamy goodness that makes even the grumpiest of food critics crack a smile.
I remember the first time I made this strawberry shortcake recipe for my family’s summer picnic. My cousin Charlie, who usually prefers anything fried or covered in chocolate, took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” That glowing endorsement left me grinning like I had just found a fifty-dollar bill in an old coat pocket. Strawberry shortcake is perfect for backyard barbecues, birthday parties, or just because you want to treat yourself—because let’s be honest, you deserve it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry shortcake recipe offers an easy way to impress guests with minimal effort
- The flavors harmonize beautifully, creating a delightful balance between sweetness and freshness
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any dessert table
- Perfect for summer gatherings but versatile enough to enjoy any time of year
My friends still rave about that picnic day when we feasted on this heavenly dessert under the warm sun.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor; they’re the star of this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cake’s structure; sifted flour helps ensure a tender crumb.
Sugar: A sweetener that balances out the tartness of strawberries; adjust according to your preference.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent makes the cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors without making the cake taste salty.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor; avoid margarine for best results.
Heavy Cream: Whipped cream brings a luscious texture; use cold cream for better whipping.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and warmth to both the cake and whipped cream.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into making this scrumptious strawberry shortcake together!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This creates a light base for your cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while beating until light and fluffy. It should look like sunshine in a bowl!
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly airy.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mix while alternating with milk until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cakes here!
Bake Cakes: Pour batter into prepared pans evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean!
Once baked, allow cakes to cool completely in their pans before transferring them to wire racks.
Create Strawberry Filling: While cakes are cooling, slice fresh strawberries into quarters in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and toss gently—let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their sweet juices.
Whip Cream Delightfully: In another bowl chilled beforehand (this makes all the difference), whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar gradually while continuing to whip until stiff peaks appear—you want creamy clouds here!
Assemble Your Masterpiece!: Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spoon half of the strawberries over it followed by half of the whipped cream. Top with second layer of cake and repeat with remaining strawberries and cream—don’t be shy!
Slice generously and serve immediately! Watch as everyone swoons over your creation!
Now you have an incredible strawberry shortcake recipe that’s bound to please anyone lucky enough to take a bite! Enjoy every moment as you savor this delightful treat!
You Must Know
- This strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion
- The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender shortcakes creates a dessert that feels like a warm hug
- Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the shortcakes while you prepare the strawberries and whipped cream. This ensures everything is fresh and ready to serve together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries or add a splash of vanilla in your whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for sweetness; they make all the difference in this classic dessert
- Ensure your cream is cold for better whipping results
- Don’t overwork the dough for shortcakes; treat it gently for light, flaky layers
Sharing my first attempt at this strawberry shortcake recipe reminds me of a family gathering where everyone was amazed at how delicious it turned out.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this strawberry shortcake recipe?
Yes, but fresh strawberries yield better flavor and texture in this classic dessert.
How do I keep my whipped cream from deflating?
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters; add powdered sugar to stabilize your whipped cream.
Can I make shortcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake them a day in advance, then store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Indulge in the joy of summer with this delightful strawberry shortcake, featuring layers of fluffy cake, sun-ripened strawberries, and luscious whipped cream. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness that’s sure to brighten your day. Perfect for picnics, parties, or simply as a well-deserved treat!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter until creamy; add sugar gradually until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs one at a time and add vanilla until smooth.
- Alternately combine dry ingredients with milk until just mixed.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden; cool completely.
- Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble by layering cake, strawberries, and whipped cream; serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
