Name: Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487815H1M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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If you’re craving the ultimate summer treat that’s both simple and spectacular, Easy Strawberry Shortcake is your answer. Picture this: tender, golden shortcakes stacked high with juicy sugared strawberries and pillows of homemade whipped cream. With fresh flavors and a breeze-to-follow recipe, this classic dessert is a celebration of the season’s best fruit, all in under an hour. It’s dear to my heart because every strawberry shortcake feels like a bite of pure sunshine and happiness—all you have to do is share it with family and friends.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a few humble ingredients is all it takes to make Easy Strawberry Shortcake shine. Each one brings something special to the table, from the lush sweetness of ripe strawberries to the rich melt-in-your-mouth texture of real butter. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for juicy fruit flavor and vibrant color.
Granulated Sugar: Used twice—once to sweeten the berries and once in the shortcake dough—this makes everything sing with balanced sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your shortcake, producing soft biscuits that hold up to all those luscious toppings.
Baking Powder: Key for lift and that irresistible fluffy texture—don’t skip this!
Salt: Just a little enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from overwhelming.
Cold Unsalted Butter: The secret to a flaky, tender crumb—make sure it’s well-chilled for best results.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness, pulling the dough together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: A must for that comforting, classic shortcake aroma and a hint of warmth.
Heavy Cream: Whips up into a cloud-like topping that makes the dessert truly decadent.
Powdered Sugar: Makes the whipped cream sweet—but not too sweet—so it complements the strawberries perfectly.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

Start with the showstopper: your strawberries! Toss the sliced berries with a sprinkle of sugar and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This short wait works magic, drawing out the berries’ natural juices for a sweet, ruby-red syrup that infuses every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, more sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture looks like chunky breadcrumbs. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the biscuits tough, so keep it gentle!

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Shortcakes

Drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and pop them into a preheated 425°F oven. After about 12 to 15 minutes, your kitchen will smell like pure heaven and you’ll see golden-topped biscuits ready for assembling. Keep an eye out: you want them cooked through but still soft inside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream

While those shortcakes are baking, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms dreamy soft peaks. Homemade whipped cream is truly a game-changer here; it’s fresh, fluffy, and lightly sweetened for perfect balance against the strawberries.

Step 5: Assemble Your Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Once the shortcakes are warm (but not piping hot), split them in half. Layer on generous spoonfuls of strawberries and their decadent juices, heap on a cloud of whipped cream, and cap it with the biscuit top. I dare you not to sneak a taste before serving!

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Garnishes

Dress up your Easy Strawberry Shortcake with a sprinkle of fresh mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few extra sliced berries for color. A tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze can bring out the strawberries’ natural sweetness and add a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This dessert is showy enough to shine solo, but if you want to turn Easy Strawberry Shortcake into a full occasion, serve alongside a cool glass of lemonade, iced tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering individual servings in mason jars for picnics, or make bite-sized versions using mini biscuit cutters for parties. For a rustic look, pile everything onto a large platter and let guests build their own creations—it’s interactive and always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any assembled shortcakes left (lucky you!), store them gently covered in the fridge for up to a day. The biscuits will soften as they absorb those luscious strawberry juices, creating a more pudding-like treat.

Freezing

You can freeze unfilled shortcakes! Once baked and cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When you crave Easy Strawberry Shortcake, just thaw at room temperature and assemble with fresh strawberries and cream.

Reheating

To enjoy shortcakes warm, give them a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) or reheat in a low oven. Always assemble with strawberries and whipped cream just before serving for freshest texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Thaw your frozen berries and let them drain well before mixing with sugar. Frozen berries can be a bit softer and more juicy, but they still make an excellent Easy Strawberry Shortcake.

What’s the best way to keep the shortcakes extra tender?

The trick is very cold butter and a gentle touch. Cut the butter into the flour quickly, and handle the dough as little as possible—this keeps your biscuits light and flaky.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

Absolutely. Whip your cream up to a few hours in advance, then keep it chilled until serving. Give it a quick whisk if it loses any fluffiness before you assemble your Easy Strawberry Shortcake.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! Double or triple the ingredients as needed, and bake the biscuits in batches. You can even set up a shortcake station and let guests assemble their own for a fun, hands-on dessert experience.

How do I prevent soggy shortcakes?

Wait to assemble until just before serving, and keep each component separate until the last minute. This way, every bite of your Easy Strawberry Shortcake is perfectly crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a platter of Easy Strawberry Shortcake—simple, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. If you’ve never tried making your own, now is the time! With just a handful of ingredients and some happy summer berries, you’ll have a dessert that’s pure celebration on a plate.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes plus macerating time
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic flavors of summer with this easy strawberry shortcake recipe. Tender, sweet shortcakes are topped with juicy strawberries and billowy whipped cream for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberries:

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Shortcakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Instructions

Prepare Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Let sit for 30 minutes to release juices.
Make Shortcakes: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla. Drop dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes.
Whip Cream: Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Assemble: Split shortcakes, top with strawberries and whipped cream, and serve.