Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

This homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is as Southern as summer itself. Made from scratch with simple pantry staples, the buttery shortcakes are piled high with fresh whipped cream and sweet, juicy strawberries. It’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style, and always disappears fast!

Ingredients to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake has earned its place as one of the most beloved desserts of all time, and for good reason. It’s a classic summer dessert that takes me back to childhood. The tender shortcake biscuit dough forms the perfect base for sweet strawberries and fresh whipped cream. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Why make it from scratch? It’s easier than you think to make classic strawberry shortcake! Here’s what you’ll need to make homemade Strawberry Shortcake: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Strawberries – One quart of fresh strawberries, hulled and cubed.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar helps draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a sweet, syrupy liquid that soaks beautifully into the shortcakes.
• Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the dough.
• Leavening – Baking powder and salt give rise to the dough.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Butter – Cold salted or unsalted butter for a rich dough and melted butter to brush the tops.
• Liquid – Half and half for moisture.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract adds creamy floral notes to the taste.
• Whipped Cream – Whipped cream for serving.

How to Make the BEST Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Macerate Strawberries – Add strawberries to a medium-size mixing bowl with sugar. Toss, then set into the fridge to macerate.
• Sift the Dry Ingredients – Use a whisk to sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
• Cut Butter into Flour – Use a pastry blender to cut butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles cornmeal. Make a well in the center.
• Wet Ingredients – Whisk together half and half, egg and vanilla.
• Combine – Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until fully moistened.
• Divide Dough – Use two tablespoons to drop the dough in mounds onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
• Oven – Bake per the cook time in the recipe until the tops are golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes.
• Assemble Strawberry Shortcakes – Slice shortcakes through the middle, top with macerated berries and whipped cream.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Strawberry Shortcake

• Large bowl and medium bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Strawberry huller or sharp knife and chopping board to cube the strawberries.
• A whisk to sift together the dry ingredients.
• A pastry cutter or food processor to cut the butter into the flour.
• A hand mixer or a stand mixer to make the whipped cream.
• Sheet pan lined with parchment paper to bake the shortcakes.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Use Fresh Strawberries – When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries with fresh green stems. They should be firm to the touch and free of dark spots or any signs of mold.
• Fruit – You could adapt this recipe using blackberries or raspberries or a combination of strawberries and blueberries.
• Citrus – You might like to add a splash of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for an acidic twist.
• Whipped Cream – This is one dessert where fresh whipped cream truly shines. That said, if you prefer, you can use Cool Whip or another store-brand whipped topping, it’s more stable and holds up better at room temperature. Just keep in mind that fresh whipped cream is best made the same day you plan to serve the strawberry shortcake for the best texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese – You can add a dollop of softened cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream to help stabilize it.
• Sugar – After brushing the tops of the shortcakes with melted butter, try sprinkling them with turbinado sugar (also known as raw sugar) instead of granulated sugar. It adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Shortcut – You can make strawberry shortcake using slices of pound cake or angel food cake.
• See how to make Peach Shortcakes here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture. The shortcakes can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezer – Store baked and cooled shortcakes wrapped in plastic wrap and popped into a freezer bag frozen for up to 2-3 months.

More Easy Strawberry Dessert Recipes to Make

• This stunning Strawberry Layer Cake is a cake mix hack and no one will ever know.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is a special dessert for a special occasion.
• My recipe for Strawberries and Cream Pie has a hidden cheesecake layer hidden inside.
• Serve these Strawberry Pancakes for breakfast, brunch or dessert.
• No Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream doesn’t require any special equipment to make.
• Start your morning with a slice of fresh Strawberry Coffee Cake.
• Individual serving Easy Strawberry Parfaits.
• No bake no fuss Strawberry Fluff.
• Strawberry Freezer Jam from Ball Mason Jars.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Stand Mixer
• Cooling Racks
• Measuring Set
• Sheet Pans