How to make Strawberry Shortcake from Scratch: Easy Recipe

Learn how to make strawberry shortcake from scratch. An easy and classic recipe with a flaky biscuit cake, paired with whipped cream and strawberries to complete this classic strawberry shortcake recipe.

More delicious desserts: Peach Crisp, Strawberry Lemonade Cookies, Cherry Pie Cookies, and S’mores Rice Krispy Treats.

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries, the lightness of whipped cream, and the buttery goodness of a shortcake. It’s a treat that many enjoy during the warmer summer months when strawberries are at their peak, but it’s a delicious option year-round. If you’ve ever wondered how to make strawberry shortcake from scratch, this recipe will guide you through the process with ease. You’ll thank me later, it is seriously the best strawberry shortcake recipe!

What is Strawberry Shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that consists of three main components: shortcakes, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. The shortcake is typically a slightly sweet biscuit or scone that provides a sturdy base for the fruit and cream. The strawberries are usually macerated with sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and create a syrupy consistency. The whipped cream adds a light and fluffy element that balances the flavors and textures.

Making strawberry shortcake from scratch might seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple and rewarding. By preparing each element yourself, you can ensure that the flavors are fresh and perfectly balanced. Plus, there’s something special about serving a dessert made entirely from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, this recipe for strawberry shortcake is incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe approachable and fun to make. The sweet biscuits for the shortcakes come together quickly, and the fresh strawberries and whipped cream require minimal effort. In less than an hour, you’ll have a beautiful dessert ready to enjoy.

Second, the flavor and texture combination in this strawberry shortcake is unbeatable. The shortcakes are tender and buttery with a slightly crisp exterior, providing the perfect contrast to the juicy strawberries and light whipped cream. The sweetness of the strawberries and cream complements the subtle richness of the shortcake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s a dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake

To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients from the grocery store to make the real deal shortcake:

Shortcakes:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed (cold butter)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry topping:

• 4 cups diced strawberries
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Whipped cream:

• 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake from Scratch

Here’s how to make strawberry shortcake from scratch, step by step:

Preheat the Oven: 

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Prepare the Shortcakes: 

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: 

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, half-and-half, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir just until combined; the dough will be slightly lumpy.

Shape the Shortcakes: 

Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the dough into 9 equal portions. Place each portion onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into round discs as best as you can.

Bake the Shortcakes: 

Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Prepare the Strawberries: 

While the shortcakes are baking, dice the strawberries and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries and toss them gently to combine. Set aside to allow the strawberries to macerate and release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream: 

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a bowl with an electric mixer, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Assemble the Shortcakes: 

Once the shortcakes are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, slice them in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with a generous spoonful of the fresh strawberry topping. Place the top half of the shortcake back on the strawberries, and add another layer of whipped cream and strawberries on top to make the cake layers.

Serve and Enjoy: 

Your homemade strawberry shortcakes are best enjoyed immediately. Serve them as is or with an additional dollop of whipped cream on the side. Perfect summer dessert is served!

Places to Take or Use This Recipe

Strawberry shortcake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings:

1. Family Gatherings: Strawberry shortcake is a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or weekend barbecue. Its light and refreshing taste make it a great choice for outdoor events.
2. Picnics: Pack your shortcakes, strawberries, and whipped cream separately, and assemble the shortcakes on-site for a delightful picnic treat. The freshness of the strawberries and cream makes it a perfect dessert for enjoying outdoors.
3. Potlucks: Impress your friends at a potluck by bringing homemade strawberry shortcakes. They’re easy to transport and can be assembled quickly once you arrive.
4. Dinner Parties: Serve strawberry shortcake as a stunning dessert at your next dinner party. The individual servings make it an elegant and practical choice, and your guests will appreciate the homemade touch.

Variations for Strawberry Shortcake

There are many ways to customize this strawberry shortcake recipe to suit your tastes:

1. Berry Medley: Instead of using only strawberries, mix in other juicy berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The combination of different fresh berries adds a burst of color and flavor.
2. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling melted chocolate over the shortcakes before serving. White, dark, or milk chocolate all pair beautifully with strawberries and cream.
3. Lemon Shortcakes: For a zesty twist, add lemon zest to the shortcake dough and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the whipped cream. The citrus flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
4. Gluten-Free Shortcakes: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
5. Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream to make a vegan strawberry shortcake.

Can This Recipe Be Stored or Made Ahead?

Yes, strawberry shortcake can be stored and even made ahead with a few considerations:

1. Shortcakes: The shortcakes can be baked a day in advance. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer warm shortcakes, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling.
2. Strawberries: Prepare the strawberries up to a few hours before serving. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Be sure to toss them again before using, as the sugar will draw out more juice over time.
3. Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is best when it’s freshly made, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. If it begins to deflate, re-whip it briefly before assembling the shortcakes.
4. Assembled Shortcakes: It’s best to assemble the shortcakes just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. However, if you need to assemble them ahead of time, do so no more than an hour before serving and store them in the refrigerator.

Common Questions About How to Make Strawberry Shortcake from Scratch

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry shortcake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before macerating them with sugar.

2. Can I substitute milk for half-and-half in the shortcake recipe?

Yes, you can use milk instead of half-and-half, but the shortcakes may be slightly less rich and tender. If possible, use whole milk for the best results.

3. How do I prevent the shortcakes from becoming too dry?

To prevent dry shortcakes, be careful not to overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid overbaking. The top of the cake should be golden brown on top but still soft inside.

4. What’s the best way to cut the butter into the flour mixture?

The best way to cut butter into the flour mixture is to use a pastry cutter or two forks. You want to create small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough to ensure a flaky texture. A pastry blender is also very helpful to cut butter into dry ingredients.

5. Can I use Cool Whip instead of making my own whipping cream?

Yes you can use a tub of cool whip in place of making your own whipped cream if you are short on time or prefer cool whip.

Conclusion

Learning how to make strawberry shortcake from scratch is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious, homemade dessert. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? You can easily make this recipe over and over again! The combination of tender shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream is simply irresistible.

Ready to try this recipe yourself? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade strawberry shortcake. Don’t forget to save this traditional strawberry shortcake recipe so you can find it later!

More desserts you need to try:

• Heaven on Earth Cake
• Viral Cinnamon Rolls with Half and Half
• Chocolate Cool Whip Cake Mix Cookies

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