Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight

Name: Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore making Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight, especially during the summer when strawberries are at their peak! This recipe is a beautiful combination of fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and a luscious whipped cream that brings everything together. When I serve it at gatherings, the vibrant colors and inviting aroma always steal the show. It’s a dessert that’s surprisingly simple yet feels special, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings or celebrating with loved ones.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:06:28.009Z

When I first tried my hand at baking a strawberry shortcake, I was amazed at how such a simple combination could create such delight. The key to success is the balance between the lightness of the cream and the juiciness of the strawberries. I recommend using fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Macerating them briefly with a bit of sugar intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a delightful syrup.

Additionally, the biscuits should be tender yet sturdy enough to hold the layers together. I’ve experimented with several techniques, and using cold ingredients for the biscuits helps achieve that delightful flaky texture. This dessert truly celebrates the lovely flavors of summer!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh and juicy strawberries create a delightful sweetness
Fluffy biscuits provide a perfect contrast to the cream
A timeless dessert that brings back childhood memories

Perfecting the Shortcake Texture

The secret to achieving light and fluffy shortcake biscuits lies in how you handle the dough. When cutting in the cold butter, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create small, pea-sized pieces. This will help ensure that the butter remains cold, resulting in layers that rise beautifully when baked. Avoid overmixing the dough; just stir until it comes together. The less you handle it, the more tender your biscuits will be.

When rolling out the dough, use minimal flour to prevent it from toughening. Instead of using a rolling pin, gently pat the dough with your hands to reach the desired thickness of about an inch. This method helps maintain the delicate structure of the dough, yielding biscuits that are soft and sweet. Aim for those golden edges during baking, which indicate they’re perfectly cooked.

Strawberry Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right strawberries is crucial for this dessert. Look for vibrant, firm strawberries that are bright red all over, avoiding any with soft spots or whitening. If strawberries are not in season, find some quality frozen ones; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using. These sweet and juicy fruits not only add flavor but also a visually appealing color that contrasts beautifully with the whipped cream and biscuits.

Macerating the strawberries is essential to enhance their natural sweetness. Allowing them to sit with sugar and vanilla not only draws out the juices—creating a syrup—but also softens their texture, making them more enjoyable in the shortcake. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, but if you can, let them chill in the fridge for an hour for even better flavor development.

Whipped Cream: Achieving the Right Consistency

For perfect whipped cream, start with a cold bowl and beaters. I often chill my mixing bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping the cream. This ensures that the cream remains cold while you’re whipping it, leading to faster and more stable peaks. Whip until you reach soft peaks, which means the cream holds shape but is still glossy and not too stiff. Overwhipping will lead to a grainy texture, which could ruin the delightful creaminess of your shortcake.

If you want to add a little twist to your whipped cream, consider mixing in a splash of almond extract or a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing kick. Remember that additional flavorings should complement, not overpower, the strawberries and biscuits. And in warm weather, these additions can elevate and lighten the dessert, making it perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather the following items to create this delightful dessert.

For the Shortcake Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Filling

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

These ingredients work together to create the sumptuous layers of flavor.

Instructions

Steps to Create

Follow these steps for a delectable dessert.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Toss until the strawberries are well coated. Cover and let them sit for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

Make the Shortcake Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream until just combined. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently before patting it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter and place on a baking sheet.

Bake the Biscuits

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcake

To assemble, slice the cooled biscuits in half. Layer the bottom half with macerated strawberries, a generous dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half. Finish with additional whipped cream and strawberries on top.

Enjoy your homemade Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries. It accentuates their sweetness beautifully.

Storing and Making Ahead

While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare each element in advance. The biscuits can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft, but if you notice they’re getting a little stale, a quick reheat in the oven for 5 minutes before serving can bring back their fluffiness.

Strawberries can be prepared a few hours in advance as well. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator after macerating them. If you need to make whipped cream in advance, try stabilizing it with gelatin or whipped cream stabilizer so it doesn't deflate. This way, you can assemble the dessert just before serving without worrying about the cream losing its fluff.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an elevated serving experience, consider adding layers of lemon curd or mascarpone cheese between the strawberries and cream. This adds richness and a zesty flavor that complements the berries well. You could also create a trifle by alternating layers of biscuit, cream, and strawberries in a glass dish, providing an impressive presentation for gatherings.

If you have dietary restrictions to consider, using gluten-free flour can work well in the biscuit recipe without sacrificing texture. Coconut cream is an excellent dairy-free substitute for whipped cream, creating a tropical twist. Play around with topping variations, such as sprinkling toasted nuts or chocolate shavings on top for extra flavor and texture to tantalize your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I store leftover shortcake?

Store leftover shortcake components separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuits a day in advance. Cool them completely and store in an airtight container.

→ What is the best way to serve this dessert?

Serve it immediately after assembling to enjoy the fresh textures. If not, keep components separate until ready to serve.