The Ultimate Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

There are some desserts that just whisper “summer” to your soul, and for me, none do it quite like a perfect, pillowy Strawberry Shortcake. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a love letter to sun-ripened berries, golden, tender biscuits, and clouds of fresh whipped cream. Forget those dry, store-bought versions – we’re diving into a truly authentic Classic Shortcake experience that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery biscuit, slightly crisp on the outside, incredibly soft within, mingling with sweet, juicy strawberries and cool, luscious cream. It’s pure bliss, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring every forkful is a memorable one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

 

What is Strawberry Shortcake (and why you’ll love it!)

At its heart, Strawberry Shortcake is a deceptively simple dessert, typically composed of three main elements: a rich, tender biscuit-like cake (the “shortcake”), fresh, macerated strawberries, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. What makes it so beloved is this perfect textural and flavor contrast: the sweet-tartness of the berries, the creamy indulgence of the whipped cream, and the sturdy yet tender base of the shortcake. It’s a nostalgic treat that evokes warm memories and makes new ones with every bite.

Why This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another Strawberry Shortcake recipe; it’s *the* recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Here’s why:

• Perfectly Tender Shortcakes: Our biscuits are incredibly flaky, buttery, and light, striking that ideal balance between cake and scone. They’re golden on the outside and wonderfully soft within, soaking up all the strawberry juices without turning soggy.
• Naturally Sweet Berries: We let the fresh strawberries shine, enhancing their natural sweetness with just a touch of sugar and a hint of vanilla. No overly syrupy mess here!
• Cloud-Like Whipped Cream: Forget aerosol cans! Freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened, adds an ethereal, creamy finish that melts in your mouth.
• Quick & Easy: Despite its impressive taste, this recipe comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for last-minute summer gatherings or a sweet weeknight treat.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

 

Gather these simple ingredients to create your masterpiece:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tbsp for dusting
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus 2 tbsp for brushing
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream (for whipping)
• 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipping cream), or to taste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for whipping cream)

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake (Step-by-Step Guide)

Get ready to create the most divine Strawberry Shortcake with these easy steps!

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This process, called maceration, draws out their juices and creates a delicious syrup.
2. Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Make the Shortcake Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
4. Add Liquid: Pour in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix with a fork until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix!
5. Shape the Shortcakes: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle or rectangle. Using a 2.5-3 inch round cutter (or a knife to cut squares), cut out 6-8 shortcakes. Re-roll scraps gently if needed to get more shortcakes.
6. Bake the Shortcakes: Place the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
7. Whip the Cream: While the shortcakes are cooling, in a cold bowl with cold beaters (or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment), beat 1 pint of heavy cream, 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium-high speed until firm peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
8. Assemble the Classic Shortcake: To serve, carefully split each warm or slightly cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a plate, spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries over it, then add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Top with the other half of the shortcake and finish with more strawberries and whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

 

• Mixed Berry Shortcake: Swap out some strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a vibrant medley.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the shortcake dough or a pinch to the whipped cream for a bright, citrusy note.
• Herbal Infusion: Macerate strawberries with a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil for an unexpected aromatic twist.
• Grill the Shortcakes: For a smoky flavor, lightly grill the split shortcakes before assembling.
• Peach Shortcake: In late summer, substitute ripe peaches for strawberries for a delightful alternative.
• Mini Shortcakes: Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized shortcakes, perfect for parties!

User Reviews

Here’s what our amazing community has to say about this recipe:

Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is a game-changer! I’ve made strawberry shortcake for years, but these biscuits are by far the best – so tender and flaky. My family devoured it in minutes. A true summer classic!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Simple, yet absolutely perfect. The instructions were clear, and the shortcakes came out beautifully golden. The macerated strawberries were heavenly. This will be my go-to recipe from now on!”

Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was nervous about making my own shortcakes, but this recipe made it so easy! The flavors are so fresh and balanced. It’s like eating a cloud. Highly recommend!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the shortcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven before serving for that freshly baked taste, or serve at room temperature.

Q: What kind of strawberries should I use?
A: Always use fresh, ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor. Locally sourced berries will make a huge difference!

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: While fresh are best, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and then macerate as directed. The texture might be slightly softer.

Q: My whipped cream isn’t thickening. What went wrong?
A: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold, and ideally, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10-15 minutes before whipping. If it’s still not thickening, it might be due to cream with a lower fat content (you need at least 36% for heavy cream).

This Strawberry Shortcake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a taste of sunshine and nostalgia. The tender, buttery shortcakes, the perfectly sweetened strawberries, and the light-as-air whipped cream create a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a backyard BBQ, a special family dinner, or just a Tuesday treat, this Classic Shortcake is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Recipe Note: Enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade goodness!