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Strawberry Shortcake

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

The ultimate old-fashioned summer dessert! Warm, buttery, homemade drop biscuits are piled high with sweet, juicy fresh strawberries and billows of homemade whipped cream.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • For the Strawberries:
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • For the Shortcake Biscuits:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water, for egg wash
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
  • For the Whipped Cream:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream very cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry blender or two forks
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer (for the whipped cream)

Method
 

  1. Macerate the Strawberries: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the biscuits. This draws out the natural juices to create a sweet syrup.
  2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Cut in the Butter: Add the very cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, quickly cut or rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  5. Form the Dough: Pour in the cold heavy cream. Use a fork or a wooden spoon to stir the mixture just until a shaggy dough begins to form. Do not overmix.
  6. Bake the Biscuits: Drop the dough into 6 equal mounds onto your prepared baking sheet (they should look rustic). Brush the tops lightly with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the shortcakes are puffed and deep golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
  7. Whip the Cream: While the biscuits are cooling, pour the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a chilled mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until soft, billowy peaks form.
  8. Assemble and Serve: Slice the warm biscuits in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the juicy strawberries and their syrup over the bottom half of each biscuit. Add a large dollop of the freshly whipped cream, then place the top half of the biscuit over the cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the Butter Cold: The absolute secret to tender, flaky biscuits is keeping your butter and heavy cream as cold as possible. If your kitchen is very warm, place the bowl of flour and cut butter into the freezer for 10 minutes before stirring in the cream.
Do Not Overwork the Dough: Mix the biscuit dough just until the wet and dry ingredients come together. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough, dense shortcakes instead of light, tender ones.
Make-Ahead Options: You can bake the biscuits up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just slice and gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the dessert.