How To Make Strawberry Shortcake

Introduction

Strawberry shortcake is one of those timeless desserts that bring back memories of family gatherings, warm summer evenings, and homemade treats straight from the kitchen. There is something truly comforting about the combination of fluffy whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and soft buttery shortcake. Unlike many overly complicated desserts, strawberry shortcake is refreshingly simple to prepare. It uses everyday ingredients and delivers incredible flavor without the need for fancy equipment or professional-level baking skills.

What makes this dessert even better is how versatile it is. Whether you are looking for a dessert to serve after a family dinner, a quick treat for guests, or something special to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, strawberry shortcake fits the bill perfectly. It looks elegant on the plate, but behind the scenes, it is a humble and easy recipe that anyone can make. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect strawberry shortcake at home. From a detailed list of ingredients to clear step-by-step instructions and tips for customizing, we have covered it all. You will also find helpful nutrition information and ideas on how to serve it for maximum flavor and presentation. Let’s get started on bringing this delicious classic to life in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Making strawberry shortcake from scratch does not require anything fancy. Most of the ingredients can already be found in your pantry or fridge. You will need ingredients for the shortcake itself, the sweetened strawberries, and the whipped cream.

Ingredients Table with Calorie Count

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories
All-purpose flour	2 cups	910
Baking powder	1 tablespoon	6
Granulated sugar (for dough)	3 tablespoons	135
Salt	½ teaspoon	0
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)	½ cup (1 stick)	810
Whole milk or heavy cream	¾ cup	120–300
Fresh strawberries (sliced)	1 pound	145
Sugar (for strawberries)	¼ cup	200
Heavy whipping cream	1 cup	820
Powdered sugar (for cream)	2 tablespoons	60
Vanilla extract (optional)	1 teaspoon	12

This recipe makes 6 generous servings
Total Calories (approx): 3218
Calories per serving: Around 536

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green tops and slice them into halves or quarters depending on their size. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them. Gently toss the strawberries so they are well coated with sugar. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This process is called maceration and it helps draw out the natural juices of the strawberries. It creates a delicious syrup that adds flavor and moisture to your shortcake.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips to work the butter into the flour. The goal is to create a crumbly texture where small chunks of butter remain visible. These will melt while baking and give the biscuits a flaky texture.

Pour in the milk or heavy cream gradually and mix just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix or knead too much. Overworking the dough will make the biscuits tough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently press it into a one-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the biscuits for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack.

While the biscuits are cooling and the strawberries are still soaking, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Add powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you are using it. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it or it will turn into butter.

When your biscuits have cooled down and your strawberries are ready, it is time to put everything together. Slice each biscuit in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a plate and spoon a generous amount of the strawberries and their syrup over it. Add a big dollop of whipped cream on top. Place the top half of the biscuit over the whipped cream. Finish with more strawberries and a bit more cream if you like. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Strawberry shortcake is a flexible dessert. Here are some fun and useful ways you can make it your own.

You can use different types of fruit like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or even a mix of berries for variety. If you want a little tang, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the strawberries or add a touch of lemon zest to the shortcake dough. To make it gluten free, use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, and whipped coconut cream instead of dairy.

You can also make the shortcakes chocolate flavored by adding cocoa powder to the dough or drizzle chocolate sauce on top for an extra treat. If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can replace the biscuit with angel food cake or pound cake and build your strawberry shortcake like a layered trifle in a glass.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of homemade strawberry shortcake contains approximately:

Calories: 536

Protein: 5 grams

Total fat: 35 grams

Saturated fat: 22 grams

Carbohydrates: 50 grams

Sugars: 24 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Cholesterol: 110 milligrams

Sodium: 270 milligrams

This dessert is rich and satisfying, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can make it lighter by reducing the whipped cream or using a sugar substitute for the strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry shortcake tastes best when it is fresh and lightly chilled. Serve it shortly after assembling so the biscuits do not get soggy. It makes a great dessert for spring picnics, afternoon teas, or weekend barbecues. You can add a sprig of mint for a colorful garnish or dust it with a bit of powdered sugar for a more refined look.

If you want to serve it to a larger group, consider turning it into a shortcake bar where everyone can build their own. Provide different toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, extra fruit, or flavored whipped creams.

For drinks, it pairs beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee. If you are hosting a dinner party, a glass of sparkling wine or champagne is a lovely match.

Conclusion

Making strawberry shortcake at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a dessert that is both simple and full of flavor. It is a recipe that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, you are sure to impress your family and friends. With fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this strawberry shortcake recipe is one you will come back to time and time again.

Now that you know exactly how to make strawberry shortcake from scratch, it is time to gather your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to a slice of pure dessert happiness.