This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is light, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a quick summer dessert, this treat dazzles with its simple preparation and delightful taste. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or celebrating a birthday, this classic dessert will surely please everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Prepare: With only a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dessert ready in no time.
Fresh Flavor: The combination of ripe strawberries and whipped cream creates a refreshing taste that screams summer.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as is, or dress it up with additional toppings like chocolate shavings or mint leaves for special occasions.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight treat, this strawberry shortcake fits right in.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries or fruits based on what’s in season.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make baking your strawberry shortcake easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry cutter (or your fingers)
Hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking of your shortcakes.
Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Hand mixer: Ideal for whipping cream quickly to achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredients

This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is light, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a quick summer dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients:
– 1 and ½ pounds fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
– ⅔ cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Slice the strawberries and place them in a large bowl.
Sprinkle ¼ cup granulated sugar over the strawberries.
Stir gently and set aside for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F while you prepare the shortcake mixture.

Step 3: Make the Shortcake Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture.
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks crumbly.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the flour mixture. Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Shortcakes

Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making six shortcakes.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream.
Add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Beat with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.

Step 7: Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcakes

Split each shortcake in half using a fork or your hands.
Spoon strawberries and their juices onto the bottom half of each shortcake.
Add a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
Place the top half of each shortcake over the cream.
Top with more strawberries and whipped cream if desired.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Serve immediately while still fresh and enjoy your delightful homemade strawberry shortcake!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Serving your strawberry shortcake is just as important as making it. This delightful dessert can be presented in various ways to enhance its appeal and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Individual Servings

Serve each shortcake on its own plate for a personal touch.
Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Family Style

Place all the components (shortcakes, strawberries, and whipped cream) on a large platter.
Let guests assemble their own servings, allowing them to customize the layers.

Layered Parfaits

In a glass, layer chunks of shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream.
This not only looks stunning but also adds a fun twist to traditional serving.

Ice Cream Topping

Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of the shortcake.
This creates a deliciously creamy contrast with the fresh strawberries.

Drizzle with Sauce

Consider drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce over the top.
This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to your dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

To achieve the best results with your strawberry shortcake recipe, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Strawberries: The flavor of fresh, ripe strawberries makes all the difference in your dessert.
Chill Ingredients: Keep your butter and heavy cream cold for better texture in your whipped cream and shortcakes.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to ensure tender shortcakes that are light and fluffy.
Bake Until Golden: Watch for a golden-brown color on the tops of the shortcakes for optimal taste and texture.
Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your dessert right after assembling to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry shortcake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of shortcake.
Lemonade: A cool glass of lemonade complements the flavors beautifully, especially on warm days.
Pineapple Salsa: The tropical sweetness enhances the berry flavors while adding a zesty kick.
Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches provide a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
Minted Watermelon: Watermelon tossed with mint creates a light, hydrating side that balances richness.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can be served alongside for an interesting flavor combination.
Chocolate Dipped Biscotti: These crunchy treats add texture and chocolatey goodness to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a strawberry shortcake recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Using overripe strawberries: Overripe berries can spoil the taste of your dessert. Choose firm and bright strawberries for the best flavor.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough shortcakes. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Not chilling the cream: Whipping cream that isn’t cold will not whip properly. Ensure your heavy cream is chilled before use for perfect peaks.
Skipping the sugar on strawberries: This step enhances the sweetness of the berries. Always sprinkle sugar on strawberries and let them sit to release their juices.
Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your shortcakes. Remove them from the oven when they’re golden brown for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Wrap each shortcake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm shortcakes for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 10-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Place shortcakes in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious strawberry shortcake recipe.

How do I make my Strawberry Shortcake Recipe lighter?

To make it lighter, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream for a healthier option.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent soggy shortcakes.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Shortcake?

Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture. The flavors are brightest right after preparation!

How long does homemade Strawberry Shortcake last?

Homemade strawberry shortcake lasts about 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is perfect for any occasion, bringing joy and sweetness to your table. You can customize it by adding other fruits or using different creams. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family!

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Strawberry Shortcake

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate summer dessert with this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe! Light, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this treat is perfect for family gatherings or a quick sweet fix. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny picnic or celebrating a special occasion, this classic strawberry shortcake will bring joy to every bite. Customize it to your liking by adding other fruits or toppings for an extra special touch.

Instructions

Slice strawberries, sprinkle with sugar, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Whip cold cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Assemble shortcakes by layering strawberries and whipped cream between shortcake halves.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American