Description

Classic Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that has graced tables for centuries, originating from the British Isles. This dessert is especially well-loved in the United States, where it is a staple at summer picnics and gatherings. Our recipe for Classic Strawberry Shortcake is a celebration of this timeless dessert, offering a perfect balance of sweet, ripe strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and crumbly, buttery shortcakes. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home cook, you'll find joy in the ease of preparation and the opportunity to tweak the recipe according to your preferences.

Ingredients

• For the Strawberries and Whipped Cream:
• - 1 pound of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 cup heavy cream
• - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Shortcakes:
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 tablespoon baking powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• - 2/3 cup whole milk
• - 1 large egg
• - Additional sugar for sprinkling
• Should you wish for dairy-free options, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the whipped cream, and almond milk as a substitute for the whole milk in the shortcakes.

Preparation Method

Let's begin with the Strawberries and Whipped Cream. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss them gently until the strawberries are well coated with sugar. Leave this mixture aside for about an hour. During this time, the sugar will draw out the strawberries' juices, creating a sweet and natural syrup.

While the strawberries are macerating, let's make the whipped cream. In a large bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer, or a whisk if you're up for some arm workout, and beat the mixture until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or you'll end up with butter! Once done, cover the bowl and refrigerate until needed.

Now, let's move on to the Shortcakes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This process is crucial for a flaky and tender shortcake.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in tough shortcakes.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Using a round biscuit cutter, cut out shortcakes from the dough. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar for a sweet crunch.

Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

To assemble the Classic Strawberry Shortcake, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon some of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on top. Repeat with the remaining shortcakes.

Tips and Conclusion

For a fun twist, try adding some fresh mint or basil to the strawberries. The herbs will give a refreshing contrast to the sweet strawberries. To store any leftovers, keep the components separate. Shortcakes can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. The strawberries and whipped cream should be refrigerated and are best used within a day.


There you have it, your Classic Strawberry Shortcake – the epitome of simple yet indulgent dessert. The combination of the sweet, juicy strawberries, the light, fluffy whipped cream, and the tender, crumbly shortcake is nothing short of heavenly. Whether youre making this for a family gathering or just a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to try our other dessert recipes like our Vanilla Panna Cotta with Mixed Berry Compote or Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake. Dont forget to share your delightful creations with your friends and family. We hope you continue exploring and enjoying the recipes on our site. Happy baking!