Deliciously Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Sweet Classic Made from Scratch
Strawberry shortcake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that transports you into a world of sweet, juicy strawberries embraced by fluffy cake and velvety whipped cream. This homemade Strawberry shortcake from scratch is the perfect way to celebrate the essence of summer, showcasing freshly picked strawberries in all their glory. Ideal for any occasion—be it a picnic, a birthday bash, or a cozy family gathering—this easy Strawberry shortcake recipe will impress your guests while being simple enough for novice bakers.
With influences tracing back to the 16th century and various adaptations around the globe, the Strawberry shortcake we know today finds its roots in American traditions. It combines layers of buttery shortcake, luscious strawberry filling, and clouds of whipped cream, creating a mouthwatering delicacy that is bound to evoke smiles and compliments. Whether you are vegan or looking for ways to make this dessert gluten-free, we’ve got all the bases covered! So roll up your sleeves and get ready to delight your taste buds with every sweet, creamy bite!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serving Size: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Shortcake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2/3 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for a vegan alternative)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing strawberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your shortcakes will bake evenly and rise beautifully.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice. Gently toss the mixture, allowing the sugar to draw out the juices from the strawberries. Set aside for about 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the strawberries soften.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step creates an even distribution of dry ingredients, ensuring a light and airy texture for the shortcake.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving that tender shortcake texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract into the buttery crumb mixture. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until the mixture just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are small clumps of flour left!
- Shape and Bake the Shortcake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into square or circular shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool the Shortcakes: Once baked, remove the shortcakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows excess moisture to escape, preventing soggy bottoms.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. The cream should be light and fluffy, perfect for dolloping over your strawberries.
- Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake: Slice each cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon a generous portion of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Carefully place the top half back on to create a compact yet luscious treat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Repeat the assembling steps for the remaining shortcakes. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, or refrigerate unassembled shortcakes and filling to enjoy later!
Special Notes
For storing your Strawberry shortcake, it’s best to keep the components separate until you are ready to serve. Store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The strawberries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and the whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for about 2 days—just whip it again lightly before using.
If your strawberry sauce is too thick, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until the desired consistency is achieved.
Variations and Customizations
This classic recipe allows for several delightful variations:
- For a vegan Strawberry shortcake, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, use almond milk instead of whole milk, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for whipping.
- To create a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- You can add layers of flavors by incorporating lemon or orange zest into the shortcake batter for a citrusy twist.
- Experiment with different fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a mixed berry shortcake. This variation adds both depth and color to your dessert.
Nutritional Information (Optional)
Estimated nutritional information for one serving of Strawberry shortcake (with traditional ingredients):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
Engaging Visual Details
Imagine the sight of your freshly baked shortcakes, their tops a golden hue, inviting you to break them apart. As you slice through, the fluffy interior is visible, promising a light texture. The scent of warm vanilla and buttery goodness fills the air, making it hard to resist. When assembled, the contrast of vibrant red strawberries against a backdrop of pillowy whipped cream creates a feast for the eyes, and the first taste reveals a symphony of flavors that linger delightfully on your palate.
Including images or videos during preparation, assembly, and the final presentation will give your readers a visual guide, making this recipe even more approachable!
Conclusion
There you have it—an incredibly satisfying and easy Strawberry shortcake recipe that is bound to impress everyone around your table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this dessert is an all-time favorite that captures the essence of summer in every bite. We hope you give it a try and elevate your dessert game!
Be sure to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! And if you’re on social media, share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish— we’d love to see your beautiful creations!