Okay, let’s talk about comfort food. What do you think of summer afternoons, the smell of warm biscuits mingling with sweet strawberries? Grandma’s What is a dessert? What is my family’s version of Strawberry Shortcake? What are the best biscuits? Strawberry Shortcake recipe uses light, fluffy biscuits, macerated strawberries. Is homemade whipped cream bursting with flavor? Is it easy to make and tastes good? I swear, one bite and you’ll be hooked. We make it every year when the berries are at their peak, and it’s always the highlight of the year.

What is a strawberry shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a sweet biscuit or cake topped with sliced strawberries and whipped cream. Think of it as a deconstructed strawberry cake, but even more delicious and rustic. The “shortcake” part refers to the biscuit, which is made with shortening (or butter) to create a crispy biscuit. What is tender, slightly crumbly texture? The strawberries are usually macerated – that is, mixed with sugar and left to sit so that they release their flavour. How do you make juices extra flavorful? What are some of the best strawberries in the world? Is it a far cry from those dry, hockey puck biscuits you sometimes find? This is real deal stuff, the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love most about this is how utterly simple it is. If you can stir ingredients in a bowl, you could make this Strawberry Shortcake. The flavor is out of this world – the sweetness of strawberries, the richness of the whipped cream. What are some of the best biscuits? Is it a perfect symphony of tastes and textures? Strawberries are generally reasonably priced when they’re in season, and the other ingredients are usually reasonably expensive. What are pantry staples

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can use different berries, different extracts, even different toppings. I often swap out the whipped cream for vanilla Ice Cream on a hot day. Is this a kid friendly dessert? I’ve tried fancy cakes, elaborate pastries, and complicated desserts, but nothing beats the simple. What is the joy of strawberry shortcake? Is it just pure happiness on a plate? What is my go-to summer BBQ recipe?

How do you make a strawberry shortcake?

Quick Overview

What is the easiest way to make a strawberry shortcake? How do I make buttery biscuits? While they bake, we’ll macerate fresh strawberries to bring out their natural sweetness. What’s your favorite way to make homemade whipped cream? What’s the best part about making shortcakes? What’s your favorite way to serve strawberry biscuits? Is it the kind of dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort? Is it really that easy to make a complex puzzle?

Ingredients

For the Biscuits: What does
* 2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for a better flavor. * 4 teaspoons of baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh! Old Baking Powder will result in flat biscuits. * 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors. * 1/4 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter: The colder the butter, the flakier biscuits. * 3/4 cup cold milk: 1 cup. Whole milk works best, but you can use 2% in a pinch. * 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.

For the macerated strawberries:
* 1 quart fresh strawberries: Hulled and sliced. Look for bright red, fragrant berries. * 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the berries. * 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents strawberries from browning.

For the Whipped Cream:
* 1 cup heavy cream: Make sure it’s cold! * 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Mix well. How do you sweeten whipped cream without making it grainy? I sometimes use almond extract for a change of flavor. I like the taste of vanilla.

How do I learn to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you keep biscuits from sticking?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside. What is the best way to make baking powder light and fluffy?

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Mix well. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles sour cream. How do I work on a butter that doesn’t melt? You want to see small pieces of butter throughout the flour mixture. As the biscuits bake, these pieces will create pockets of steam as they are baked, resulting in a flaky texture.

Step 4: Add Milk

Gradually add the cold milk to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. How do you not overmix? If you overmix the flour, it will develop gluten in the biscuits. How do I make a dough that is slightly shaggy? If milk is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to it and mix.

Step 5: Drop Biscuits

What is the best way to prepare a baking sheet? Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. I usually get about 8-10 biscuits from this recipe.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown. When they’re golden brown on top, keep a close eye on them.

Step 7: Macerate Strawberries

While the biscuits are baking, prepare the strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside. Stir gently and let sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. When you add sugar to strawberries, it will create a sweet syrup.

Step 8: Make Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Beat with electric mixer until stiff peaks form. If you overwhip the cream, it will turn into butter!

Step 9: Assemble

Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, split them in half. Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices over the bottom half of each biscuit. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and the top half of the biscuit. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

Strawberry Shortcake is pretty perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your strawberry shortcake.

For Breakfast:Serve with a side of crispy bacon and strong coffee. The saltiness of bacon balances the sweetness of the shortcake perfectly.

For Brunch:Offer a mimosa bar with different fruit juices and sparkling wine. It looks elegant and is super fun.

As Dessert:Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Serve with a glass of sweet dessert wine.

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy with a cup of tea or Hot Chocolate in the evening. I love curling up with a good book.

My family always adds a sprinkle of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) for sprinkling crunch. Is it a tradition passed down from my great-grandmother? What are some ways to add mascarpone cheese to whipped cream?

How do you make a delicious strawberry shortcake?

What are some of the best ways to make a strawberry shortcake?

Cold Butter is the key to good health.What is the best tip for flaky biscuits? Make sure your butter is very cold before you start. Is it safe to put flour in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting it into the flour?

Don’t Overmix:Overmixing the biscuit dough will result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined. Is it okay if there are still streaks of flour?

Fresh Strawberries are a Must!What is the best way to use fresh strawberries? The better the strawberries, the better a shortcake.

Adjust the Sweetness: How do I If your strawberries are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar you add to them. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice brightens the flavors of the strawberries and prevents them from browning.

Homemade Whipped Cream is Worth It: While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, homemade whipped cream is so much better. It’s light, fluffy, and tastes amazing.

I once tried using self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder, and the biscuits turned out way too salty. Learned my lesson! Also, I accidentally added too much vanilla extract to the whipped cream once, and it tasted like perfume. So, measure carefully!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your Strawberry Shortcake, if you have any leftovers!

Room Temperature: Unassembled biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The strawberries are best enjoyed the same day, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Assembled shortcakes are best eaten immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The biscuits may become a little soggy, but they’ll still taste delicious. Store the biscuits and strawberries separately for best results.

Freezer Instructions: Unbaked biscuits can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the shortcakes, it’s best to add the whipped cream just before serving. Otherwise, it will become watery.

One time I froze a whole batch of assembled shortcakes (mistake!), and they were a soggy mess when I thawed them. Definitely don’t do that! Now I know to freeze the biscuits separately and make the strawberries and whipped cream fresh when I’m ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. You may need to add a little more milk to get the right consistency. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Do I need to peel the strawberries?

No, you don’t need to peel the strawberries! Just hull them (remove the green tops) and slice them. The peel is perfectly edible and adds a little bit of texture.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

You could, but the texture will be different. Muffins tend to be denser than biscuits. If you want to try it, reduce the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

It’s easy! Reduce the amount of sugar you add to the strawberries and/or the whipped cream. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the whipped cream. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

What can I use instead of the whipped cream?

Vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone cheese are all great alternatives. You could also make a vegan whipped cream using coconut cream.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a celebration of simple pleasures, and a reminder of the warmth of family. I truly hope you’ll give it a try. The joy of biting into a perfectly sweet and fluffy shortcake, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, is an experience you won’t want to miss. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my blueberry cobbler or my peach crumble – they’re all family favorites! Happy baking! And please, let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out. I’d love to hear your variations and tips too!