Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe | Classic Dessert

Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect homemade strawberry shortcake? This classic American dessert is a summer favorite, combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the light and fluffy texture of homemade biscuits, and the richness of homemade whipped cream. With a prep time of just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Key Takeaways

• This classic strawberry shortcake recipe features a 4.9-star rating based on 199 reviews.
• The recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect summer dessert.
• The dish serves 10-12 people and provides 231 calories per serving.
• The recipe includes a sweet biscuit base, fresh macerated strawberries, and homemade whipped cream.
• Biscuits are baked at 400°F (204°C) for 18-22 minutes and can be made ahead of time.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Creating the ultimate strawberry shortcake starts with selecting the right ingredients. From the fresh strawberries that form the luscious filling to the tender biscuit cake and fluffy whipped cream topping, each component plays a vital role in delivering a truly outstanding dessert.

Fresh Strawberry Filling Components

For the perfect strawberry shortcake, you’ll need approximately 2 pounds of fresh, ripe strawberries. These should be washed, hulled, and sliced or quartered, then tossed with 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy fruit filling.

Sweet Biscuit Base Ingredients

The foundation of the shortcake is a tender, flaky biscuit. To make this, you’ll need 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. These dry ingredients are combined with 10 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter and 1 cup of cold buttermilk to form the dough.

Homemade Whipped Cream Elements

No strawberry shortcake is complete without a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. For this, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. A tablespoon of sour cream is also added to help stabilize the whipped cream.

With these essential components at hand, you’re well on your way to creating a truly delightful and homemade strawberry shortcake that will impress your family and friends.

Step-by-Step Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Indulge in a delightful easy summer recipe and savor the flavors of the strawberry season with this step-by-step strawberry shortcake recipe. Get ready to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic dessert that’s bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries and a light, flaky biscuit base.

1. Begin by macerating the strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb (450 g) of fresh, washed, and quartered strawberries with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the berries to release their natural juices.
2. For the biscuits, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (50 g) of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Using a box grater, grate 6 tablespoons (85 g) of very cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and toss to coat.
3. Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of cold heavy cream and ⅓ cup (80 ml) of cold milk. Use a fork to gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use the fold-and-flatten method to shape it. Cut out 2 ¾” round biscuits, being careful not to twist the cutter, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them less than ½” apart.
5. Bake the biscuits for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly.

While the biscuits are baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat 1 ½ cups (355 ml) of cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add ½ cup (60 g) of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and continue beating until the cream is thick and creamy.

To assemble the strawberry shortcakes, layer the biscuits with the macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve and enjoy this easy summer recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

“The secret to making the best homemade biscuits is using very cold ingredients and a gentle hand during the mixing and shaping process.”

Tips for the Best Homemade Biscuits

Baking homemade biscuit cake is an easy and rewarding process, and following a few simple tips can help you achieve the perfect fluffy, golden-brown biscuits every time. Whether you’re preparing an indulgent easy summer recipe or just craving a classic comfort food, these foolproof techniques will elevate your baking game.

Cold Ingredients Secret

The key to flaky, tender biscuits lies in using cold ingredients, particularly the butter and buttermilk. Grating frozen butter into the dry ingredients creates pockets of fat that melt in the oven, resulting in a delicate, layered texture. Similarly, using chilled buttermilk ensures the dough doesn’t become overworked, keeping the biscuits light and airy.

Proper Folding Technique

Mastering the folding technique is essential for building those coveted biscuit layers. After mixing the dough, gently flatten it into a rectangle. Fold the dough in half, then fold the two sides into the center, creating a square. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat this process 2-3 times before cutting and baking. This simple step creates multiple flaky layers in your final biscuits.

Baking Temperature Guidelines

Baking the biscuits at a high temperature, around 425°F, is crucial for achieving the perfect golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior. Be sure to arrange the biscuits close together on the baking sheet, as this will help them rise evenly. For an extra crisp and shiny top, brush the biscuits with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.

By following these tips for using cold ingredients, proper folding, and high-temperature baking, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious biscuit cake and easy summer recipe you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy the process and savor the mouthwatering results!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

When it comes to crafting the perfect strawberry dessert or berry shortcake, planning ahead can make all the difference. Follow these simple tips to ensure your homemade treats stay fresh and delicious.

The biscuits for your strawberry shortcake can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Just be sure to bake them off fresh on the day you plan to serve the dessert.

For the strawberry filling, you can prepare the sliced berries the night before and let them macerate in a mixture of granulated sugar and a splash of jam. This allows the juices to release, creating a sweet, syrupy base. However, keep in mind that the longer the berries sit, the softer they’ll become.

As for the whipped cream, it’s best to prepare it fresh just before assembling the strawberry shortcake. However, if needed, you can refrigerate the whipped cream for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply assemble the components – biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream – for a delightful homemade treat.

Leftover strawberry dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, though the biscuits may become a bit soggy. For optimal freshness, it’s recommended to store the components separately and assemble just before serving.

Conclusion

This homemade strawberry shortcake recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, tender biscuits, and creamy whipped topping. It’s a versatile classic American dessert that can be customized with additional fruits or flavors, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or a quick family treat. By following the provided tips and techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert that celebrates the essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The simplicity and short preparation time of this recipe make it an accessible and enjoyable dessert option. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or simply looking to indulge in a delicious strawberry season treat, this homemade strawberry shortcake is sure to satisfy. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the flavors of the season, and savor the classic American delight that this dessert offers.

As you continue to explore new variations and techniques, remember that the key to an exceptional strawberry shortcake lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation. By focusing on these elements, you can elevate this timeless dessert and create a memorable experience that will have your guests coming back for more.