Few desserts capture the spirit of summer like strawberry shortcake. With its fluffy biscuits, juicy berries, and airy whipped cream, this seasonal favorite is both comforting and refreshing. It is simple to make, easy to customize, and always crowd-pleasing.
This version highlights fresh strawberries at their seasonal peak, paired with homemade shortcake biscuits and lightly sweetened whipped cream. Whether you are planning a picnic, garden party, or casual weekend treat, this recipe is your go-to summer classic.
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
For the Macerated Strawberries
- Four cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- One third cup granulated sugar
- One teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the Shortcake Biscuits
- Two cups all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon baking powder
- One third cup granulated sugar
- Half teaspoon salt
- Half cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Two thirds cup whole milk
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- One cup heavy whipping cream
- Two tablespoons powdered sugar
- Half teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Bake time: 15 to 18 minutes
- Cooling and assembly: 15 minutes
- Total time: 55 to 60 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice.
- Stir gently and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to draw out juices. This process is called maceration and creates a natural syrup.
Step 2: Make the Shortcake Biscuits
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat gently into a one-inch thick round and cut into circles using a biscuit cutter or glass.
- Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Keep chilled until ready to assemble.
Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes
- Slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
- Spoon a generous portion of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half.
- Add a scoop of whipped cream and place the top half of the biscuit over the filling.
- Garnish with more strawberries and a final dollop of cream if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the texture of the biscuits.
- For an elegant touch, dust the finished shortcakes with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream in place of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Nutritional Highlights
Here is a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings and typical ingredient usage):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Vitamin C | 45 percent DV |
| Calcium | 10 percent DV |
Note: Values will vary slightly based on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Tips and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the shortcakes.
- Low Sugar Version: Reduce sugar in the biscuit dough and substitute strawberries’ sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or monk fruit.
- Fruit Swap: Substitute or add peaches, blueberries, or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake.
- Make Ahead: Bake the biscuits a day in advance and rewarm slightly before assembling.
Summer strawberry shortcake is a nostalgic dessert that celebrates the season’s best fruit. With layers of tender biscuit, juicy strawberries, and freshly whipped cream, it is both simple and sensational. This version keeps the flavors clean and classic, while offering room for creativity and customization.
Perfect for summer evenings, outdoor entertaining, or casual Sunday desserts, this strawberry shortcake is bound to become a staple in your warm-weather recipe rotation.