Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

If you are craving a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug on a sunny day, then this Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of flaky, buttery shortcake, juicy, sweet strawberries, and clouds of luscious whipped cream that come together to create a timeless treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from creating that tender shortcake base to bursting with bright strawberry flavor and adding the heavenly creaminess on top.

• 2 cups All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tender texture your shortcake needs.
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder: This leavening agent helps create a soft, fluffy crumb.
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar: Sweetens the shortcake just right and enhances the natural strawberry sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Adds balance by cutting through the sweetness beautifully.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter: Cold butter is key for that irresistible flaky texture.
• 3/4 cup Milk: Adds moisture and richness to bring the dough together.
• 4 cups Fresh strawberries: Fully hulled and sliced, these are the star of the show with their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• 1 cup Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, this topping is the ultimate complement to the fruit and shortcake.
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream delicately for a dreamy finish.

How to Make Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures a hot environment that helps your shortcakes rise properly and develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. This step makes sure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Cut your cold butter into small cubes, then add it to the flour mixture. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is what creates those flaky layers everyone loves in a shortcake.

Step 4: Add the Milk

Pour in the milk gradually, stirring gently just until the dough comes together. You want it to be moist but not sticky, which helps keep your shortcake tender and easy to handle.

Step 5: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into an even 1-inch-thick rectangle, then cut into 6 to 8 squares or rounds. This step determines the size of your shortcakes, so go with whatever feels right for your party or family size.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your cut shortcakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and tempting. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Step 7: Sweeten the Strawberries

While the shortcakes bake, toss your fresh sliced strawberries with a bit of granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes to release their natural juices, creating a luscious syrup to drizzle over your shortcakes.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until you achieve soft peaks. This whipped cream should be airy and light, ready to crown your strawberries and shortcake perfectly.

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Once your shortcakes are golden and baked through, transfer them to a wire rack to cool just a little. You want them warm but not too hot, to keep the whipped cream stable when you assemble.

Step 10: Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and syrup onto the bottom half, then top with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. Finish by placing the other half on top, or leave the top off for extra strawberry showmanship.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

This Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe shines brightest when served fresh. Enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures before the shortcake softens or the cream melts.

How to Serve Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation with a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Both add a pop of color and a touch of elegance that makes this dessert even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This sweet treat pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence or a light herbal tea to balance the richness. For brunch, a glass of sparkling rosé adds a festive flair!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe in individual clear glasses layered with shortcake pieces, strawberries, and whipped cream for a stylish parfait look. Alternatively, making mini shortcakes creates cute, bite-sized delights perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover shortcakes, store them separately from the strawberries and whipped cream to avoid sogginess. Keep them wrapped tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Freezing

You can freeze the shortcakes alone before baking by shaping the dough and freezing it on a tray, then wrapping the pieces well. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Avoid freezing assembled shortcakes, as the texture will suffer.

Reheating

Warm leftover shortcakes gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to recapture some of the fresh-baked charm. Then add fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful second serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they maintain their texture and sweetness after macerating. Frozen berries release more water and can make the shortcake soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them well first.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

If heavy cream is not available, you can use chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or make a whipped topping from cream cheese and powdered sugar, though it won’t be as light and airy.

How do I make the shortcake extra flaky?

Keep your butter very cold and avoid overmixing the dough. Pat it gently rather than kneading. These tricks help form the flaky layers that make the shortcake so irresistible.

Is there a way to reduce sugar in this recipe?

Certainly! You can reduce the sugar in both the shortcake and the strawberries slightly, but keep in mind that sweetness enhances the natural flavors. Balancing sugar and fruit is key to the classic taste.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Results may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and accommodating for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making this Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe from scratch. It’s a dessert that brings lightness, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to any occasion. I encourage you to try it yourself—whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and bound to brighten everyone’s day.

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