If you’re craving a fresh, summery dessert that’s light, sweet, and irresistibly nostalgic, then this strawberry shortcake recipe is exactly what you need. Classic strawberry shortcake is a beloved American dessert made with buttery, crumbly biscuits, juicy macerated strawberries, and fluffy homemade whipped cream. It’s simple, rustic, and perfect for spring and summer gatherings—or anytime you want a dessert that tastes like sunshine.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make strawberry shortcake from scratch, how to perfect the biscuits, the best way to prepare juicy strawberries, and tips to ensure your dessert turns out bakery-worthy every single time.

Let’s dive into the ultimate strawberry shortcake recipe you’ll make again and again.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

This homemade version is everything strawberry shortcake should be:

• Fresh and Fruity – Sweet, juicy strawberries shine as the star ingredient.
• Tender, Buttery Biscuits – Soft inside with golden crumbly edges.
• Light and Airy Cream – Forget store-bought whipped cream; this one is silky and delicious.
• Simple Ingredients – Common pantry staples come together to create the perfect dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for summer parties, birthdays, holidays, or weekend treats.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this strawberry shortcake recipe is foolproof and incredibly rewarding.

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🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Here are the simple, fresh ingredients required for this classic recipe:

For the Strawberries:

• 1 ½ to 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)

For the Shortcake Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping (optional)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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🍓 Step-by-Step Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect dessert:

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1. Prepare the Strawberries

The key to amazing strawberry shortcake is juicy, sweet strawberries. Macerating them draws out their natural juices, creating a syrupy sauce.

Instructions:

1. Add sliced strawberries to a bowl.
2. Sprinkle sugar on top and gently stir.
3. Add lemon juice if using.
4. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours is ideal).

You’ll end up with glossy, sweet strawberries bathing in their own delicious syrup.

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2. Make the Homemade Shortcake Biscuits

These tender, buttery biscuits hold the strawberries beautifully. They are slightly sweet, soft, and flakey.

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

This ensures the biscuits rise evenly and develop that classic, crumbly texture.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Cold butter creates flaky layers—just like in real, old-fashioned shortcakes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in:

• Cold buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Mix gently until the dough comes together.
Avoid overmixing—this keeps the biscuits light and fluffy.

Step 4: Shape the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
Pat it into a 1-inch thick round.
Cut out 6–8 biscuits using a biscuit cutter or a glass.

Step 5: Bake

Place the biscuits on a lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar for a crunchy topping.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden and lightly browned.

Let cool slightly before assembling.

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3. Make the Whipped Cream

Homemade whipped cream elevates this recipe to dessert perfection.

Instructions:

1. Add cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a mixing bowl.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until soft, fluffy peaks form.
3. Do not overbeat—stop when the cream is billowy and smooth.

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🍓 4. Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes

Now the fun part—layering all the delicious components!

Assembly Steps:

1. Slice biscuits in half.
2. Add a generous spoonful of macerated strawberries.
3. Add a dollop of whipped cream.
4. Place the biscuit top on and add more strawberries and cream if desired.

Serve immediately for the most delicious experience.

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🍰 Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

These expert tips will help ensure your dessert comes out perfect:

1. Use Fresh Strawberries

The fresher and juicier, the better.
If your strawberries aren’t very sweet, simply add a bit more sugar.

2. Keep Butter Cold

Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits.
If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking.

3. Make the Biscuits Ahead

Shortcakes can be baked the day before.
Store in an airtight container and warm gently before serving.

4. Whipped Cream Should Be Cold

Cold cream whips faster and holds its shape better.

5. Don’t Skip Macerating

This step creates a natural strawberry syrup that soaks beautifully into the biscuit layers.

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🍓 Variations on Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Looking to switch things up? Here are delicious variations:

1. Angel Food Strawberry Shortcake

Use light, airy angel food cake instead of biscuits.

2. Pound Cake Strawberry Shortcake

A richer, denser option that pairs beautifully with juicy berries.

3. Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Serve the components in small mason jars for parties.

4. Mixed Berry Shortcake

Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

5. Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Use a gluten-free flour blend in the biscuit recipe.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake

This dessert pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• A drizzle of strawberry sauce
• Lemon zest for brightness

Serve it for BBQs, family dinners, brunch, or holidays like Mother’s Day and Fourth of July.

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❄️ How to Store Strawberry Shortcake

To keep leftovers fresh:

Store Biscuits:

• Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Store Strawberries:

• Refrigerate up to 48 hours.

Store Whipped Cream:

• Best used same day.

For best results, store components separately and assemble just before serving.

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📝 Printable Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Here’s a quick recipe card for easy reference:

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Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35–45 minutes
Servings: 6–8 shortcakes

Ingredients

(As listed above)

Instructions

1. Macerate strawberries with sugar.
2. Prepare biscuit dough and bake at 425°F.
3. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.
4. Assemble biscuits with strawberries and whipped cream.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

This strawberry shortcake recipe is a timeless classic—simple, fresh, and bursting with natural sweetness. With its flaky homemade biscuits, juicy strawberries, and fluffy cream, you can’t ask for a better spring or summer dessert.

Whether you make this for a family gathering or a cozy weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to impress. Once you try it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!