Sweet and nostalgic, this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe brings together juicy berries, rich homemade biscuits, and pillowy whipped cream for a dessert that delivers pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re planning a backyard gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special after dinner, this classic shortcake never fails to delight. The combination of buttery, tender biscuits, macerated strawberries bursting with flavor, and fresh whipped cream is as stunning as it is simple to make. This is the strawberry shortcake you’ll return to again and again!

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and fresh strawberries, the magic of this recipe truly shines. Each ingredient brings a little something special—flavor, texture, or a pop of color—that makes the Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe so memorable.

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show; choose ripe berries for maximum sweetness and color.
Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten both the strawberries and the cream—don’t skip it, as it enhances flavor and helps strawberries get juicy.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a splash gives your whipped cream irresistible aroma and depth.
Heavy Cream: Essential for making the billowy homemade whipped cream and brushing on the biscuits for a glossy touch.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your biscuits; be sure to measure accurately for perfect texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The double-leavening ensures your shortcakes rise tall and fluffy.
Salt: A pinch of fine sea salt sharpens flavor and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Cold, cubed butter is key for creating flaky, tender layers in your biscuits.
Buttermilk: Brings tang and moisture, making the biscuits irresistibly soft inside.
Coarse Sugar: Sprinkled on top, it gives your shortcakes that crave-worthy crunchy finish.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

Begin by gently tossing the quartered strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Set them in the fridge while you prepare everything else—this simple trick lets the strawberries release their juices, making them extra flavorful for your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for flaky, tender biscuits!

Step 3: Form and Fold

Pour the cold buttermilk over the flour-butter mixture and fold gently. The dough will look a bit shaggy—don’t overmix! Transfer everything onto a floured surface and, using floured hands, gently flatten it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Perform a series of “laminating” folds to create beautiful layers: fold one side in, then the other, turn, re-flatten, and repeat the process a couple more times.

Step 4: Cut and Arrange Biscuits

Using a biscuit cutter (about 2.75 to 3 inches), cut out biscuits—press down straight without twisting for the best rise. Arrange the biscuits close together in a 10-inch cast iron skillet or on a lined baking sheet, making sure they’re touching to help them lift each other as they bake.

Step 5: Bake the Biscuits

Brush the tops of the biscuits with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or buttermilk, and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and beautiful. Let the biscuits cool for at least 10 minutes so they don’t melt your toppings instantly.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

Whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer. In just about 3 minutes on medium-high speed, you’ll have soft-medium peaks that are perfect for sandwiching between biscuits and berries.

Step 7: Assemble the Shortcakes

Carefully slice the cooled biscuits in half. Layer the bottom half with juicy strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half of the biscuit on and spoon over a little more of everything if you please. Dig in while everything is fresh and luscious.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprig of fresh mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a tiny twist of lemon zest takes the Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe from delicious to delightful. These simple touches add a little extra visual flair and can boost those fresh flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is so classic and crowd-pleasing, it pairs well with light, summery sides. Think a platter of mixed berries, a simple lemonade, or a crisp green salad to offer a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting a party, let the shortcakes shine as the grand finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer the components in mini mason jars for adorable picnic-friendly servings, or try serving in elegant parfait glasses for a dinner party twist. You can even cut the biscuits into heart shapes for special occasions—this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your mood or event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra biscuits or toppings, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream refrigerated in their own containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing

The biscuits freeze beautifully—simply let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Strawberries and whipped cream don’t freeze as well; prepare those fresh when you’re ready to serve your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.

Reheating

To enjoy warm biscuits again, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Warm biscuits make each bite of the Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe even more decadent!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are best for their flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before layering in your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. This homemade buttermilk works beautifully in the biscuits.

Can I make the biscuits in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the biscuits a day ahead and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Just reheat before serving for that freshly-baked taste.

Is it necessary to sift the flour?

Sifting isn’t required for this biscuit recipe, but whisking the flour with the other dry ingredients helps ensure everything is well distributed for a lighter biscuit.

How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

Beat the cream until it forms soft to medium peaks that hold their shape but aren’t too stiff. If you lift the beater, the peak should stand up then gently curl over.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a classic, cheerful dessert that tastes like sunshine and summer memories, give this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe a try. It’s as rewarding to make as it is to share—your friends and family will be joyfully asking for seconds!

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic and easy-to-follow recipe for homemade strawberry shortcake, featuring sweet macerated strawberries, tender buttermilk biscuits, and fluffy whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

Instructions

Start with the strawberries: Stir the strawberries and 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
Make the biscuits: Preheat oven. Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter, add buttermilk, fold dough, shape, cut, arrange, brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake.
Make the whipped cream: Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft-medium peaks form.
Assemble: Slice biscuits, layer with strawberries and whipped cream, and serve.

Notes

For best results, handle the biscuit dough gently to ensure a tender texture.
Ensure the butter is cold for flaky biscuits.
Adjust sugar in whipped cream to taste.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 biscuit with strawberries and whipped cream
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, dessert, homemade, easy recipe, biscuits, whipped cream