Name: Easy Strawberry Shortcake: A Classic Dessert Made Simple
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the strawberries; 1 pound (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; For the shortcakes; 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ⅔ cup (160 ml) whole milk; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for brushing tops); 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping); For the whipped cream; ; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like strawberry shortcake. It’s light yet indulgent, sweet but not overwhelming, and undeniably charming with its layers of tender shortcake, juicy strawberries, and billowy whipped cream. The beauty of Easy Strawberry Shortcake lies in its simplicity—you don’t need to be a professional baker to master this timeless treat. With a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you can create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 people. Be sure to measure carefully for the best results.

For the strawberries:

Fresh strawberries: 1 pound (450 g), hulled and sliced
Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)

For the shortcakes:

All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113 g), cold and cubed
Whole milk: ⅔ cup (160 ml)
Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons (for brushing tops)
Coarse sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sprinkling tops)

For the whipped cream:

Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml), chilled
Powdered sugar: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Macerate the strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with ¼ cup sugar. Stir gently, then cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This process, called maceration, draws out the natural juices to create a sweet, syrupy topping.

Step 2: Prepare the shortcake dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Pour in the milk and stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the shortcakes tough.

Step 3: Shape and bake the shortcakes

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Using a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out 6 shortcakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 4: Whip the cream

While the shortcakes cool, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat—whipped cream should be light and airy.

Step 5: Assemble the strawberry shortcakes

Split each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon strawberries and their syrup over the bottom half, dollop with whipped cream, and place the top half gently on top. Add another spoonful of whipped cream and a few extra strawberries for garnish. Serve immediately.

Conservation and Storage

Strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components ahead:

Shortcakes: Store cooled shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Strawberries: Macerated strawberries should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Their syrup tends to thin out over time.
Whipped cream: Fresh whipped cream holds best for a few hours in the refrigerator. For longer storage, stabilize it by adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or instant pudding mix during whipping.

Variations

Flavor twists

Lemon shortcake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough and a squeeze of lemon juice to the strawberries.
Chocolate strawberry shortcake: Replace ¼ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolaty base.
Coconut cream shortcake: Swap the whipped cream for coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.

Different fruits

Mixed berries: Combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Stone fruits: Use peaches, nectarines, or plums when strawberries aren’t in season.
Tropical twist: Try sliced mangoes with lime juice and mint.

Alternative bases

Sponge cake: Use slices of sponge cake or pound cake instead of shortcakes.
Angel food cake: For a lighter version, pair strawberries with angel food cake.
Cookies: Serve strawberries and cream over shortbread cookies for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Strawberry Shortcake makes a delightful centerpiece for many occasions:

Casual gatherings: Serve as a build-your-own dessert station where guests can layer shortcakes, berries, and cream to their liking.
Formal dinners: Plate individually with an elegant drizzle of strawberry syrup and a sprig of mint.
Brunch: Offer mini shortcakes alongside coffee, tea, and fresh fruit for a sweet morning option.
Picnics: Pack shortcakes and berries separately, then assemble just before serving for a portable treat.

Pair this dessert with sparkling water, lemonade, or a crisp white wine for a refreshing finish.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter in the dough creates flaky, tender shortcakes.
Don’t overmix: Stir dough until just combined to avoid dense results.
Use ripe strawberries: The juicier the berries, the better the syrup.
Chill the bowl for whipped cream: A cold bowl helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape.
Assemble just before serving: To keep shortcakes crisp, add berries and cream right before eating.

Conclusion

Easy Strawberry Shortcake is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With buttery shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and airy whipped cream, this dessert strikes the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It adapts beautifully to different fruits, flavors, and occasions, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a summer party, treating your family, or indulging in a quiet moment, strawberry shortcake delivers timeless comfort and joy.

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Easy Strawberry Shortcake: A Classic Dessert Made Simple

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Strawberry Shortcake is a timeless dessert made with buttery shortcakes, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or a simple sweet treat.