Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

why make this recipe

Classic Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that represents summer in each bite. This recipe combines sweet, juicy strawberries with soft, buttery shortcakes and fluffy whipped cream, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Its simplicity and fresh flavors will impress your family and friends, whether at a picnic, barbecue, or just a casual afternoon at home. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps!

how to make Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/3 – 1 1/2 cups half & half (or whole milk)
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Raw sugar, optional
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the strawberries with 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit while preparing the shortcake.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Slowly add the half & half (or whole milk) until the dough just comes together. Do not over mix.
6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Cut out shortcakes using a round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle raw sugar on top.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
8. For the whipped cream, beat the heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract, optional almond extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form.
9. To assemble, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half and add more strawberries and whipped cream on top.

how to serve Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Serve Classic Strawberry Shortcake by placing each decorated shortcake on a plate. You can enjoy it immediately while the shortcakes are still slightly warm. For added flair, garnish with a fresh strawberry on top or a sprig of mint.

how to store Classic Strawberry Shortcake

To store Classic Strawberry Shortcake, keep the components separate. Store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The strawberries can be kept in the fridge for about 3 days, while the whipped cream should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

tips to make Classic Strawberry Shortcake

• Make sure your butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture in the shortcakes.
• Let the strawberries macerate in sugar for at least 30 minutes to enhance their sweetness.
• For a softer whipped cream, add more sugar and beat until desired consistency.
• Experiment with different berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a variety of flavors.

variation

You can create a variation of this recipe by using different fruits like peaches or mixed berries. Additionally, try adding lemon zest to the shortcake for a zesty flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar.

2. How do I know when the shortcakes are done baking?
   The shortcakes should be golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are ready.

3. Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?
   Yes, but it’s best to whip it just before serving, as it may lose its fluffy texture if left in the fridge for too long. You can also use stabilized whipped cream if you want to prepare it a bit earlier.

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

A delightful summer dessert featuring sweet strawberries layered with soft, buttery shortcakes and fluffy whipped cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Strawberries

• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar For macerating strawberries

For the Shortcakes

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar For the shortcakes
• 4.5 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 1/3 – 1 1/2 cups half & half (or whole milk)
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed Ensure butter is very cold for flaky texture
• Raw sugar, optional For sprinkling on top

For the Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the strawberries with 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit while preparing the shortcake.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Slowly add the half & half (or whole milk) until the dough just comes together. Do not over mix.
6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Cut out shortcakes using a round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle raw sugar on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Whipping Cream

1. For the whipped cream, beat the heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract, optional almond extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form.

Assembly

1. To assemble, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half and add more strawberries and whipped cream on top.

Notes

Make sure to let the strawberries macerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance their sweetness. Store components separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.