Name: Deliciously Simple Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 82 min
Ingredients: 1 quart Quartered Strawberries (Fresh, ripe strawberries); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Strawberries) (To sweeten and draw out juices); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Adds a warm note); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Extra for dusting surfaces); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Biscuits) (Adds sweetness to the dough); 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (For light and fluffy texture); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Aids in airy consistency); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances sweetness); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Cold and cubed for flaky texture); 3/4 cup Cold Buttermilk (Provides moisture and tang); 1 tablespoon Heavy Cream or Buttermilk (For brushing the biscuits); 2 tablespoons Coarse Sugar (For topping biscuits)

Stepping into the kitchen, I caught a whiff of summer—a sweet breeze of ripe strawberries mingling with the buttery scent of freshly baked biscuits. It hit me; nothing encapsulates this sun-soaked season quite like a Classic Homemade Strawberry Shortcake. This delightful dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a heartfelt way to share a moment with friends and family. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a light and airy masterpiece that’s both a crowd-pleaser and remarkably easy to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a refreshing dessert, this strawberry shortcake transforms fresh flavors into a joyful celebration. Ready to dive into a summer favorite that’s sure to impress? Let’s get baking!

Why is homemade strawberry shortcake a must-try?

Simplicity: This recipe requires just a handful of fresh ingredients, making it easy to whip up any day!
Flavor Explosion: The sweet, juicy strawberries combined with rich whipped cream and fluffy biscuits create a deliciously satisfying dessert.
Versatile Variations: Mix and match with other berries or even serve with a scoop of ice cream for a twist.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a picnic or a dinner party, this shortcake is a hit that pleases everyone.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the biscuits and strawberries ahead of time, and you’re ready to impress at a moment’s notice.
For more delightful strawberry recipes, check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars or the refreshing Strawberry Shortcake Bars perfect for summer gatherings!

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ingredients

• Note: Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delightful homemade strawberry shortcake!

For the Strawberries

Quartered Strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert, bursting with sweet summer flavor.
Granulated Sugar (Strawberries) – This helps to sweeten and draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, enhancing their sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla adds a warm, rich note that beautifully complements the flavor of the strawberries.

For the Biscuits

All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of your biscuits; use extra for dusting surfaces to prevent sticking.
Granulated Sugar (Biscuits) – This adds a touch of sweetness to the biscuit dough, balancing flavors.
Baking Powder – Essential for creating a light and fluffy texture in your homemade biscuits.
Baking Soda – Aids in achieving an airy consistency that’s perfect for shortcakes.
Salt – A pinch enhances sweetness and elevates all other flavors in the biscuits.
Unsalted Butter – Cold and cubed butter ensures a rich, flaky texture when combined with flour.
Cold Buttermilk – Provides moisture and a slight tang, creating a tender biscuit structure that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Heavy Cream or Buttermilk – For brushing the biscuits, helping achieve a golden and inviting crust.
Coarse Sugar – Sprinkle on top of the biscuits for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating an unforgettable homemade strawberry shortcake that’s perfect for any summer gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prepare Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the quartered strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Gently toss the berries, ensuring they are evenly coated with sugar. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This process allows the strawberries to macerate, drawing out their juices and enhancing their sweet flavor, perfect for your homemade strawberry shortcake.

Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) while you prepare the biscuit dough. This temperature is essential for creating those light and airy biscuits that will serve as the base for your homemade strawberry shortcake. Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or food processor, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. This blend forms the foundation of your biscuit dough, creating a flaky texture for the strawberry shortcake.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter
Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, flaky layers in your biscuits that pair beautifully with the strawberries.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Pour 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk over the crumbly mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; a slightly shaggy texture is ideal for your homemade strawberry shortcake, ensuring it remains tender.

Step 6: Shape Dough
On a floured surface, lightly knead the dough just 2-3 times to bring it together. Flatten the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick, then fold it in thirds like a letter. Roll it out gently again to maintain layers, which will give your biscuits a nice rise when baked.

Step 7: Cut Biscuits
With a floured biscuit cutter, cut out 10-12 biscuits from the dough. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to gather and re-roll scraps as necessary. This ensures you make full use of the dough while creating fluffy biscuits for your homemade strawberry shortcake.

Step 8: Bake
Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little heavy cream, then sprinkle coarse sugar over them for added sweetness and crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Keep an eye on them during baking to achieve that perfect, inviting color.

Step 9: Whip Cream
In a stand mixer or a large bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft-medium peaks form. This creamy layer is essential for the finishing touch on your homemade strawberry shortcake, providing a luscious contrast to the biscuits and strawberries.

Step 10: Assemble Shortcakes
To assemble, slice the cooled biscuits in half and layer them with the macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Stack the top half of the biscuit on top, allowing the juices to soak in, which will elevate the flavors in your homemade strawberry shortcake. Serve immediately for the best experience!

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Fridge: Store leftover assembled shortcake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.

Freezer: For freezing, wrap individual biscuit layers without strawberries in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen biscuits, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Strawberry Preparation: If you’ve prepared the strawberries ahead of time, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days but should be added just before serving to maintain the best texture in your homemade strawberry shortcake.

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes are a great choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can macerate the quartered strawberries with sugar and refrigerate them for up to 3 days, allowing their natural juices to enhance the flavor. The biscuit dough can also be mixed and shaped, then covered and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; this keeps them fresh and ready to bake when you need them. Just remember, to keep the biscuits flaky, avoid overworking the dough. When you’re ready to serve, bake the biscuits and assemble your shortcakes with the strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious as when made fresh!

Expert Tips for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Choose the Best Strawberries: Use ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor. Avoid underripe berries, as they won’t provide the desired sweetness in your homemade strawberry shortcake.
Cold Ingredients Matter: Ensure your butter and buttermilk are cold, as this helps create the flaky texture of the biscuits. Room temperature ingredients can lead to dense biscuits.
Gentle Mixing: Be gentle when combining the ingredients to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the biscuits tough. Remember, a light touch is key to tender biscuits in your homemade strawberry shortcake.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the biscuits towards the end of baking. You want them golden brown but not overcooked, as this can dry them out.
Whip Cream Wisely: Whip the cream just until medium-soft peaks form. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture, which you definitely want to avoid in your luxurious homemade strawberry shortcake.

What to Serve with Classic Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Indulge in a delightful summer feast by pairing your strawberry shortcake with complementary flavors and textures that elevate every bite.

Refreshing Mint Tea: The cool, herbal notes of mint tea provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dessert.
Zesty Lemonade: This tangy drink enhances the sweetness of the shortcake, making every bite taste like summer.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a smooth and luscious layer, melting beautifully alongside the strawberries.
Grilled Peaches: Slightly charred peaches bring a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the fresh berries.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, coconut whipped cream adds an exotic flair and lightness to the dessert.
Mixed Berry Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds color and brightness, making for a vibrant plate.
Sparkling Rosé: A chilled glass of sparkling rosé complements the shortcake’s sweetness and adds a celebratory touch.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of rich dark chocolate offers a slightly bitter counterpoint that balances the overall sweetness beautifully.
Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the shortcake enhances its sweetness while providing a touch of floral goodness.
Peach Sorbet: This fruity, frozen treat offers a cooling effect, enhancing the refreshing experience of your summer feast.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Variations

Looking to add a personal twist to your homemade strawberry shortcake? Customize this classic recipe with these delicious variations!

Mixed Berries: Swap in a variety of berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist. The flavors will blend beautifully, creating a delightful medley.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free milk in place of heavy cream and buttermilk. This makes the dessert suitable for those with lactose intolerance while adding a subtle coconut flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled shortcake for a decadent touch. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberries.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the biscuit dough for a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the overall dessert experience. It’s a refreshing contrast with the berries!
Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract in the whipped cream for a unique and nutty flavor profile. It adds complexity and depth that many will love.
Banana Cream: Layer some banana slices with the strawberries for a banana-strawberry combo! It adds a creamy texture and tastes like a delightful summer day.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the whipped cream for a surprising kick. The heat balances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating an unexpected flavor burst.

For more tempting flavors, consider serving alongside my delicious Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake or pairing it with refreshing Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Enjoy experimenting!

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting strawberries?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, opt for ripe, in-season berries. Look for vibrant red color without any dark spots or signs of mold. They should feel slightly firm yet give a little when gently squeezed. If you can smell their sweet aroma, you’re on the right track!

How should I store leftover strawberry shortcake?
Very! To keep your shortcake fresh, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.

Can I freeze the biscuits for later use?
Of course! I often make a double batch and freeze half for later. To freeze, wrap each biscuit layer without strawberries in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. They can remain frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

What if my biscuit dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your biscuit dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour—start with a tablespoon at a time. Make sure your hands and work surface are floured too. Kneading too much can also cause stickiness, so be gentle and handle the dough minimally.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe, like allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe contains common allergens like gluten and dairy. If you need to adjust for dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a safe alternative. Additionally, for a dairy-free option, substitute the buttermilk with almond milk and use coconut cream for the whipped topping.

How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming tough?
Great question! To keep your biscuits tender, make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold before mixing. Avoid overworking the dough when you combine the wet and dry ingredients, and remember to treat the dough gently. A light touch makes a world of difference in achieving perfect, fluffy biscuits!