There’s something incredibly delightful about the combination of fluffy, buttery shortcake, juicy strawberries, and a light, airy whipped cream. This Strawberry Shortcake Dessert is a classic treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Fluffy Shortcake: The tender, buttery shortcake provides the perfect base for soaking up the strawberry juices.
Juicy Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add sweetness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the shortcake.
Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence without being too heavy.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this dessert comes together in under an hour. Ideal for spontaneous baking sessions.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or coconut flakes to make each serving unique.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the shortcake holds its shape while staying soft.
Baking Powder: Helps the shortcake rise slightly, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the shortcake. Let it soften before using.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the shortcake without overpowering the strawberry flavors.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the shortcake.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness and the signature flavor of the dessert.
Whipped Cream: Store-bought or homemade whipped cream adds lightness and complements the strawberries perfectly.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dessert
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Shortcake: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in milk and vanilla extract until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle. Cut into wedges or squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly firm to the touch. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberries: While the shortcakes cool, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with a little sugar to bring out their juices. Let them macerate for at least 10 minutes.
Assemble and Serve: Split the cooled shortcakes in half horizontally. Place a layer of sliced strawberries on the bottom half, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Replace the top half of the shortcake and serve immediately. Garnish with additional strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
This dessert pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for added freshness.
Tea or Coffee: Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting dessert experience.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dessert is decadent enough to enjoy on its own. Simply savor each bite and let the flavors shine
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Strawberries: The riper the strawberry, the sweeter the filling. Avoid overly green strawberries.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Prepare the shortcakes ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with melted chocolate, or add a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Experiment with Variations: Try adding different fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for variety
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought shortcake? Yes! Using store-bought shortcake saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
2. What type of strawberries should I use? Ripe strawberries with brown spots work best for the richest flavor. Avoid overly green strawberries.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the shortcakes and strawberries up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble just before serving.
4. How do I store leftover dessert? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze individual servings for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the shortcakes? Absolutely! Wrap individual shortcakes tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the shortcake or use a sugar-free alternative.
8. Can I skip the whipped cream? You can, though the whipped cream adds lightness and complements the strawberries beautifully. Substitute with yogurt or omit entirely.
9. Do I need to chill the strawberries? Chilling the strawberries helps them release their juices, enhancing the flavor.
10. Can I add other fruits to the dessert? Absolutely! Mixed berries, peaches, or mango slices would pair beautifully with the shortcake and whipped cream. Feel free to experiment!
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and timeless Strawberry Shortcake Dessert recipe that’s sure to become a go-to treat in your kitchen. With its fluffy shortcake, juicy strawberries, and light whipped cream, this dessert satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Dessert is a delightful, fluffy cake layered with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings, this classic treat is light, airy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries
For the Homemade Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry purée (blend fresh strawberries)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
-
Make the Cake:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until combined, then add sugar and beat for about 3 minutes until creamy.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
-
Heat & Combine:
- In a small saucepan, heat milk, heavy cream, and butter over low heat until the butter melts.
- Slowly add the mixture to the batter, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
-
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cut & Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut out circles in your desired sizes.
-
Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a medium bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the strawberry purée and finely chopped strawberries.
-
Assemble:
- Spread whipped cream over half of the shortcake pieces.
- Place another shortcake on top, then spread additional whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with extra diced strawberries and more whipped cream if desired.
-
Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold heavy whipping cream for the best whipped texture.
- You can substitute store-bought whipped cream if short on time.
- For an extra fruity flavor, drizzle strawberry syrup over the layers.
- This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg