Best Strawberry Shortcake

why make this recipe

Strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that brings joy and sweetness to any occasion. Its layers of tender cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream create a delightful treat perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With its bright colors and fresh flavors, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends.

how to make Best Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.
6. While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
7. Once the cake is cooled, slice it in half horizontally.
8. Layer half of the whipped cream and half of the strawberries on the bottom half.
9. Place the top half of the cake on the strawberries and add the remaining whipped cream and strawberries on top.
10. Serve and enjoy!

how to serve Best Strawberry Shortcake

Serve strawberry shortcake chilled or at room temperature. Cut into slices and enjoy! You can add extra strawberries or whipped cream on the side for those who want more.

how to store Best Strawberry Shortcake

Store leftover strawberry shortcake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for freshness.

tips to make Best Strawberry Shortcake

• Make sure the butter is cold when mixing it into the dry ingredients for a flakier cake.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream according to your taste.

variation

You can try adding a little lemon zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy twist or use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to mix things up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.

2. Is it possible to make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just wait to assemble it until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Best Strawberry Shortcake

A delightful summer dessert featuring layers of tender cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced Ensure the butter is cold for a flakier cake.
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the toppings

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for whipped cream) Adjust sweetness to taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.

Assembly

1. While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Once the cake is cooled, slice it in half horizontally.
3. Layer half of the whipped cream and half of the strawberries on the bottom half.
4. Place the top half of the cake on the strawberries and add the remaining whipped cream and strawberries on top.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover strawberry shortcake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for freshness. You can add extra strawberries or whipped cream on the side for those who want more.