Heavenly Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Summers burst with sweet possibilities, and this classic strawberry shortcake recipe delivers pure delight.

Luscious strawberries nestled in a homemade shortcake create a dessert that sings of sunshine and memories.

Tender, buttery biscuits provide the perfect canvas for juicy, macerated berries and clouds of whipped cream.

Each bite blends rich textures and bright, fresh flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of crisp, crumbly shortcake and sweet, fragrant strawberries promises a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Layers of simple ingredients come together to craft a treat that celebrates the essence of seasonal indulgence.

Dive into this irresistible dessert and let summer’s sweetest moment unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients You Need for Strawberry Shortcake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the delicate sponge cake.
• Baking Powder: Creates light, airy texture by helping the cake rise evenly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cake.
• Eggs: Crucial for adding richness, volume, and binding ingredients together.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden, tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake.
• Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and maintain cake's moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the cake.
• Lemon Juice: Stabilizes egg whites and provides subtle brightness.

• Strawberries: Sweet, vibrant fruit that adds fresh flavor and beautiful color.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps strawberries release natural juices.
• Cornstarch: Thickens puree and creates smooth, glossy texture.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light, fluffy texture for luxurious frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy base for stable whipped frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor with warm undertones.

Baking Essentials for Shortcake Success

• Stand Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Essential for whipping egg whites and cream to perfect consistency.
• 9: Crucial for baking the sponge cake base.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Saucepan: Perfect for making strawberry simple syrup and puree.
• Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes needed for separating and mixing ingredients.
• Sifter: Helps create smooth, lump-free flour mixture.
• Blender: Ideal for creating smooth strawberry puree.
• Whisk: Great for beating egg yolks and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing cake layers evenly.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread cream smoothly.

Instructions for Building Strawberry Shortcake

• Cake Base

Soft, airy sponge cake forms the heart of this delightful dessert. Light and delicate layers will set the stage for a mouthwatering treat that melts in your mouth.

• Sweet Strawberry Infusion

Vibrant strawberries transform into a luscious syrup and silky puree, adding bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cake. The bright red essence brings summer freshness to every bite.

• Creamy Cloud Topping

Billowy whipped cream creates a dreamy blanket of sweetness, enveloping the cake in rich, velvety texture. This cloud-like frosting elevates the entire dessert to a heavenly experience.

• Layered Harmony

Carefully slice the cake into delicate layers, brushing each with strawberry syrup. Alternate between cream and fresh strawberries, building a stunning visual and flavor masterpiece.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle strawberry puree across the top, creating an artistic finish that promises incredible taste. Chill before serving to let all the flavors meld together in delicious perfection.

Tips for Perfect Berries, Cream & Biscuits

• Infuse the simple syrup with fresh mint or basil leaves for an unexpected aromatic twist that elevates the classic strawberry taste.
• Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry medley to create unique seasonal versions of this delightful dessert.
• Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or crushed pistachios between cake layers for an exciting textural contrast that will surprise your guests.
• Enhance the simple syrup by adding a splash of Grand Marnier, rum, or elderflower liqueur to give the cake a sophisticated adult-friendly kick.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

How to Present This Summer Dessert

• Sweet Strawberry Symphony: Top the cake with fresh, vibrant strawberry slices arranged in a beautiful cascading pattern for a stunning visual presentation.
• Elegant Tea Party Centerpiece: Serve alongside delicate china teacups and lace doilies, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that feels like a charming afternoon gathering.
• Rustic Farmhouse Charm: Plate the cake on a wooden board with scattered fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar, bringing a homemade, countryside feel to the dessert.
• Decadent Dessert Bar: Create individual mini shortcakes for guests to customize, offering extra whipped cream, fresh berries, and strawberry puree as delightful toppings.

Storage Instructions for Shortcake Components

• Fresh Slice Strategy: Keep cake layers separate from cream and fruit until serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy bottoms. Store components individually in airtight containers.
• Refrigeration Magic: Assembled cake stays delicious for 1-2 days when covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Consume quickly for optimal taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers and strawberry components up to 2 days before assembly. Keep whipped cream frosting fresh by whipping just before serving for peak fluffiness.
• Smart Portion Control: Cut cake into individual servings and wrap separately for easy grab-and-go desserts. Single portions maintain quality better and prevent repeated refrigeration exposure.

Sweet Strawberry Shortcake

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Delightful strawberry shortcake celebrates summer’s sweetest bounty with fresh berries and tender biscuits. Creamy whipped layers and juicy fruit create a classic dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ⅔ cups (236 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
• ½ tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
• 1 lb (454 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
• ½ lb (227 g) strawberries for puree
• ¾ cup (180 ml) water for simple syrup
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar for simple syrup
• ½ cup sliced strawberries for simple syrup
• 3 tbsps sugar for puree
• ½ tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water for puree
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• 4 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Align parchment paper in a 9-inch cake pan and heat oven to 350°F (180°C), ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature.
2. Dry Mixture: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, creating a uniform dry base for the cake.
3. Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites with lemon juice, gradually adding sugar until achieving glossy, stiff mountain-like peaks that hold their shape.
4. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and voluminous, then smoothly integrate oil, water, and vanilla extract into a silky emulsion.
5. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold flour mixture into yolk mixture in thirds, gently incorporating egg white mixture to maintain an airy, light consistency without deflating the volume.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, baking for 25-30 minutes until golden and resilient when lightly touched, then cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Syrup Creation: Simmer water, sugar, and strawberries to develop a fragrant simple syrup, strain, and cool to room temperature.
8. Puree Development: Cook strawberries with sugar, thicken with cornstarch slurry, then blend until achieving a smooth, vibrant sauce.
9. Frosting Preparation: Chill mixing bowl and whisk, then blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, gradually incorporating heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
10. Cake Construction: Carefully slice cake into three horizontal layers, brushing each with strawberry syrup, layering with whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberries.
11. Final Styling: Coat entire cake with remaining frosting, artfully drizzle strawberry puree over top, and briefly refrigerate to set structural integrity before serving.

Notes

• Egg White Technique: Ensure absolutely clean, grease-free bowl when whipping egg whites for maximum volume and stability.
• Folding Mastery: Use gentle, circular motions when incorporating flour and egg whites to preserve delicate air bubbles and maintain cake’s light texture.
• Syrup Saturation: Apply strawberry simple syrup while cake layers are still slightly warm for maximum absorption and enhanced moisture.
• Chill Factor: Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to help frosting set and allow flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg