Sweet, buttery, and piled high with lush, juicy berries, this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is pure summer nostalgia with every creamy bite. Imagine tender homemade biscuits, airy clouds of hand-whipped cream, and strawberries so flavorful they could probably be dessert all on their own. Whether you’re serving up a backyard treat or celebrating a special moment with friends, this from-scratch delight is about to become your new go-to showstopper.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple, dreamy, and delicious. Each element in this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe has a starring role, bringing a medley of flavors and textures that dance together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you really don’t want to skip a single item:

Strawberries: The real stars—fresh, ripe berries make all the difference, delivering juicy bursts of summer flavor in every bite.
Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetening both your strawberries and the cream, just enough to enhance without overpowering.
Lemon (juice and zest): Lemon zest goes right into the biscuits for a gentle citrus perfume, while fresh juice brightens the strawberries perfectly.
All-purpose flour: The base of the biscuits—choose a good, unbleached option for extra flavor and tender crumb.
Baking powder: A generous tablespoon ensures biscuits that rise tall, soft, and wonderfully fluffy.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the richness in the butter and cream.
Cold unsalted butter: Chilled and cut into pieces, it melts in the oven to create those fabulously flaky layers.
Heavy cream (cold): Used in both the biscuit dough and the topping—it adds silkiness and richness you can really taste.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

Start by tossing your quartered strawberries with sugar and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Letting the berries sit while you bake softens them and coaxes out their juices, creating that crave-worthy syrupy goodness that sets this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe apart.

Step 2: Prep the Biscuit Sugar

Combine lemon zest and sugar in a bowl, then rub them together with your fingertips until the mixture smells bright and citrusy. This tiny step infuses the biscuits themselves with a floral, lemony aroma you’ll absolutely adore.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Add your flour, baking powder, and salt to the aromatic sugar-zest mixture, giving everything a quick toss. This ensures even rising and perfect seasoning throughout every fluffy biscuit.

Step 4: Cut in the Butter

Drop in the cold butter and use your fingers to gently work it into the dry mix until it resembles little peas. Those butter bits are magic, melting in the oven to form delightful, flaky pockets.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Drizzle in cold heavy cream and stir with a fork just until combined—the dough will be sticky, and that’s exactly what you want. Don’t overmix; a light touch promises tender results.

Step 6: Form and Sugar the Biscuits

Spoon or scoop the dough into mounds on your prepared baking sheet. Make them tall if you can; this helps with slicing and stacking later. Sprinkle the tops with a final dusting of sugar for a shimmery, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake the Biscuits

Bake at 400°F until the biscuits are deeply golden on the bottom and just golden on top, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let them cool a bit so you don’t melt the whipped cream right away!

Step 8: Whip the Cream

Whip cold heavy cream with a little sugar just until stiff peaks form—don’t overdo it, as you want it billowy and soft. This cool cream is the glorious finish to every forkful of your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.

Step 9: Assemble Your Shortcakes

Split each biscuit in half. Spoon juicy strawberries over the bottom half, crown with a mound of whipped cream, then sandwich everything together with the biscuit top. Heaven!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle with a touch of lemon zest, fresh mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple extras add a fresh pop of color and an inviting aroma that makes your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe steal the spotlight.

Side Dishes

Pair your shortcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small dish of sweet, roasted nuts for extra crunch. If you’re serving a crowd, a fresh fruit salad or an iced herbal tea makes a refreshing summertime complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the shortcake, berries, and whipped cream in parfait glasses for a fun twist, or serve mini versions as adorable finger desserts at your next backyard picnic. You can even set up a DIY shortcake bar so everyone can build their own custom creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big “if!”), store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream chilled separately to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

The baked biscuits freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely and then pop them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready for another Strawberry Shortcake Recipe craving, a quick thaw at room temp brings them back to life. Avoid freezing whipped cream or macerated berries for best results.

Reheating

To give biscuits that just-baked warmth, place them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Serve with cold berries and whipped cream for the perfect hot-cold bite that everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and gently blot away excess moisture before macerating with sugar and lemon juice. Fresh is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch, especially outside berry season.

Do I have to use lemon zest in the biscuits?

While you can skip it, the lemon zest adds an aromatic sparkle and elevates the whole Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. If you’re out, try a hint of orange zest or just enjoy classic sweet cream biscuits.

How do I keep the biscuits extra fluffy?

The secret is cold ingredients and a light touch: use chilled butter and cream, mix gently, and don’t overwork the dough. Tall mounds of dough also bake up extra light and airy.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

You sure can! Just whip the cream, then cover and refrigerate. Give it a quick whisk if it settles. Assemble your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe just before serving for the best texture.

Can this recipe be doubled for a party?

Yes! This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is perfect for celebrations. Simply double all the ingredients (you may need a second baking sheet) and you’ll have plenty of beautiful, crowd-pleasing shortcakes to share.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe to connect you to memories and make new ones, too. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, give this recipe a try—it’s a hug on a plate that everyone will love.