Name: Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces strawberries, quartered; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup whipping cream; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup shortening; 1 1/2 cups sour cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 58 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and crave a classic summer dessert that never goes out of style, you are in for a treat with this Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe. Imagine juicy, tender strawberries macerated to perfection, dolloped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, and nestled between warm, buttery biscuits that practically melt in your mouth. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet the layers of flavor and texture come together to create a showstopper that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want a delightful way to brighten up your day, these strawberry shortcakes will quickly become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with a large bowl full of light beige flour, a small white plate holding a thick white cream-like substance, and a tiny white bowl with white powder. There is also a clear glass pitcher filled with milk on the left side, and a natural-colored brush with bristles placed at the bottom of the board. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe is simple, with each item playing an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of sweetness, fluffiness, and freshness. From the bright red strawberries to the creamy whipped topping and tender biscuits, every ingredient adds its own magic to the final result.

16 ounces strawberries (quartered): Fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and juicy sweetness that forms the dessert’s foundation.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for berries): Gently sweetens and helps the strawberries release their natural juices.
1 cup whipping cream: The base for the luscious whipped cream topping, adding airy richness.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped cream): Sweetens the whipped cream without overpowering it.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds subtle depth and warmth to the whipped cream.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure for the biscuits, giving them tenderness and rise.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for biscuits): Adds a gentle sweetness to the dough.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the biscuits puff up beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering the softness.
1/3 cup shortening: Adds moisture and flakiness to the biscuit texture.
1 1/2 cups sour cream: Brings tanginess that balances sweetness and tenderizes the biscuits.

How to Make Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by combining the quartered strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a bowl. This simple sweetening process helps the berries release their natural juices, creating that signature syrupy goodness. Cover and let the mixture sit for about 2 hours to really let those flavors meld. This is the moment when your strawberries turn from fresh fruit to luscious, mellow fruit topping.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

While the strawberries are macerating, it’s time to whip up the cream. Take your whipping cream and beat it at medium speed using an electric mixer until it begins to get foamy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar to sweeten it just right, and continue beating until soft peaks form. An optional splash of vanilla extract can add an aromatic punch that elevates the whipped cream even further. Chill until you are ready to assemble the dessert.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

With your oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, begin mixing the dry ingredients of your biscuits — flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt — in a large bowl. Then, cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Next, make a well in the center and slowly add the sour cream, incorporating it gently to keep the dough tender. Knead lightly using your hands or a wooden spoon until everything comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

Using a 1/3-cup measuring cup lightly coated with vegetable shortening, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet. This helps maintain uniform biscuit sizes and prevents sticking. Bake the biscuits for about 20 to 23 minutes until they start to turn a light golden hue. To finish, switch the oven to broil and bake for an additional minute, giving the biscuits that perfect top crust.

Step 5: Assemble the Shortcakes

The final, fun part is putting it all together. Slice each biscuit horizontally in half, then spoon a generous amount of the sweetened strawberries onto the bottom half. Top with a fluffy scoop of your freshly whipped cream, then crown with the biscuit’s top half. For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with a sprig of mint. This is the moment everything comes together and the Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe truly shines.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe

A white plate with a decorative edge holds four light golden, fluffy biscuits. Two biscuits are split open and topped with bright red sliced strawberries on the bottom halves, showing soft, crumbly biscuit texture. One biscuit is whole in the back, and another broken piece is in the front. A woman's hand is holding the top half of one biscuit while another woman's hand uses a blue spoon with a white speckled pattern to scoop more strawberries onto the biscuit. The plate is placed on a teal cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While classic strawberry shortcakes are beautiful on their own, simple garnishes can enhance visual appeal and flavor. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that contrasts the sweetness. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can personalize the presentation for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This delightful dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade to balance the richness of the shortcakes. For a more substantial treat, you can serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which melts deliciously into the warm biscuit and berries for an extra indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe in individual clear glasses or mason jars layered with biscuit crumbs, strawberries, and whipped cream for a charming parfait style. Or arrange several assembled shortcakes on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with extra berries and pastel edible flowers to create a stunning dessert platter everyone will love digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep the biscuits and strawberries separate. Store the biscuits airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fluffy texture. Refrigerate the strawberries in their juice to keep them fresh and moist. Whipped cream is best freshly made, but leftover cream can be stored tightly covered in the fridge for a day at most.

Freezing

To enjoy these strawberry shortcakes later, freeze the biscuit dough before baking. Shape into rounds and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For assembled shortcakes, freezing is not recommended as the whipped cream and berries do not thaw well.

Reheating

Warm the baked biscuits gently in a low-temperature oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes to revive their fresh-baked warmth before assembling with the cold strawberries and whipped cream. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough or unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but if frozen berries are all you have, thaw them slowly and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar. The macerated berries will be softer, but still delicious.

Is there a substitute for shortening in the biscuit dough?

Yes, butter can be used instead of shortening for a richer flavor, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture. Use cold butter cut into small pieces, and mix quickly to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.

How long can I let the strawberry mixture sit before assembling?

Ideally, let the strawberries macerate for about 2 hours to develop their juices and sweetness. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes helps, but longer really brings out the best flavor.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the biscuits a day ahead and gently reheat them before serving. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

What’s the best way to whip cream for this dessert?

Use chilled heavy whipping cream and a chilled bowl for best results. Beat at medium speed until soft peaks form, adding sugar gradually. Overwhipping can make the cream grainy, so stop as soon as you see soft peaks that hold their shape but are still smooth.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making and sharing such a classic dessert like the Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delightful dessert that bursts with fresh flavor and nostalgia. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon treat or a celebration finale, these strawberry shortcakes bring joy with every bite, and I can’t wait for you to try making them your own!