This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert that tastes like pure sunshine on a plate. With tender, buttery biscuits, sweet and juicy strawberries, and a cloud of whipped cream, it’s everything you want in a spring or summer treat. Best of all? It’s surprisingly simple to pull together—even on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a sweet ending to your day, this dessert is the kind of feel-good food that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: You can have these golden shortcakes on the table in under 45 minutes, start to finish.
Classic Comfort: The nostalgic combination of fresh berries, pillowy whipped cream, and flaky biscuits is just irresistible.
Perfectly Customizable: From the sweetness of the berries to the richness of the cream, every layer is easy to tweak to your taste.
Beautiful and Impressive: It looks like something you’d find in a fancy bakery, but you made it—yes, you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this classic Strawberry Shortcake together and why each ingredient matters:

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Macerating them with a little sugar brings out their juices beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of your shortcakes. It gives them structure without making them too dense.
Baking Powder: A must for lift—this is what helps those shortcakes rise into buttery, fluffy perfection.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavor of everything else.
Butter: Cold and cut into small pieces. This is key to that signature flaky, tender texture.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough and helps macerate the strawberries.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Moistens the dough and gives the shortcakes richness. Use heavy cream for a softer crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that makes the whole dish feel extra special.
Whipping Cream: For that luscious, soft topping. Whip until soft peaks form for a light, dreamy texture.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these twists:

Berry Mix-Up: Toss in some blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a medley of flavors and colors.
Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the biscuit dough or whipped cream for a fresh, citrusy twist.
Chocolate Chip Shortcakes: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for a fun, decadent variation.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and coconut whipped cream for a completely vegan shortcake.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Slice the strawberries and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and stir. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes so they become juicy and syrupy.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk or cream and vanilla until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Drop the dough onto a baking sheet in mounds or use a biscuit cutter for a cleaner look. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and puffed, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add a little sugar and vanilla to taste.

Step 5: Assemble

Slice the shortcakes in half. Layer the bottom with strawberries and their juices, then a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with the biscuit lid and finish with a few more strawberries and cream if you like.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep the Butter Cold: This helps create pockets of steam as the biscuits bake, giving you that light, flaky texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir just until combined—overworking it can make the shortcakes tough.
Use a Serrated Knife: When slicing the shortcakes, a serrated knife will help you avoid crushing them.
Chill the Bowl and Whisk: For the fluffiest whipped cream, chill your tools beforehand.

How to Serve

Strawberry Shortcake shines brightest when served fresh. Here’s how to enjoy it at its best:

Dessert Plate Delight:

Serve individual shortcakes on small dessert plates with a sprig of mint for a charming presentation.

Picnic Perfect:

Pack the components separately and assemble at the picnic table for a no-mess treat that feels extra special.

Party Style:

Create a DIY shortcake bar where guests can build their own with extra toppings like chocolate shavings, lemon curd, or toasted coconut.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the components separate for the best results. Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate strawberries and whipped cream.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked biscuits—just wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a low oven before serving.

Reheating

Warm the shortcakes in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked feel. Never microwave—they’ll go soggy!

FAQs

Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the shortcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving for that just-baked texture.

Do I have to use fresh strawberries?
Fresh is best, especially when in season. However, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch—just thaw and drain them well before macerating.

What’s the difference between shortcake and regular cake?
Shortcake is more biscuit-like—crumbly and less sweet than sponge cake, which is soft and airy. It’s designed to complement the juicy berries and rich cream without overpowering them.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
You can, but freshly whipped cream really takes this dessert to the next level. The texture and flavor are unbeatable, and it’s so easy to make!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a Homemade Strawberry Shortcake. It’s light yet indulgent, simple yet stunning, and it captures the essence of the season in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a dinner party showstopper, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab those strawberries and get baking—you’re going to love every sweet, fluffy, berry-filled bite.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe