Name: Creamy Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Shortcakes:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 3/4 cup heavy cream; For the Strawberry Filling:; 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; For the Whipped Cream:; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Creamy Strawberry Shortcake: A Decadent Summer Delight 🍓🍰✨

1. Introduction

The Creamy Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This delightful treat combines flaky, buttery shortcakes with luscious, creamy filling and sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy strawberry shortcake recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the process of creating a homemade strawberry shortcake that will be the highlight of any gathering. Looking for more baking inspiration? Check out our baking category for a plethora of delicious recipes! This article provides a detailed guide to crafting the ultimate creamy strawberry shortcake, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor and texture. From preparing the shortcakes to macerating the strawberries and whipping the cream, we’ll cover all the steps to make this dessert unforgettable. If you are looking for more dessert recipes, check out our desserts category.

Finished creamy strawberry shortcake, a perfect summer dessert.

2. Understanding the Basics of Strawberry Shortcake

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to understand what makes a creamy strawberry shortcake so special. Traditionally, shortcake consists of a biscuit-like cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. Our recipe enhances this classic combination by focusing on creating incredibly moist and flavorful shortcakes, perfectly macerated strawberries, and a light, airy cream. The goal is to balance the sweetness of the strawberries with the richness of the cream and the subtle buttery notes of the shortcake. This strawberry shortcake dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience. For another delightful no-bake treat, perhaps you’d enjoy learning about our No-Bake Eclair Cake!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

To embark on this delightful baking journey, gather the following ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to a truly outstanding creamy strawberry shortcake recipe.

For the Shortcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Strawberry Shortcake

Follow these detailed steps for a perfect creamy strawberry shortcake every time.

Step 1: Preparing the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the heavy cream, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough shortcakes. This step is crucial for achieving that signature flaky texture. If you’re planning a brunch, this shortcake would be a wonderful addition! Explore more ideas in our breakfast & brunch category.

Dry ingredients being mixed for making creamy strawberry shortcake.

Step 2: Cutting and Baking the Shortcakes

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut out the shortcakes. Place the shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack. Properly baked shortcakes are the foundation of a great strawberry shortcake. To learn more about us, you can check our about us page.

Cold butter being prepared for creamy strawberry shortcake.

Step 3: Preparing the Creamy Filling

While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the creamy filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to macerate and release their juices. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor and creating a luscious sauce. Want to learn more about strawberry shortcake? Here’s a great guide on thekitchn.com.

Heavy cream added to shortcake ingredients for creamy strawberry shortcake recipe.

Step 4: Making the Whipped Cream and Assembling

In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. To assemble the shortcakes, split each shortcake in half. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and their juices over the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and the top half of the shortcake. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy strawberry shortcake recipe!

Fresh strawberries being prepared for creamy strawberry shortcake.

5. Tips for the Perfect Creamy Strawberry Shortcake

Follow these tips to elevate your strawberry shortcake dessert to the next level:

Use cold butter and heavy cream to ensure the shortcakes are tender and flaky.
Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined to avoid tough shortcakes.
Macerate the strawberries for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavor and create a delicious sauce.
Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to overwhip it.
Serve the shortcakes immediately after assembling to prevent them from becoming soggy.

6. Variations and Creative Twists

While the classic recipe is divine, there are several ways to add your own creative twist to the creamy strawberry shortcake. Consider using different types of berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, for a mixed berry shortcake. You can also add a hint of citrus zest to the shortcake dough or whipped cream for a refreshing flavor. For a richer taste, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the shortcakes. Do you want to work with us? Check our Work with Me page.

7. Serving Suggestions

Creamy Strawberry Shortcake is perfect as a standalone dessert, but it can also be paired with other treats. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience. It’s also a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue, picnic, or family gathering. You can even serve it with a glass of chilled champagne or sparkling wine for a sophisticated touch. If you are looking for a recipe to complete your BBQ, check our beef recipes and chicken recipes for great ideas!

8. Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to lighten up this classic dessert, there are several healthier alternatives you can incorporate. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Reduce the amount of sugar in both the shortcakes and the strawberry filling. You can also use a lighter whipped topping or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option. Consider adding fresh mint to your strawberries for an extra burst of freshness without added sugars. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy a strawberry shortcake dessert with less guilt. For a lighter meal to pair with this dessert, consider one of our salads or soups!

9. Conclusion

The creamy strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. With its perfect combination of flaky shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and luscious cream, it’s no wonder this treat remains a favorite. By following this easy strawberry shortcake recipe and incorporating your own creative twists, you can create a dessert that is both delicious and memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, this homemade strawberry shortcake is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake the ultimate summer dessert! This creamy strawberry shortcake recipe is sure to become a family favorite, passed down through generations. Enjoy!