Name: Family Favorite Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 buttermilk; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the strawberries); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Family Favorite Strawberry Shortcake: A Timeless Classic🍓🍰✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a classic strawberry shortcake recipe to brighten up a summer day and this recipe truly stands the test of time. This easy strawberry shortcake is a family favorite for a reason: it’s simple to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for showcasing fresh, seasonal strawberries. The bright, sweet flavor of strawberries combined with the fluffy shortcake and creamy whipped topping is a quintessential summer experience. If you’re looking for more delightful desserts, be sure to check out our collection of dessert recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this homemade strawberry shortcake recipe will guide you through each step to create a truly memorable dessert. From selecting the ripest berries to perfecting the shortcake texture, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to enjoy the best strawberry shortcake you’ve ever tasted!

Delicious Family Favorite Strawberry Shortcakes with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, ready to eat.

2. What Makes This Strawberry Shortcake Special?

This strawberry shortcake recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. The shortcakes are tender and slightly crumbly, providing a delightful contrast to the juicy, sweet strawberries and the light, airy whipped cream. The slight tang of buttermilk in the shortcakes also adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dessert. Using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, this easy strawberry shortcake recipe ensures that anyone can create a delectable dessert that will impress family and friends. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust the sweetness or add a hint of citrus to suit your preferences. And if you are wanting something easier, check out this no bake eclair cake

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this incredible strawberry shortcake recipe:

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 buttermilk
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your ingredients are fresh for the best results. Using high-quality butter and ripe strawberries can make a significant difference in the final product. For additional recipe inspiration, take a look at our baking category!

4. Equipment Needed

Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need for this homemade strawberry shortcake:

Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fork
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Whisk or electric mixer

5. Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Follow these detailed instructions to create the best strawberry shortcake you’ve ever had!

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Begin by slicing the fresh strawberries and placing them in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over the strawberries and gently mix. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to macerate, releasing their juices and creating a luscious strawberry syrup. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will do the trick. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your homemade strawberry shortcake. The sugar draws out the natural sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delightful, syrupy sauce.

Sliced strawberries with sugar for Family Favorite Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in light and fluffy shortcakes. Even distribution leads to an even rise and a perfect texture. For an easy strawberry shortcake, this step is key to achieving the right texture. Make sure you’re not over-whisking at this stage; just ensure everything is nicely combined.

Dry ingredients being whisked together for a strawberry shortcake.

3. Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in your shortcakes. If the butter melts, the shortcakes will be dense rather than flaky. This is what makes the best strawberry shortcake so delightful. Work quickly to keep the butter as cold as possible. You can even chill the dry ingredients before adding the butter for an extra boost.

Cutting cold butter into dry ingredients for strawberry shortcake.

4. Add Buttermilk and Bake

Pour the buttermilk into the bowl and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough shortcakes. Just gently bring the dough together until it forms a shaggy mass. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the shortcakes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. The tops should be nicely browned, and the insides should be cooked through. Let the shortcakes cool slightly before assembling your strawberry shortcake recipe. Consider serving them with a side of breakfast or brunch!

Buttermilk being added to shortcake dough ingredients.

6. Prepare the Whipped Cream

While the shortcakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. A chilled bowl helps the cream whip up faster and creates a more stable whipped cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will turn grainy. This light and fluffy whipped cream is the perfect complement to your homemade strawberry shortcake. For a richer flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream. For a detailed guide, you might find this resource helpful: Strawberry Shortcake Perfection.

7. Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake

To assemble the easy strawberry shortcake, slice each shortcake in half. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and their juice over the bottom half of each shortcake. Don’t be shy with the strawberries; they’re the star of the show! Top with a dollop of whipped cream and place the top half of the shortcake on top. Add another spoonful of strawberries and a final dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the best strawberry shortcake! If you’re looking to explore other recipes, see chicken recipes and beef recipes.

8. Tips and Variations

Want to customize your strawberry shortcake recipe? Here are a few ideas:

For extra flavor, add a touch of lemon zest to the shortcake dough. The lemon zest brightens up the flavor and complements the strawberries beautifully.
Experiment with different berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a unique twist. A mixed berry shortcake can be a delightful variation.
Make individual shortcakes using a biscuit cutter for a more uniform presentation. This is great for serving at parties or gatherings.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a similar tang and acidity to buttermilk.

9. Conclusion

This strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal strawberries. With its tender shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, it’s no wonder this dessert is a family favorite. It’s a simple pleasure that brings joy to any occasion! If you have more questions, feel free to about us or contact us. Also check out garlic parmesan roasted shrimp and creamy shrimp tortellini alfredo casserole! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a simple treat, this easy strawberry shortcake is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your homemade strawberry shortcake!