This Easy Strawberry Shortcake is the kind of dessert that feels like summer on a plate—sweet, juicy strawberries layered with fluffy whipped cream and tender, buttery shortcake. It’s one of those nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treats that’s shockingly simple to make, but feels a little fancy too. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, need a quick dessert for guests, or just want something sweet without a lot of fuss, this recipe is a total gem.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Fuss-Free: No need to mess around with complicated baking techniques. These shortcakes come together fast and bake up beautifully every time.
Fresh and Flavorful: Strawberries are the star here, and when they’re tossed with just a touch of sugar, they become syrupy and even more flavorful.
Perfect Texture Combo: You’ve got the buttery, slightly crumbly shortcake, the juicy strawberries, and that cloud of whipped cream—every bite is magic.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe for different fruits, make it gluten-free, or change up the cream to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull together this classic dessert:

Fresh Strawberries: The heart of this recipe. Macerate them with a little sugar to bring out their natural juices.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the shortcake—keep it simple and reliable.
Baking Powder: Helps the shortcakes rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of everything else.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit in the dough and for the strawberries, to sweeten things up.
Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed—this is key for that perfectly tender and flaky texture in the shortcake.
Heavy Cream: Rich and luscious, used both in the shortcake dough and for whipping into a dreamy topping.
Vanilla Extract: A splash in the whipped cream for warm, sweet flavor.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on it:

Berry Swap: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of summer berries for a vibrant twist.
Biscuit Style: For a more rustic take, drop spoonfuls of dough instead of cutting perfect rounds.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the shortcake dough or whipped cream for a bright, citrusy note.
Vegan Friendly: Use coconut whipped cream and a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with a little melted chocolate or add mini chocolate chips to the whipped cream.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Hull and slice the strawberries, then toss them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit for at least 20–30 minutes so they get nice and juicy.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Add the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and mix gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix—it’s totally okay if it’s a little shaggy.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, gently pat it into a 1-inch thick round, and cut into circles using a biscuit cutter. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F until golden, about 12–15 minutes.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

Whip the heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Step 6: Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice the shortcakes in half, spoon the juicy strawberries onto the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and place the other half on top. Add more berries and cream if you’re feeling extra.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold Butter: This is key to getting a flaky, biscuit-like texture in your shortcakes.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: The more you knead, the tougher the shortcake. Handle it gently for the best texture.
Sweeten to Taste: Depending on how sweet your strawberries are, you might want to adjust the sugar in the fruit or whipped cream.
Chill Your Tools: Cold bowls and beaters make whipping cream quicker and help keep it fluffy.

How to Serve

Strawberry shortcake is best served fresh, right after assembly, when the shortcake is warm and the cream is cold. Here are some fun serving ideas:

Classic Style:

Serve on a small dessert plate with a fork. Add a little dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

In a Jar:

Layer everything in mason jars for an adorable single-serve option, perfect for parties or picnics.

As a Bar:

Let everyone build their own shortcake with a DIY bar of biscuits, berries, and different toppings like chocolate shavings or lemon curd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. They’ll still be tasty but may lose a little crispness.

Freezing

Shortcakes freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Reheating

Pop shortcakes in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked texture.

Note: Don’t store assembled shortcakes—the cream and strawberries will make the biscuit soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the shortcakes the day before and store them in an airtight container. Warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the whipped topping?
You can use store-bought whipped cream or even Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey as a lighter alternative.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but if frozen is all you have, thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before macerating with sugar.

How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?
Whip it to soft peaks and serve immediately, or stabilize it with a spoonful of powdered sugar or cornstarch if making ahead.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake is everything you want in a dessert—simple, fresh, and totally irresistible. It’s one of those go-to recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab some strawberries and whip this up anytime. You deserve it!

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe