Decadent Strawberry Shortcake

The Ultimate Strawberry Dessert: Decadent Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries, light cake, and sweet cream. This iconic dessert is beloved by many, particularly in the United States, where strawberries are a seasonal delight. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Strawberry Shortcake recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

What makes this dessert so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky shortcake is complemented by the sweetness of ripe strawberries, while the rich, whipped cream adds a creamy finish that ties it all together. If you’ve never had homemade shortcake, you’re in for a real treat — it’s far superior to store-bought alternatives and incredibly easy to make!

Strawberries themselves are a highlight of the recipe. With their vibrant color, natural sweetness, and versatility, they make the perfect base for a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh. The best part is that strawberries are available year-round in the U.S., though the peak season in late spring and early summer ensures you get the juiciest, most flavorful fruit.

This recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, but still feels like a luxury. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and the preparation time is minimal. Plus, you don’t need to be a professional baker to get perfect results. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this Strawberry Shortcake will turn out beautifully every time.

Strawberry Shortcake is also a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the shortcakes and strawberries in advance, storing them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the dessert by layering the shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream — it’s a crowd-pleasing, stress-free option for any gathering.

As a dessert, Strawberry Shortcake is not only satisfying but also an excellent way to showcase the season’s best strawberries. This recipe can be adjusted to your preferences, whether you prefer more fruit or a bit more cream. It’s a flexible, customizable treat that is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Shortcake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Brush the tops of the shortcakes with a little extra heavy cream and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry filling. In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes until they release their juice.

7. For the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

8. To assemble the shortcakes, slice each one in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of strawberry mixture onto the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and place the top half of the shortcake on top.

9. Serve immediately, or chill until ready to enjoy.

Tips:

• For a more indulgent dessert, you can drizzle some chocolate sauce or add a few fresh mint leaves as garnish.
• If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be used as well. Just thaw and drain them before using.
• You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of orange zest to the strawberries for a unique twist.