Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight

Name: Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy whipped cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Chocolate Recipes | Cocoa Treats

Every time I make Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight, I am transported back to my childhood, when my grandmother would whip up this delightful treat for family gatherings. The combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender shortcake creates a dessert that is sure to please everyone. I adore the way each layer melds together to form a sweet harmony, making it the perfect choice for summer picnics or celebrations. With a few simple ingredients, this recipe remains a staple in my kitchen, bringing joy to my family and friends alike.

Created by

Mia

Last updated on 2026-02-11T16:21:28.242Z

Making Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight is a cherished tradition in my family. I remember experimenting with different biscuit recipes until I discovered that a touch of vanilla extract made all the difference in enhancing the shortcake's flavor. Each batch comes out perfectly light and airy, balancing beautifully with the ripe strawberries. The key, I’ve learned, is to use fresh, in-season strawberries for the best taste and texture.

Assembling the dessert is just as rewarding as making it. I gently layer the strawberries and whipped cream between the shortcake pieces, ensuring each slice is a delightful explosion of flavors. I like to serve it immediately for the freshest experience, but it also holds up well for a few hours if you need to prepare ahead of time.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy shortcake paired with juicy strawberries
Creamy homemade whipped cream adds the perfect finishing touch
A perfect dessert for summer gatherings and celebrations

      

The Importance of Fresh Strawberries

Using fresh, ripe strawberries is crucial in this recipe as they provide natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that frozen or out-of-season strawberries simply can't match. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and have a sweet aroma. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots, as they are past their peak freshness. If your strawberries are slightly tart, you may want to let them macerate for a little longer in sugar to develop a more balanced flavor.

For those looking to mix up the flavors, consider adding other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the strawberries and adds a delightful color contrast. Just remember to adjust the sugar in your maceration step to account for the different sweetness levels of each berry.

Perfecting Your Shortcake Texture

Achieving that light and fluffy shortcake is all about handling the dough minimally. After mixing the ingredients, a gentle knead and roll-out will help keep the shortcakes tender. Overworking the dough can lead to dense, tough cakes. A good visual cue is to stop mixing as soon as the dough holds together, even if there are a few dry spots—these will hydrate during baking.

The choice of butter temperature is also key; using cold butter helps create those desirable flaky layers. If you have a food processor, feel free to use it to cut in the butter for an effortless blending. Just pulse until coarse crumbs form, and proceed with the rest of the recipe quickly to avoid warming the butter too much.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Shortcake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Topping Ingredients

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy whipped cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Here's how to create your Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss gently and let them sit for about 20 minutes, allowing the juices to release.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract just until combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently before rolling out to about 1-inch thick. Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Whip the Cream

In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Once the shortcakes have cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half back on, and repeat for remaining shortcakes.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately for the best taste, or chill briefly before serving. Enjoy your delightful strawberry shortcake!

Feel free to customize your toppings with additional fruits or a drizzle of chocolate!

Pro Tips

For the freshest flavor, use strawberries in peak season, and try adding a hint of lemon zest to the whipped cream for an extra zing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the shortcakes and whipped cream a few hours in advance, making this dessert a breeze for busy gatherings. Once cooled, store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out. The whipped cream, however, should be kept in the fridge and used within a day for the best texture and flavor.

If you want to prepare everything ahead of time, consider assembling the shortcakes just before serving. This helps the shortcake retain its lovely texture without becoming soggy from the strawberries or whipped cream.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shortcakes spread too much during baking, they may have been over-mixed or the butter may have been too warm. Make sure your butter is cold, and try to handle the dough as little as possible. If they turn out too dry, it’s likely they were overbaked; keep a close watch from the 12-minute mark onwards for that golden-brown edge.

As for the whipped cream, if it doesn't achieve the desired fluffiness, it could be due to not chilling your tools. For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping to help achieve soft peaks more quickly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcakes in advance?

Yes! You can bake the shortcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just assemble with the strawberries and cream right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for a lighter option, but the texture will vary.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store assembled shortcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just drain excess liquid before using.