Strawberry Shortcake With Fluffy Whipped Cream

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Fluffy Whipped Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 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, chilled and diced; 3/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Golden Bakes

I've always had a soft spot for classic desserts, and strawberry shortcake is right at the top of my list. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender biscuits creates a mouthwatering treat that's hard to resist. Every time I make this recipe, I look forward to the moment when I can take that first bite. It’s a delightful experience to see the vibrant red strawberries nestled between layers of airy cream and soft cake. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:58:14.637Z

When I first attempted making strawberry shortcake, I was unsure about the biscuit texture. After a few tries, I discovered that using chilled butter and gentle hand mixing really created that tender, flaky quality we all crave. I also learned that letting the strawberries macerate with sugar for just 30 minutes enhances their natural sweetness, bridging the flavors beautifully.

Every summer, I wait impatiently for strawberry season to roll around. The moment I see fresh strawberries in the market, I grab bunches to create this luscious dessert. I love laying the strawberries over the cream, aiming for that picture-perfect presentation. It feels like a true celebration on a plate!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy strawberries bursting with flavor
Fluffy whipped cream that perfectly complements the cake
A nostalgic dessert that brings back sweet memories

Choosing the Best Strawberries

When selecting strawberries for this shortcake, look for vibrant red berries that are firm to the touch and have a natural sheen. Avoid any with white or green patches, as these may not be fully ripe. The best strawberries will be aromatic and sweet, providing the perfect balance to the rich whipped cream and fluffy cake. For the freshest flavor, it's ideal to use local strawberries when they are in season, as they tend to be sweeter and juicier.

Cleaning strawberries properly is essential for the best flavor. Always wash them gently under cool running water just before using them, as soaking can lead to sogginess. After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to avoid excess moisture. This will ensure that the strawberries maintain a crisp texture without making the shortcake soggy.

Mastering the Shortcake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for the shortcake is crucial for a successful dessert. When cutting in the chilled butter, aim for pea-sized crumbs in your flour mixture. Too large and they won't incorporate well; too small and the cake can become dense. Remember, the key is to retain little flecks of butter throughout the dough for a tender crumb after baking. I recommend using a pastry cutter or fork for the best results.

After mixing the dough, handle it as little as possible to avoid toughening the biscuits. Gently knead it just until it comes together—usually about 7-10 folds. When rolling the dough, ensure it's floured on both sides to prevent sticking, and cut with a sharp biscuit cutter for clean edges. This helps create well-defined layers that will rise beautifully in the oven, yielding those enticing golden-brown tops.

Whipped Cream Secrets

For the fluffiest whipped cream, starting with chilled equipment is essential. Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping. This helps maintain the cream's cold temperature while whipping, leading to better volume and stability. When you see soft peaks forming, stop and add the powdered sugar—this will help stabilize the whipped cream, making it less likely to deflate when you're assembling the shortcake.

If you're looking for a variation, consider adding a splash of liqueur or flavored extract, such as almond or orange, to your whipped cream. These subtle additions can elevate the overall flavor profile of your shortcake. Additionally, if you have leftovers, store whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days but expect some deflation. For a longer-lasting option, consider whipping the cream just before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious strawberry shortcake:

For the Shortcake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to prepare everything fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your strawberry shortcake:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss gently and let sit for 30 minutes, allowing the natural juices to form.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll to 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Split warm shortcake rounds in half. Layer the bottom halves with macerated strawberries, top with whipped cream, and cover with the other half. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delightful strawberry shortcake!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider drizzling some strawberry syrup over the top for extra sweetness. You can also substitute other berries based on your preference.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To enjoy this strawberry shortcake over several days, you can prepare components separately. Store the whipped cream in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the shortcake can remain at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to keep it longer, freezing the shortcakes is a great option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and rewarm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes.

For the strawberries, it's best to prepare them the day you plan to serve the dessert. However, if you need to macerate them in advance, toss them with sugar and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 6 hours. This will allow the strawberries to develop their juices while still maintaining a fresh texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This strawberry shortcake recipe easily scales up or down to suit your needs. For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients, which will yield about 8-10 servings. You'll want to monitor the baking time, as larger batches can take a few additional minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the biscuits, pulling them out once they achieve a golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If you're serving a smaller crowd or just want a single biscuit as a treat, you can halve the recipe. Just be mindful that the baking time might need to be slightly reduced, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than indicated. With these slight adjustments, you’ll have a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.

Variations on the Classic

While the classic strawberry shortcake is always a winner, you can easily put a spin on this recipe. For a fruity twist, consider substituting strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches during their peak season. Each fruit brings a unique flavor profile to the dessert, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Another fun variation is to infuse the whipped cream with different flavors like mint, basil, or even citrus zest. This adds an unexpected yet delightful contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and cake. For a little extra indulgence, you can also add a layer of lemon curd or pastry cream between the strawberries and whipped cream, transforming the standard dessert into a showstopper.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and drained.

→ How do I store leftover shortcake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping for a dairy-free option.

→ What can I do if my whipped cream doesn't whip up?

Ensure that your cream is very cold and your bowl and beaters are also chilled. Whipping at a lower speed may help incorporate more air.