Our Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that perfectly showcases the sweetness of fresh strawberries. It’s easy to make, making it ideal for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. With its tender cake layers and creamy whipped topping, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a sunny afternoon, this strawberry shortcake will surely impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Fresh Flavors: Using fresh or frozen strawberries elevates the taste, bringing a burst of natural sweetness to every bite.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or simple family dinners—this dessert fits right in.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry items, you won’t need to hunt for specialty ingredients to whip up this cake.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like chocolate shavings or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your strawberry shortcake effortlessly, gather the essential tools before you start baking. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Whisk: A whisk ensures your dry ingredients are well combined, preventing clumps in your batter.
- Wire rack: Cooling the cake on a wire rack helps prevent sogginess by allowing air circulation around the cake.
Ingredients
Our strawberry shortcake is a classic recipe that can be ready by lunchtime. Use those farmers market strawberries for something special.
For the Cake
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- 1-1/2 quarts fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and shortening using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Cream them together until light and fluffy (approximately five to seven minutes).
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Crack in the room-temperature egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat well until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together salt, flour, and baking powder thoroughly. Gradually add one-third of this dry mixture into the wet mixture while beating gently until just combined.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Milk
Pour in half of the milk and continue mixing. Repeat this process by adding another third of the dry mixture followed by the remaining milk. Finally, add the last portion of dry ingredients until fully blended.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and pour in your batter. Spread it evenly into all four corners. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Assemble Your Shortcakes
Once cooled, cut the cake into nine servings and split each horizontally. Place some whipped cream and sliced strawberries on the bottom half of each cake piece. Replace the top half and garnish with another dollop of whipped cream along with more strawberries on top. Serve immediately for an unforgettable strawberry shortcake experience!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake
Serving strawberry shortcake is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some creative ways to serve this classic dessert.
Individual Servings
- Consider serving each strawberry shortcake in individual bowls for a more personal touch. This way, everyone can enjoy their own portion.
Layered Trifle
- Create a stunning layered trifle by alternating layers of cake, whipped cream, and strawberries in a clear glass dish. This visually appealing presentation is perfect for gatherings.
Mini Shortcakes
- Make mini versions of the shortcakes using small biscuit cutters. These bite-sized treats are great for parties and are easy to eat with your hands.
Berry Compote Drizzle
- Enhance the flavor by drizzling warm berry compote over each serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and fruitiness to your dessert.
Garnish with Mint
- Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each serving for a pop of color and freshness. It complements the strawberries beautifully.
How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake
Perfecting strawberry shortcake is all about attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.
- Choose ripe strawberries: Selecting sweet, ripe strawberries will make your shortcake more flavorful. Visit your local farmers market for the best options.
- Use cold ingredients: For fluffier whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. Cold tools also help achieve the right texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cakes. Mix just until combined for light and airy layers.
- Taste as you go: Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference. A little taste test ensures perfection.
- Let it rest: Allowing the assembled strawberry shortcakes to sit for about 10 minutes enhances flavor absorption before serving.
- Experiment with flavors: Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the cake batter for an exciting twist on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake
Pairing side dishes with strawberry shortcake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the shortcake.
- Lemonade: A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade provides a tangy contrast to the rich whipped cream and cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat that melts beautifully into the warm cake.
- Grilled Peaches: Caramelized peaches bring out natural sugars and add a smoky flavor that pairs well with strawberries.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For chocolate lovers, these treats add decadence and pair perfectly with the strawberry theme.
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake: This fruity cake offers a contrasting texture and flavor profile while keeping things light and summery.
- Chilled Mint Tea: A refreshing herbal drink that cleanses the palate and complements sweet desserts perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance against the sweet flavors of strawberry shortcake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry shortcake can be simple, but small errors can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake tough. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or milk can affect how well your cake rises. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use a spoon to scoop flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Choosing the wrong strawberries: Using overripe or mushy strawberries can ruin the flavor of your shortcake. Opt for fresh, firm strawberries for the best taste.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover strawberry shortcake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep whipped cream separate to prevent it from getting soggy.
Freezing Strawberry Shortcake
- Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Frozen strawberry shortcake can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Strawberry Shortcake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place servings on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Shortcake made of?
Strawberry shortcake consists of layers of light sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s a delightful dessert that highlights seasonal fruit.
How do I make Strawberry Shortcake from scratch?
To make strawberry shortcake from scratch, follow our recipe which includes mixing flour, sugar, shortening, and other ingredients into a batter that is baked into a soft cake.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake?
Yes! You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using them in your dessert.
How long does Strawberry Shortcake last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, strawberry shortcake will last about 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry shortcake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavors to suit your taste. We encourage you to try this classic recipe at home—it’s perfect for any occasion!
Strawberry Shortcake
Indulge in the bliss of homemade Strawberry Shortcake, a timeless dessert that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries. This recipe features soft, tender cake layers complemented by billowy whipped cream and juicy strawberries, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—from summer picnics to family gatherings. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, you can whip up this classic treat in just 45 minutes! Personalize your shortcake by adding your favorite toppings or flavors, ensuring every bite is as unique as you are. Whether served in individual bowls or layered as a trifle, this strawberry shortcake will definitely impress your guests.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped)
- 1 1/2 quarts fresh or frozen strawberries (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and shortening until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Whisk together salt, flour, and baking powder in another bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until fully blended.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- Slice cooled cake into servings and layer with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter. Allow assembled shortcakes to rest for about 10 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor absorption.
