Classic Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits

Name: Classic Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 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; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Daily Collection

Whenever I think of summer, I imagine biting into a fresh, juicy strawberry shortcake. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it's the one I always turned to for family gatherings. The buttery biscuits, light and fluffy, pair perfectly with sweet, macerated strawberries and airy whipped cream. It’s a delightful dessert that can effortlessly impress guests while also being simple enough to whip up on a sunny afternoon. Trust me; this version truly captures the essence of classic strawberry shortcake.

Created by

Helena Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:45:34.843Z

Making the perfect strawberry shortcake is all about balancing the flavors and textures. I remember the first time I experimented with this recipe, I was surprised at how the simple ingredients transformed into something so beautiful. I used fresh strawberries straight from the market, and that made such a difference in taste. Each layer brings a unique experience, whether it’s the warm, flaky biscuit or the lightness of the whipped cream.

One trick I learned is to let the strawberries sit in sugar for at least 30 minutes, as it brings out their natural sweetness and creates a lovely syrup. Don’t skip the homemade whipped cream either; it elevates the dessert beyond store-bought options. This method ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture variation, creating a crowd-pleaser every time.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor combined with buttery biscuits
Light and fluffy whipped cream adds the perfect finishing touch
A nostalgic dessert that brings everyone together during the summer

      

Choosing the Right Strawberries

When making this Classic Strawberry Shortcake, the quality of the strawberries is paramount. Opt for ripe, firm strawberries, preferably organic, to ensure the best flavor. Look for berries that are deep red with a sheen and a sweet fragrance. To boost their flavor, give them a good rinse, hull, and slice them, then toss with sugar. Letting them sit for at least 30 minutes not only draws out their natural juices but also tenderizes them, creating that lovely syrupy goodness you want in every bite.

If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries. To do this, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before proceeding with the sugar maceration step. While frozen fruit may not have the same vivid texture, the right selection will still impart a sweet flavor that holds its own in the dessert.

Mastering Biscuit Texture

The key to light, fluffy biscuits lies in the handling of the dough. When mixing the dry ingredients with the butter, it's crucial to cut in the butter until you see pea-sized pieces. This helps create those delightful flaky layers that are the hallmark of a great biscuit. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits, so mix until just combined. If you desire even more flakiness, consider chilling the biscuit dough for 30 minutes before cutting it out; this allows the butter to solidify a bit, leading to a more defined rise.

When forming the biscuits, pat the dough gently rather than rolling it out with a rolling pin. This simple technique maintains the integrity of the butter, which is essential for creating those beautiful layers in your shortcake. The biscuits should be placed about an inch apart on the baking sheet, allowing them to rise properly and develop golden edges in the oven.

Whipped Cream Variations

While this recipe calls for a classic whipped cream, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For a flavored whipped cream, consider folding in a tablespoon of lemon zest or using flavored extracts like almond or citrus. You can also make a lighter version by substituting half of the heavy cream with a low-fat alternative, but be mindful that this may alter the texture slightly, resulting in less stability.

If you're preparing the whipped cream ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To retain its texture, avoid over-whipping, stopping when you reach soft peaks. If by chance it curdles, you can restore it by gently folding in a small splash of cream to loosen it up again.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful classic that everyone will enjoy:

For the Strawberry Filling

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

For the Biscuits

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
1/2 cup whole milk

For the Whipped Cream

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

These simple ingredients combine to create a delightful dessert that highlights the flavors of summer.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your classic strawberry shortcake with biscuits:

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Toss gently and let them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°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 milk gradually until combined.

Form the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut into rounds. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Biscuits

Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice the biscuits in half. Layer with strawberries and their juices, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, and top with the other half of the biscuit. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this delicious classic dessert with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For best results, use fresh seasonal strawberries to enhance the flavor of your shortcake. The biscuit dough can be made ahead and frozen for last-minute desserts.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great things about this Classic Strawberry Shortcake is its versatility when it comes to prep. You can prepare the strawberry filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become as the sugar interacts with the strawberries, enhancing their sweetness and softness.

The biscuits can also be made ahead of time. After baking, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through—a step I recommend for the freshest taste before assembling your shortcake.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry shortcake is delightful as is, but you can elevate your presentation by adding a few sprigs of fresh mint for color and a subtle hint of freshness. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can also add a sophisticated touch that enhances the flavor of the strawberries beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating a layer of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting in between the layers for a zesty twist.

For a more rustic touch, consider serving the components separately, allowing guests to build their own shortcakes. This can be especially fun for gatherings, as everyone can customize their dessert. Serve with coffee or ice-cold lemonade for a perfect summer pairing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.

→ How do I store leftover shortcake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to assemble right before serving.

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just bake them when you need them!

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the whipped cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping for a dairy-free version of the whipped cream.