Make this classic strawberry shortcake from scratch using tender, flaky biscuit-style shortcakes instead of sponge cake. This recipe features fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream for a perfect summer dessert.
Author:sarahmiller
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons for topping
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup cold heavy cream or whole milk
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar for macerating strawberries
1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream for whipping
2 tablespoons powdered sugar for whipped cream
Instructions
Prepare the shortcakes: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the 3/4 cup cold cream or milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter. Repeat this folding process two more times.
Pat the dough to 3/4-inch thickness again. Use a 3-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out the shortcakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops lightly with a little extra cream and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Prepare the strawberries: In a separate bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes to macerate and release juices.
Make the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Assemble the shortcakes: Split each warm or cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of sweetened strawberries and their juices over the bottom half. Top with a large dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on the cream and add more strawberries and cream on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the flakiest biscuit style shortcake, keep all your ingredients, especially the butter and cream, very cold before mixing.
You can prepare the strawberries and whipped cream ahead of time, but assemble the shortcakes right before serving for the best texture.
If you prefer a sweeter shortcake base, increase the sugar in the dough slightly.