This Fresh Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a light, sweet and fruity dessert perfect for spring and summer. It features soft, fluffy shortcakes layered with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. Many people love this dessert because it is simple to make yet looks and tastes elegant.
With fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade treat that rivals bakery desserts. If you are wondering how to make Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, this step-by-step guide will walk you through every detail. You will also learn the best ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Shortcake and tips for perfect results.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to a perfect strawberry shortcake is the balance between the layers. The shortcake should be tender but slightly crumbly. Strawberries need to be sweet and juicy, releasing their natural syrup over the cake. Whipped cream must be light but stable enough to hold the layers together.
Using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference in flavor. Letting the strawberries macerate slightly with sugar enhances their sweetness. Assembling the dessert just before serving ensures the cake stays soft and the cream fresh. When all components work together, every bite is a perfect combination of fruit, cream and tender cake.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Fresh Strawberry Shortcake
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
Making this dessert requires only simple kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife and cutting board
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
Ingredients You Need for Fresh Strawberry Shortcake
The ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Shortcake are simple and fresh. Using ripe strawberries makes all the difference.
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar for macerating strawberries
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and slice the strawberries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and set aside for at least 10 minutes to release juices.
2. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the shortcakes.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk to mix evenly.
4. Cut in Butter
Add cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add Milk and Vanilla
Pour in milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
6. Shape the Shortcakes
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape into rounds about 2 inches thick.
7. Bake the Shortcakes
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
8. Whip the Cream
In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Sweeten lightly if desired.
9. Assemble the Shortcakes
Slice shortcakes in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a serving plate.
10. Layer Strawberries
Spoon macerated strawberries over the bottom half. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
11. Top the Cake
Place the top half of the shortcake over the cream and strawberries. Add more cream and strawberries on top.
12. Garnish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with mint leaves for a fresh presentation. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use the freshest strawberries for the juiciest flavor.
- Let strawberries sit with sugar for 10–15 minutes to macerate.
- Cold butter ensures the shortcake is flaky.
- For a lighter version, use whipped coconut cream.
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, bright flavor.
- You can slice the shortcakes thinner for individual portions.
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of strawberry syrup or chocolate sauce.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Strawberry Shortcake tastes best served immediately after assembly. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of chilled sparkling water.
It is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea or a light dessert after dinner. You can serve it on a decorative platter or as individual shortcakes for a more elegant presentation.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Assemble just before serving for best texture. Unassembled shortcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Strawberries can be refrigerated separately.
Whipped cream is best used fresh. Leftover assembled shortcakes can be refrigerated for a few hours but may become soggy. Do not freeze whipped cream; it loses texture when thawed.
Fresh Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberries sliced
- Powdered sugar for macerating strawberries
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries
- Wash and slice the strawberries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and set aside for at least 10 minutes to release juices.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the shortcakes.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to mix evenly.
Cut in Butter
- Add cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Milk and Vanilla
- Pour in milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Shape the Shortcakes
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape into rounds about 2 inches thick.
Bake the Shortcakes
- Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
Whip the Cream
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Sweeten lightly if desired.
Assemble the Shortcakes
- Slice shortcakes in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a serving plate.
Layer Strawberries
- Spoon macerated strawberries over the bottom half. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
Top the Cake
- Place the top half of the shortcake over the cream and strawberries. Add more cream and strawberries on top.
Garnish and Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with mint leaves for a fresh presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use the freshest strawberries for the juiciest flavor.
- Let strawberries sit with sugar for 10–15 minutes to macerate.
- Cold butter ensures the shortcake is flaky.
- For a lighter version, use whipped coconut cream.
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, bright flavor.
- You can slice the shortcakes thinner for individual portions.
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of strawberry syrup or chocolate sauce.
FAQs about Fresh Strawberry Shortcake
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the shortcakes and strawberries ahead, but assemble just before serving to keep the shortcakes soft and cream fresh.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best, but frozen can work if thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid making the cake soggy.
How can I make the shortcakes extra fluffy?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. This ensures the shortcakes stay tender and fluffy after baking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
How long does this dessert last?
Assembled shortcakes should be eaten immediately. Components can be stored separately for up to one day for best flavor.
Conclusion
This Fresh Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a classic, simple dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With fresh strawberries, fluffy shortcakes and whipped cream, it is a crowd-pleaser.
Now that you know how to make Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, you can enjoy this elegant dessert at home with family and friends. Follow the steps carefully, use fresh ingredients, and try the expert tips to make the perfect strawberry shortcake every time. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.