Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

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When the first berries of the season appear, ruby-red and bursting with sweetness, there’s one dessert that immediately comes to mind: strawberry shortcake.

This beloved classic is a celebration of summer’s bounty, combining tender buttermilk biscuits, juicy macerated strawberries, and luscious whipped cream into a dessert that’s as comforting as it is beautiful.

Imagine biting into layers of soft, buttery biscuit, sweet strawberries bursting with their natural juices, and a cloud of airy whipped cream.

It’s a moment of pure bliss, perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or simply a well-deserved treat after a long day.

Why Strawberry Shortcake is a Must-Make Dessert

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about strawberry shortcake. It’s a dessert that has graced picnic tables and summer celebrations for generations. But what makes this recipe truly stand out?

• From-Scratch Goodness: These homemade buttermilk biscuits are light, fluffy, and perfectly buttery—far superior to store-bought options.
• Freshness in Every Bite: Nothing compares to the taste of in-season strawberries, macerated just enough to release their natural sweetness.
• Versatile and Elegant: This dessert is simple enough for casual get-togethers but elegant enough to serve at special celebrations.
• Quick to Assemble: With three main components, strawberry shortcake is easy to put together and customize to your liking.

Whether you’re savoring it as a treat for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, strawberry shortcake is the dessert that makes summer taste unforgettable.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

The magic of strawberry shortcake lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the Biscuits

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for tender, fluffy biscuits. Opt for unbleached flour for a richer flavor.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: This dynamic duo creates the ideal rise and texture. Use aluminum-free baking powder for a clean, non-metallic taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key for creating pockets of steam that make the biscuits light and flaky.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture while helping the biscuits achieve their signature fluffiness.

For the Strawberries

• Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, in-season berries are the star of the show. Their natural sweetness shines through when lightly sweetened and macerated.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the strawberries’ flavor and draws out their juices for a syrupy filling.

For the Whipped Cream

• Heavy Cream: Whipped to perfection, this adds an airy, rich topping that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream just enough for a perfect complement to the biscuits and berries.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Creating strawberry shortcake from scratch is a simple yet rewarding process. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

1. Rinse and slice the strawberries.
2. Mash about one-third of them in a bowl with a potato masher to create a syrupy base.
3. Add the remaining sliced strawberries and toss with granulated sugar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuits

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in buttermilk, a beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Fold gently until the dough comes together in large pieces.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it gently 4–5 times until it forms a cohesive mass. Pat into an 8×8-inch square and cut into rounds with a floured biscuit cutter.
6. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with egg white, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Avoid twisting the biscuit cutter when cutting the dough—this seals the edges and prevents the biscuits from rising properly.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. Pour heavy cream into a mixing bowl and add sugar.
2. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Assemble the Shortcakes

1. Split each warm biscuit in half using a serrated knife.
2. Spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream onto the bottom half of the biscuit.
3. Add a heaping spoonful of macerated strawberries, then top with the other half of the biscuit.
4. Garnish with more whipped cream and a fresh strawberry, if desired.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

• Work with Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for flaky biscuits.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the biscuit dough gently to prevent dense, tough biscuits.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: In-season berries make all the difference in flavor and sweetness.
• Serve Fresh: Assemble the shortcakes just before serving to keep the biscuits from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t match fresh, in-season strawberries. Thaw the berries first and drain any excess liquid before macerating them.

Can I Make the Biscuits Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

What’s the Best Substitute for Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Creative Variations to Try

Strawberry shortcake is endlessly versatile. Here are a few twists to keep things interesting:

1. Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Add cocoa powder to the biscuit dough and drizzle with chocolate ganache.
2. Lemon Strawberry Shortcake: Add lemon zest to the biscuit dough and whipped cream for a zesty kick.
3. Berry Medley Shortcake: Combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful variation.

Why Strawberry Shortcake is a Summer Staple

There’s a reason strawberry shortcake has been cherished for generations. It’s a celebration of the simple pleasures of summer—fresh fruit, homemade biscuits, and the rich, airy indulgence of whipped cream.

Each bite is a reminder of the beauty in seasonal ingredients and the joy of sharing them with loved ones.

So as strawberry season peaks, treat yourself to this timeless dessert. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, each time savoring the sweet taste of summer.

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