Strawberry Shortcake

Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberries, this Strawberry Shortcake is a timeless dessert that celebrates the simplicity of seasonal fruit. With buttery shortcake layers, sweetened berries, and pillows of whipped cream, it’s the perfect treat for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or a relaxed weekend bake.

Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Clock symbol indicating preparation, baking, and chilling times

Prep – 30 minutes
Bake – 25 minutes

Slice of cake with frosting, representing a dessert.

10-12 slices
Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temp
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

For the Filling and Frosting:

  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced + more for topping
Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  • In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  • Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  • Divide batter between pans; bake for 22–25 minutes. Let cool.
  • Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks.
  • Layer cake: Cake layer → whipped cream → strawberries → repeat → top with whipped cream and more strawberries.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use ripe, juicy strawberries — macerating them with a little sugar draws out their natural juices.

  • Don’t overwork the shortcake dough; keeping it light ensures tender, flaky results.

  • Whip the cream just until soft peaks form for the ideal texture — not too stiff.

  • Add a splash of vanilla or a hint of lemon zest to the cream for extra flavor.

  • Assemble just before serving for the best texture — the biscuits stay crisp, and the cream stays light.

  • Serve with extra strawberries on the side or a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

Related Recipes

  • Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these classic snickerdoodles deliver a warm, buttery flavor with a signature tangy twist.
  • Fudgy Brownies – Rich, dense, and irresistibly chocolatey, these fudgy brownies boast a gooey center and a crackly top — perfect for any chocolate lover.

  • Lemon Bars – Offers a citrusy contrast for a dessert tray pairing.