Best Strawberry Shortcake – Quick, Fresh & Delicious

Best Strawberry Shortcake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a rite of summer. Think sweet, juicy berries, tender biscuit-style cake, and clouds of whipped cream layered into the ultimate backyard showstopper. Whether it’s your niece’s birthday, a last-minute barbecue, or a Tuesday night that just needs a little sparkle, this dessert delivers. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple. No need for fancy ingredients or baking wizardry. Just real strawberries, a buttery shortcake with the texture of a soft biscuit, and fresh whipped cream that tastes like a bite of nostalgia.

What sets this best strawberry shortcake apart is the balance. The cake isn’t overly sweet, the berries shine through, and the cream… well, let’s just say don’t be surprised if someone licks the plate. It comes together in under an hour and feels homemade in the coziest, most comforting way possible. Honestly, this might become your go-to dessert for summer and beyond.

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What is Best Strawberry Shortcake?

The best strawberry shortcake is like that friend who’s always effortlessly charming—it looks fancy, but it’s all about simplicity at heart. Traditionally American and dating back to the 1850s, this dessert has been showing up at family gatherings and potlucks long before Pinterest was a thing. But instead of sponge cake (which often leans dry and overly sweet), this version leans into a biscuit-style shortcake. It’s slightly crumbly on the outside, soft in the middle, and just sweet enough to complement the strawberries.

The “short” in shortcake refers to the use of fat—usually butter or shortening—that gives the cake its signature crumbly, rich texture. Paired with macerated strawberries (fancy word for “berries tossed with sugar and left to do their juicy thing”) and homemade whipped cream, every bite gives you sweet, creamy, tart, and buttery bliss all at once. It’s a nostalgic dessert with staying power, and once you try this version, you might never go back.

Reasons to Try Best Strawberry Shortcake

If you’re on the fence, let me just say—best strawberry shortcake is the dessert you didn’t know you needed. First, it’s crazy quick. We’re talking start-to-finish in about 35 minutes. That’s faster than a Target run. It’s also super adaptable. Got kids who love extra whipped cream? Go for it. Want to use frozen berries in the off-season? Yep, you can swing that too.

Then there’s the taste. Fresh strawberries get cozy with sugar and melt into a sweet sauce that seeps into every layer of buttery shortcake. Add whipped cream on top, and you’re not just serving dessert—you’re handing out mini slices of summer joy. Bonus? It looks like a million bucks on a platter. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging solo with a fork in one hand and Netflix on in the other, this one’s a guaranteed winner.

Oh, and if you’re already hooked on strawberry-forward treats, you might love this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake too.

Ingredients Needed to Make Best Strawberry Shortcake

For the Shortcake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup shortening (or butter-flavored shortening)
• ⅓ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Filling and Topping:

• 2 pounds strawberries, divided
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for macerating berries)
• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions to Make Best Strawberry Shortcake (Step by Step)

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Butter or spray a 9-inch round cake pan like you mean it—no dry bottoms here.

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Pick out 6–8 picture-perfect berries and set them aside for that glorious final garnish. Hull and quarter the rest, then toss them with ⅓ cup sugar in a bowl. Give them a gentle mash with a fork to get the juices flowing. Let them sit and marinate while you handle the rest.

If you’re a strawberry superfan, try our Strawberry Crackle Salad—a surprisingly addicting twist on sweet-and-savory.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

Grab your hand mixer and whip the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until soft-medium peaks form. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but still soft and dreamy. Cover and chill while you move on.

Step 3: Make the Shortcake Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt. Add shortening, milk, and egg. Beat at medium speed just until it all comes together into a soft dough. Don’t overmix—nobody wants a tough cake.

Spread the dough evenly into your greased pan. Use your fingers or an offset spatula if needed. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden on top and your kitchen smells like warm heaven.

Step 4: Cool and Slice the Cake

Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes. Then, carefully flip it onto a plate. Using a long bread knife (or unflavored dental floss if you’re feeling daring), slice it in half horizontally like a sandwich bun.

Step 5: Butter It Up

While it’s still warm, slather both halves with softened butter. This step adds flavor and prevents sogginess from the strawberries. It’s an old-school trick and a good one.

Step 6: Assemble the Glory

Pile the bottom half of the cake with the juicy strawberry mixture. Let those sweet juices soak in. Top that with a generous layer of whipped cream (about half of what you made). Place the other cake half on top, then repeat with the remaining whipped cream.

Finish with those reserved strawberries. Leave some whole, cut a few in half, and let them fall where they may. The messier, the prettier.

For a fun twist or to make ahead, check out this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow.

What to Serve with Best Strawberry Shortcake

Honestly, best strawberry shortcake stands tall on its own, but if you’re in the mood to create a little moment, it plays well with others. Try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra creaminess. Or serve it alongside a glass of sparkling lemonade or a fruity white sangria—something cold and crisp to contrast the richness of the cake and cream.

If you’re building a full menu, go from savory to sweet with something like this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl before diving into dessert. A little Tex-Mex, followed by strawberries and cream? Pure magic.

Key Tips for Making Best Strawberry Shortcake

1. Choose ripe, in-season strawberries. They should be red all the way through and smell like a summer day.
2. Don’t overmix your dough. Think of it like biscuit dough—less is more.
3. Use real whipped cream. Cool Whip will do in a pinch, but homemade is next-level.
4. Don’t skip the butter on warm cake. It adds flavor and prevents the bottom layer from getting soggy.
5. Assemble just before serving. That keeps the shortcake from turning into a strawberry sponge (unless that’s your thing).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Best Strawberry Shortcake

Shortcake is best eaten fresh, but you can definitely prep ahead. Bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream in the fridge, in separate containers.

If you’ve already assembled the whole thing and have leftovers (rare, but it happens), refrigerate it in an airtight container. The cake will soften from the berries and cream, but it’s still delicious the next day—just a little messier. You can’t reheat assembled shortcake, but you can lightly warm the uncut biscuit in the oven before serving for that just-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first. You may need a touch more sugar to balance the flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and check your baking powder label to be safe.

What if I don’t have a round cake pan?
Use an 8×8 square pan or even make individual shortcakes using a muffin tin.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based shortening.

Final Thoughts

There’s something comforting and completely delightful about the best strawberry shortcake. It’s easy, nostalgic, and impressively pretty without being pretentious. Whether you’re serving it to a table full of guests or just indulging in some well-deserved me-time, this recipe has your back. So grab those strawberries and let’s make dessert the best part of your day. And if you’re still riding the strawberry wave, don’t miss our Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Salad. You deserve it.

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