Strawberry Shortcake Recipe – Best Easy Classic

There’s something timeless about Strawberry Shortcake. With its tender, flaky biscuits, juicy strawberries, and luscious cream, this classic dessert captures the essence of summer in every bite. This elevated Strawberry Shortcake recipe adds subtle lemon zest, a jammy strawberry sauce, and a tangy yogurt whipped cream for a perfectly balanced flavor. It’s lightly sweet, beautifully textured, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a fresh fruit dessert, this Strawberry Shortcake delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and clear steps.

Why This Strawberry Shortcake Stands Out

This Strawberry Shortcake recipe goes beyond the traditional version while still honoring its roots. The biscuits are buttery and golden with crisp edges and soft, fluffy centers. A hint of lemon zest brightens the dough and enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.

Instead of just macerated berries, this Strawberry Shortcake features a two-texture strawberry topping. Half of the strawberries are gently simmered into a glossy, jammy sauce, while the remaining fresh berries are folded in for vibrant flavor and freshness.

The final touch is a yogurt whipped cream that blends rich heavy cream with Greek yogurt. The result is a creamy, slightly tangy topping that perfectly balances the sweet fruit and tender shortcake biscuits.

Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Shortcake Biscuit Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the flaky biscuits.
• Baking powder: Helps the shortcakes rise and become fluffy.
• Baking soda: Adds extra lift and tenderness.
• Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness without overpowering the berries.
• Sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Lemon zest: Adds brightness and complements the strawberries.
• Cold unsalted butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor.
• Fresh lemon thyme (optional): Brings a delicate herbal note.
• Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
• Heavy cream: Contributes richness and softness.
• Egg yolk (for egg wash): Gives the biscuits a golden finish.
• Sliced almonds (optional): Add crunch and texture on top.

Strawberry Filling Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: The star of the Strawberry Shortcake, offering sweetness and juiciness.
• Sugar: Enhances the natural berry flavor.
• Lemon juice: Brightens and intensifies the strawberry taste.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce slightly for a luscious texture.

Yogurt Whipped Cream Ingredients

• Heavy cream: Whips into soft, airy peaks.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tang, stability, and creaminess.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth.
• Sugar: Lightly sweetens the topping.

Ingredient Swaps and Strawberry Shortcake Variations

This Strawberry Shortcake recipe is flexible and easy to adapt.

For a gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake, substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

If you prefer a dairy-free Strawberry Shortcake, replace the butter with cold plant-based butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. A dairy-free yogurt alternative can be folded into the whipped topping.

When strawberries are at peak ripeness, you can skip cooking half of them and simply toss all the sliced berries with sugar and lemon juice. This creates a fresher, lighter strawberry dessert.

For added depth, try incorporating orange zest instead of lemon zest, or add a small splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Stir in the lemon zest and optional lemon thyme so the flavor is evenly distributed.
3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small chunks remaining. Cold butter is essential for flaky Strawberry Shortcake biscuits.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and heavy cream until smooth. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortcakes tender.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Press it into a rough square about ½ inch thick. Fold the dough over itself and press it flat again. Repeat this folding process four times to create layers.
6. Shape the dough into a 6×6-inch square and cut into six equal pieces. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from egg yolk and a tablespoon or two of water. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and sliced almonds if desired. Freeze the biscuits for 10 minutes to help them maintain their shape in the oven.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before assembling your Strawberry Shortcake.
9. While the biscuits bake, prepare the strawberry filling. Place half of the sliced strawberries in a saucepan with sugar. Cook over medium heat for 7–10 minutes until the berries begin to break down.
10. Mix the lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth, then stir into the simmering strawberries. Bring just to a gentle bubble to activate the cornstarch, then remove from heat. Let the sauce cool and fold in the remaining fresh strawberries.
11. To prepare the yogurt whipped cream, whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla and sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the Greek yogurt until fully incorporated. Chill until ready to assemble the Strawberry Shortcake.
12. To assemble, slice each biscuit in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of strawberry mixture onto the bottom half, then add a thick layer of yogurt whipped cream. Place the top half of the biscuit over the cream and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Always keep your butter, cream, and yogurt cold before mixing. This ensures maximum flakiness in your Strawberry Shortcake biscuits.

Do not overwork the dough. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the shortcakes tough instead of tender.

If making ahead, store the components separately. Keep the biscuits at room temperature in an airtight container, refrigerate the strawberry topping, and chill the yogurt whipped cream. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

For extra texture, lightly toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top of the biscuits.

Pairing Ideas and Serving Variations

Strawberry Shortcake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert. For a brunch-friendly option, serve mini Strawberry Shortcake portions alongside coffee or sparkling lemonade.

You can also transform this classic dessert by layering the components in individual glasses for a strawberry shortcake parfait. This works especially well for gatherings and make-ahead entertaining.

For a festive twist, add fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. During peak berry season, try mixing in raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry shortcake variation.

Seasonal Appeal and Health Highlights

Strawberry Shortcake shines during spring and summer when strawberries are at their sweetest and juiciest. Using in-season fruit enhances both flavor and nutritional value.

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Pairing them with Greek yogurt in this Strawberry Shortcake adds protein and probiotics, making this dessert feel balanced and satisfying.

With its flaky homemade biscuits, vibrant strawberry sauce, and tangy yogurt cream, this Strawberry Shortcake is a modern take on a beloved American dessert. It’s fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite for any occasion.

Conclusion: A Classic Strawberry Shortcake Worth Making Again and Again

Strawberry Shortcake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh fruit, tender homemade biscuits, and clouds of creamy topping. This version brings together flaky shortcake layers, a jammy-yet-fresh strawberry filling, and tangy yogurt whipped cream for a perfectly balanced bite every time.

By keeping the ingredients cold, folding the dough for flaky layers, and combining cooked and fresh strawberries, this Strawberry Shortcake achieves both texture and depth of flavor. It’s simple enough for a casual weekend treat yet impressive enough for holidays, cookouts, and special gatherings.

Whether you serve it classic-style, turn it into a strawberry shortcake parfait, or experiment with seasonal berries, this Strawberry Shortcake recipe is one you’ll come back to throughout the year. Fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly tender, it truly captures the joy of homemade baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake

More Relevant Recipes

• Strawberry Turnovers Recipe – Easy & Flaky: These golden, flaky strawberry turnovers feature a sweet, juicy strawberry filling wrapped in crisp pastry, offering the same fresh berry flavor and comforting texture found in Strawberry Shortcake. With their buttery layers and vibrant fruit center, they make a perfect handheld dessert for spring and summer gatherings.
• Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe: This strawberry cream danish pairs luscious strawberries with a creamy filling and tender pastry, echoing the fruity richness and soft texture of Strawberry Shortcake. It’s an elegant, bakery-style treat that highlights the natural sweetness of strawberries in every bite.
• Jam Cookies Recipe – Strawberry Shortbread: These buttery strawberry shortbread jam cookies deliver a sweet-tart berry center surrounded by tender, crumbly dough. Much like Strawberry Shortcake, they celebrate the classic pairing of strawberries and rich pastry, creating a simple yet irresistible dessert perfect for tea parties or holiday trays.

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