If you have a craving for a classic dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy, sweet strawberries with fluffy, tender cake and clouds of freshly whipped cream, every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special treat just for yourself, this Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy every sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the tender cake to the luscious strawberries and airy cream. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious.
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the juiciest, most flavorful topping.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided: Sugar sweetens and helps the strawberries release their natural juices.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and softness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Whipped into airy peaks to crown the dessert.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Strawberries
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your baking dish by greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch pan. While the oven warms, toss those beautifully sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This step allows the berries to macerate, releasing their juices and turning irresistibly sweet and syrupy—this will be the luscious fruit layer that brightens your dessert.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed, helping the cake to rise evenly and flavor to balance out perfectly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the remaining sugar until fluffy and light. This process incorporates air, which is key to getting that tender crumb in your cake. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, building up a rich and flavorful batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now comes the gentle part: alternately add the flour mixture and milk to your butter mixture. Mixing slowly and evenly will give you a smooth batter that’s ready to bake into the soft, moist shortcake base.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When it’s done, let your cake cool completely before assembling the dessert layers.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream along with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is the luxurious topping that will elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe, adding a cloud-like lightness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and cake.
Step 7: Assemble the Dessert
Cut your cooled cake into squares for easy serving. Layer each square with a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of textures and tastes in every bite makes this dessert truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even some finely chopped nuts can add a delightful twist as garnish. These simple touches give your dessert an inviting appearance and a pop of complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. These pairings create a harmonious balance, turning your dessert into a full-fledged experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting this dessert in individual glass parfaits, layering cake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream for a stunning visual effect. Alternatively, use mini shortcake biscuits instead of the baked cake for a playful twist that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shortcake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dessert will stay good for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the cake tender and the cream fluffy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layer separately, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. However, avoid freezing the assembled dessert, as the whipped cream and strawberries do not freeze well and can become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
If you want to warm the cake base, gently reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before assembling with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for the vibrant flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones if needed. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery dessert.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix suited for cakes, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture intact.
Can I make the whipped cream dairy-free?
Yes, try using chilled coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Whip it just like traditional cream, adding powdered sugar for sweetness.
How sweet will the dessert be?
This Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe offers a balanced sweetness, highlighting the natural sugars in the strawberries and the gentle sweetness of the cake and cream. Adjust the sugar in the strawberries or cream to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a serrated knife to gently cut the cooled cake into even squares, which helps avoid crumbling and makes for neat, beautiful layers.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe is a timeless favorite that never fails to delight. Its simplicity, combined with fresh flavors and a light, fluffy texture, makes it an absolute joy to make and share. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch—you’re in for a treat that tastes like sunshine and celebration all in one bite!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Strawberry Shortcake Dessert features fluffy homemade cake layered with fresh macerated strawberries and lightly sweetened whipped cream. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat, the cake is soft and tender, while the strawberries add a juicy, vibrant burst of flavor, complemented by the creamy topping. Easy to assemble, this recipe makes a delightful summer dessert for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (remaining from 1/2 cup total)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking for the cake.
- Macerate Strawberries: Toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and let them sit aside. This maceration process allows the strawberries to release their natural juices and become tender and sweet.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This incorporates air and helps the cake rise.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all the wet ingredients properly.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until smooth and uniform batter forms.
- Bake Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Whip Cream: While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and sweet topping.
- Assemble Dessert: Cut the cooled cake into squares. Layer each serving with a generous spoonful of macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry shortcake immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture at their best.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries.
- You can prepare the cake and strawberries a few hours ahead and assemble just before serving.
- To make this dessert more festive, add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest to the strawberries while macerating.
- If you prefer a lighter dessert, substitute half the heavy cream with whipped yogurt for the topping.
