Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake with Biscuits during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak. The sweet and juicy berries combined with buttery, flaky biscuits create a heavenly dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Every bite melts in your mouth, and the lightness of the whipped cream elevates the experience even more. What's great is that this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, yet it feels like a special treat that will impress guests at any gathering.

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:53:35.600Z

When I first tried making Strawberry Shortcake, I was amazed by how easy it was to create something so delicious. The key is in the biscuits; they need to be light and flaky, which I achieved by using cold butter and not overmixing the dough. This allows the layers to separate beautifully as they bake.

Another tip I discovered during my practice runs is to macerate the strawberries with a bit of sugar for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances their natural sweetness, resulting in a filling that bursts with flavor. Trust me; it's worth the wait!

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy strawberries perfectly complemented by rich biscuit texture
Flaky, buttery biscuits that are easy to make
A classic dessert that's perfect for summer gatherings

Understanding the Biscuit Base

The key to achieving perfectly flaky biscuits in this Strawberry Shortcake lies in the cold butter and the method of incorporating it into the flour mixture. By cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, you're creating layers that will rise beautifully during baking. It's essential to work quickly to keep the butter cold, as this will help to prevent the biscuits from becoming dense.

Another important factor is the buttermilk, which adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and whipped cream. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.

Macerating the Strawberries

Macerating the strawberries is a crucial step that enhances their flavor and texture. Tossing them with sugar and vanilla allows the strawberries to release their juices, creating a syrupy topping that soaks into the biscuits. It's best to let them sit for at least 30 minutes but up to an hour if you have the time; this will yield a luscious, sweet mixture full of vibrant flavor.

If you're making this dessert ahead of time, consider macerating the strawberries a few hours in advance. However, avoid letting them sit too long, as they can become too mushy. You want them to retain some structure to give your strawberry shortcake a pleasant bite.

Perfecting the Whipped Cream

The whipped cream is the crowning glory of your Strawberry Shortcake. By chilling your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, it helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better. Aim for smooth, glossy peaks—a sign that your cream has been whipped perfectly. If you prefer a sweeter whipped cream, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your taste.

For a fun twist, consider adding a hint of flavor to your whipped cream. A touch of almond extract or citrus zest can complement the strawberries beautifully. Just remember to keep the flavors subtle so they don't overpower the delightful strawberry and biscuit combination.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create the perfect Strawberry Shortcake:

For the Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Shortcake:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently and let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to macerate.

Make the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined.

Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a 1-inch thick circle and cut out biscuits with a cutter. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble and Serve

Split the biscuits in half and layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. Add the top half of the biscuit and serve immediately.

Dig in and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Shortcake!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries and consider adding a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover strawberry shortcake, you can store each component separately to maintain freshness. The biscuits can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, while the macerated strawberries can stay in the refrigerator for about three days. Whipped cream, on the other hand, is best consumed within 24 hours but can last up to 48 hours if stored in the fridge in a sealed container.

To revive the biscuits, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling your shortcake again. This helps to restore their flaky texture, making them just as delightful as when they were first baked.

Serving Suggestions

For a twist on the classic presentation, consider serving your strawberry shortcake in individual cups or jars. Layer sliced biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream for a visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also makes serving easy and mess-free.

If you're looking to elevate your strawberry shortcake even further, try adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction over the strawberries. This adds a sweet acidity that can enhance the overall flavor profile, transforming a traditional dessert into something truly gourmet.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Instead of strawberries, you can try using other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each berry has its own unique sweetness and tartness, which will give a different flavor profile to your dessert. Just keep in mind that the maceration time may vary slightly depending on the juiciness of the fruit you choose.

Additionally, you can incorporate flavored extracts or spices into your biscuit dough. A hint of lemon zest or even cinnamon can bring a delightful new dimension to the traditional biscuit, making your strawberry shortcake a unique dessert everyone will want to try.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the biscuits in advance?

Yes, you can make the biscuits a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving.

→ What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar; simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them well.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Assembled shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store biscuit and strawberry components separately in the refrigerator for up to two days.