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Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

A classic American dessert featuring tender, sweet biscuits topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • round biscuit cutter (2.5-inch)
  • pastry blender or fingers
  • Electric mixer

Ingredients
  

  • ═══ FOR THE STRAWBERRIES ═══
  • 2 lbs fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • cup granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
  • ═══ FOR THE BISCUITS ═══
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the biscuits)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
  • ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • ═══ FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM ═══
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (very cold)
  • 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with ⅓ cup granulated sugar. Stir gently and set aside to macerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the juices to release.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Pour in the milk or buttermilk and stir with a fork until just combined; do not overmix. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough to about ¾-inch thickness and cut out biscuits with a 2.5-inch round cutter, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. For a golden-brown top, brush the biscuits with a little milk or cream and sprinkle with extra sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • While the biscuits are baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a large, chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  • To assemble, split a warm biscuit in half. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and their juice over the bottom half. Top with a large dollop of whipped cream, then place the other biscuit half on top. Add more cream and strawberries if desired.

Notes

  • For best texture, ensure the butter is very cold and handle the biscuit dough minimally to keep them tender.
  • Macerated strawberries can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • To save time, you can prepare the biscuits and strawberry mixture in advance; bake biscuits just before serving for warmth.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to prevent biscuits from becoming soggy; pair with fresh mint or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.