For generations, shortcake has been a summer staple across America. Authentic shortcake isn’t made with sponge cake—it begins with buttery, biscuit-style rounds that bake up crisp and golden on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. Served warm, they’re split and layered with sweet, juicy berries and billowy whipped cream lightly kissed with sugar.
It’s simple. It’s seasonal. And it’s the kind of dessert that instantly brings back memories of sunny afternoons, family get-togethers, and quiet moments spent outdoors.
🍓 Made the classic biscuit-style way—never cake
💛 Flaky, buttery layers paired with syrupy berries
⏱️ Ready with just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake
💸 Feeds 6–8 for under $7
🌾 Nut-free and easily adapted for gluten-free needs
| For the Shortcakes (6–8) | For the Berries | For the Whipped Cream |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour | 4 cups fresh strawberries (or mixed berries), hulled and sliced | 1 cup (240ml) cold heavy cream |
| ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus extra for topping | 2–3 tbsp granulated sugar | 2 tbsp powdered sugar |
| 1 tbsp baking powder | 1 tsp lemon juice (optional) | ½ tsp pure vanilla extract |
| ½ tsp salt | ||
| ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed | ||
| ¾ cup (180ml) cold heavy cream, plus more for brushing |
1. Macerate the Berries
Toss berries with sugar and lemon juice.
Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or more.
2. Prepare the Shortcakes
Heat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
Cut in butter until the mixture looks coarse and crumbly.
Add cream and mix just until a rough dough forms.
Pat into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 6–8 rounds.
Place on baking sheet, brush with cream, and sprinkle with sugar.
3. Bake
Bake 14–16 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool for about 5 minutes before assembling.
4. Make the Whipped Cream
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
5. Assemble
Split warm shortcakes in half.
Spoon berries and juices over the bottoms.
Add whipped cream, cap with the tops, and drizzle with extra berry syrup.
☕ Pair with iced tea or fresh coffee
🍯 Finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze
🥄 Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness
🌿 Garnish with fresh mint
✨ This is shortcake the way it was meant to be—flaky, juicy, simple, and absolutely timeless.
Aunt Denise really nailed it with this one. These Pepperoni Pizza Bites capture the best…
Some dishes don’t need an introduction—their fragrance tells the story before the first bite. This…
Treat yourself to the irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth delight of homemade donuts inspired by the classic Krispy…
For Savannah Guthrie, the studio lights no longer offer distance or shelter. For years, she…
In a quiet neighborhood, the stillness of early morning is often broken by the deep,…
When you slice open an avocado, the creamy flesh usually steals the spotlight—and the large…