Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake

Name: Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Confection Corner

I absolutely love making Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak. The sweet, juicy strawberries combined with fluffy biscuits and whipped cream create a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. Each bite is a celebration of fresh flavors that come together perfectly. I find that using a bit of lemon zest enhances the strawberries' natural sweetness, adding a refreshing twist that elevates this classic dessert. It's simple yet impressive, making it a favorite among friends and family.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-02-15T06:23:36.323Z

When I first made Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake, I was amazed at how easy it was to create such a delicious dessert. The key is to use fresh, ripe strawberries, as they provide the best flavor and texture. I also recommend preparing the biscuits from scratch; they come out so much fluffier than store-bought options. Adding just a touch of sugar to the cream allows it to complement the strawberries perfectly without overpowering them.

Each time I serve this dessert, it's met with oohs and aahs. I remember one gathering where I chose to plate it up individually; the vibrant strawberries against the white cream looked stunning and made the dessert feel extra special. Plus, you can customize the sweetness according to your taste. It’s a versatile recipe that always impresses at gatherings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh and vibrant strawberry flavor elevates the classic dessert.
Fluffy homemade biscuits add a delightful texture.
Versatile enough to adapt with other fruits or flavors.

Choosing the Best Strawberries

Selecting the right strawberries is crucial for achieving that vibrant flavor in your Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake. Look for firm, plump berries that have a bright red color and a fragrant aroma. Avoid any that feel soft or have mold, as these can negatively impact the taste of your dish. If you're picking strawberries yourself, the best time is early morning when they're freshly picked, which maximizes their sweetness.

To enhance the strawberries further, consider macerating them with sugar and lemon juice for at least 15 minutes. This process helps to draw out their natural juices, resulting in a syrupy consistency that perfectly complements the fluffy biscuits. You can taste the strawberries during this process to adjust the sweetness by adding a little more sugar or lemon juice, depending on your preference.

Achieving Fluffy Biscuits

The key to fluffy biscuits lies in the handling of the dough. When cutting in the chilled butter, aim for coarse crumbs rather than fully blending it into the flour. This allows for pockets of butter to melt during baking, creating a light and airy texture. I find using a pastry cutter or two forks works best for this task, ensuring the butter stays cold.

After mixing the dough, be cautious not to over-knead it. Aim for just enough to bring the dough together, as overworking can lead to tough biscuits. When rolling out, keep the thickness to about 1 inch for optimal baking. If you want a golden top, brushing the biscuits with a little heavy cream or melted butter before placing them in the oven can give a beautiful finish. Bake until they are golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes, and cool slightly before assembling.

Whipped Cream Tips

For the best whipped cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are thoroughly chilled. This helps the cream whip quickly and reach soft peaks without becoming grainy. Use heavy cream for a richer texture, enhancing the overall indulgence of your dessert. When adding sugar, I prefer using powdered sugar as it blends smoothly without leaving a grainy texture.

To add a touch of complexity to your whipped cream, consider infusing it with flavors. For instance, a hint of almond extract or a splash of citrus zest can transform your whipped topping. Just a teaspoon of almond extract can provide an elegant twist, allowing you to customize the dish according to your taste or the occasion.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this scrumptious Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake:

For the Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
3/4 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the making process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bring your Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake to life:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let sit for about 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Make the Biscuit Dough

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream until just combined.

Bake the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently knead, and roll out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Assemble the Shortcake

Split the warm biscuits in half, layer with strawberries and whipped cream, then top with the other half of the biscuit. Add more strawberries and whipped cream on top for presentation.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of brandy to the strawberries or a dash of almond extract to the whipped cream for unique flavor variations.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing elements of your Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake ahead of time can make serving easier when entertaining guests. The biscuits can be baked and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can freeze the unbaked biscuit dough. Simply shape, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer; you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Strawberries can also be prepared a few hours in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator after mixing with sugar and lemon juice to ensure they stay fresh. Just allow them to come back to room temperature for a bit before serving; this will provide a juicy burst with the warm biscuits and cold whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, consider using a glass jar or dessert cup to layer the biscuit, strawberries, and whipped cream. This not only looks beautiful but allows guests to see the delightful layers within. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts or granola on top for added crunch, which contrasts nicely with the soft textures of the biscuits and cream.

If you have any leftover components, don't worry! Strawberry shortcake can be reassembled for dessert the next day. Just store the biscuits separately and assemble them again for each serving to maintain the freshness. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of summer even when strawberries are no longer in season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuits a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container.

→ Can I substitute other fruits for strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, peaches, or blueberries work wonderfully as well.

→ How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming too dry?

Avoid over-mixing the dough and handle it lightly to keep the biscuits tender.

→ Can I use store-bought biscuits?

Yes, for a quicker option, store-bought biscuits can be used, but homemade tastes best!