Classic Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits

Name: Classic Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 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 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Classic Recipes

I absolutely adore making Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Biscuits, especially during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak. The combination of fresh, juicy berries layered on light, buttery biscuits, all topped with whipped cream, creates a delightful experience for the senses. I find that using ripe strawberries really enhances the flavor, and the homemade biscuits are a game changer, adding that perfect crunch. Trust me, this dessert will become a staple at your gatherings and celebrations.

Created by

Kitty Lawrence

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:39:34.980Z

When I first tried making strawberry shortcake, I was slightly intimidated by the idea of creating the perfect biscuit. However, I quickly discovered that the key is in the folding of ingredients; it keeps the biscuits tender and flaky. My family couldn't believe how light and airy they turned out!

Another tip I want to share is to let the sliced strawberries macerate in sugar before assembling the cake. This not only enhances their natural sweetness but also creates a lovely syrup that seeps into the biscuits, elevating the entire dessert experience. It truly is a joyous treat!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh strawberry flavor that bursts in every bite
Flaky, buttery biscuits that complement the berries perfectly
A classic dessert that evokes nostalgia and joy

      

Choosing the Right Strawberries

When selecting strawberries for your shortcake, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and have a natural shine. Avoid any that appear dull or have greenish tips, as these may lack flavor. I always recommend trying local, in-season strawberries when possible, as they tend to be sweeter and juicier than off-season varieties. Remember, the quality of your strawberries directly affects the overall taste of your dessert.

To enhance the sweetness of your strawberries even further, consider letting them sit a bit longer after adding sugar. If you have the time, allowing them to macerate for 30 minutes to an hour will yield a more syrupy consistency, making your shortcake even more delightful.

Perfecting Your Biscuits

Achieving the perfect biscuit is all about handling the dough gently. When you knead, stop as soon as the dough comes together. Overworking it can lead to tough biscuits instead of flaky ones. It’s also crucial to keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter. Cold butter melts slowly in the oven, creating steam that helps the biscuits rise beautifully and results in that desirable flaky texture.

If you're looking to customize your biscuits a bit, consider adding zest from lemon or orange to the dry ingredients for a hint of citrus. Alternatively, incorporating herbs like chopped thyme or rosemary can add an interesting flavor twist that pairs excellently with strawberries.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth baking process!

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

For the Whipped Cream

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

Once you've gathered everything, you're ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps closely for best results!

Prepare the Strawberries

In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir gently and let them macerate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the biscuits.

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 the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined.

Shape the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Roll out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut with a biscuit cutter and place on a baking sheet.

Bake the Biscuits

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Whip the Cream

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

Assemble the Shortcakes

Split each biscuit in half horizontally. Spoon the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and cover with the top half of the biscuit.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!

Enjoy your homemade Classic Strawberry Shortcake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries to brighten the flavors even more.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These biscuits can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place uncooked biscuits on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If you have leftover whipped cream, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that it may lose some volume and texture, so you might want to re-whip it gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While the classic strawberry shortcake is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with other berries. Blueberries and raspberries can be used in place of strawberries for a mixed berry shortcake, providing a different flavor profile that's equally refreshing. You can also try layering in other toppings like banana slices or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for something a bit more indulgent.

To elevate your serving presentation, consider serving the shortcakes in clear glasses or jars. Layer the biscuits, berries, and whipped cream for a stunning and appealing dessert display that’s perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw and drain them well before use.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover assembled shortcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Biscuits can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the biscuit dough and freeze it. When you're ready to bake, just thaw and bake as directed.

→ What variations can I try?

Feel free to substitute other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or experiment with adding a layer of chocolate or a flavored whipped cream.