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Strawberry Shortcake (Flaky Biscuits & Real Whipped Cream)

A foolproof recipe for homemade strawberry shortcake with buttery biscuits, macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Fresh, flaky, and totally unforgettable.
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Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Shortcake
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Shortcakes:

  • 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¾ cup 180ml buttermilk, cold

For the Strawberries:

  • 1½ lbs 680g strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 3 –4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Optional: zest of 1 lemon or ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup 240ml heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Macerate the Strawberries:

  • Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and optional lemon zest or vanilla extract. Let sit for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Make the Biscuits:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold buttermilk and stir until just combined.
  • Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a rectangle, and fold over itself 3–4 times. Pat to 1-inch thickness and cut using a biscuit cutter. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet with edges just touching.
  • Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.

Make the Whipped Cream:

  • Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.

Assemble the Shortcakes:

  • Split each biscuit in half. Spoon strawberries onto the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and add the biscuit lid. Garnish with extra berries and cream.

Notes

  • Keep your butter cold for the flakiest biscuits. You can even freeze it briefly before cutting it in.
  • Don't overwork your biscuit dough—handle gently for the best texture.
  • Assemble the shortcakes just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • For added flair, try a mint garnish or a drizzle of berry syrup.
  • Biscuits can be frozen and reheated, and strawberries can be prepared a few hours in advance.