What exactly is strawberry shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a classic American dessert made with layers of sweet biscuits, sugared strawberries, and fresh whipped cream. Unlike sponge cake versions, the traditional shortcake has a tender, biscuit-like texture that perfectly absorbs the strawberry juices without becoming soggy. Each bite balances buttery richness, juicy fruit, and cool cream — simple, nostalgic, and satisfying.

What is strawberry shortcake made of?

Traditional strawberry shortcake combines a biscuit base made from flour, butter, sugar, and cream, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Some versions add vanilla or lemon zest for flavor. It’s a dessert that highlights everyday ingredients in their purest form — the kind of comfort you can create in any kitchen.

Why was angel cake removed from strawberry shortcake?

Many store-bought versions once used angel food cake instead of shortcake biscuits for convenience. But over time, bakers returned to the classic biscuit style because it offers more flavor and texture. The biscuit’s crumbly, buttery base pairs better with macerated strawberries and holds up beautifully under whipped cream, unlike spongy angel cake that tends to collapse.

What is the difference between strawberry cake and strawberry shortcake?

Strawberry cake is typically a soft, baked cake flavored with strawberry puree or extract. In contrast, strawberry shortcake layers fresh strawberries over lightly sweetened biscuits or scones. It’s less about frosting and more about the contrast — flaky biscuit, juicy fruit, and airy cream — a true taste of summer simplicity.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe – 7 Secrets for Amazing Homemade Flavor

Name: Classic Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe – Simple, Sweet, and Timeless
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American

Description

Classic strawberry shortcake with tender cake/biscuits layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a perfect summer dessert.

Ingredients

Strawberries (sliced) – 3 cups Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (for strawberries) All-purpose flour – 3 cups Granulated sugar – 1 1/3 cups Baking powder – 4 tsp Salt – 1/2 tsp Shortening or butter – 1/2 cup Eggs – 2 large Vanilla extract – 2 1/2 tsp Milk – 1 cup Heavy whipping cream – 16 oz (for whipped cream) Additional 1/4 cup sugar (for whipped cream)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 11-inch baking pan. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients alternating with milk, mix until combined. Pour batter into pan and bake 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack. Mix sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar; let sit to release juices. Whip heavy cream with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Cut cake into squares and slice each in half horizontally. Spread whipped cream on bottom halves, top with strawberries. Place top halves on and spread whipped cream and strawberries to finish. Serve immediately or chill briefly.

Notes

Use fresh ripe strawberries for best flavor. You can substitute shortening with butter for richer taste. Chill whipped cream bowl and beaters before whipping for better volume. Store assembled shortcakes in fridge and consume within 1 day for freshness.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg