Easy Strawberry Shortcake With Homemade Biscuits
Highlighted under: Sweet Oven Classics
I absolutely love making this Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Biscuits whenever strawberries are in season. The combination of sweet, juicy berries, fluffy biscuits, and whipped cream is simply irresistible! What makes it special is the homemade biscuit base, which is quick to whip up and creates a delightful contrast to the soft filling. This is one dessert that never fails to impress my family and friends, making it a staple for summer gatherings and celebrations.
After trying various recipes for strawberry shortcake, I landed on this method that uses homemade biscuits instead of store-bought ones. The biscuit dough is incredibly easy to make, and the result is a delightful texture that perfectly complements the strawberries. I've found that patting the dough instead of rolling it out keeps the biscuits nice and fluffy.
One of my favorite tweaks is to roast the strawberries briefly with a little sugar — it brings out their natural sweetness and creates a syrup that soaks into the biscuits. Trust me; this is a game changer that takes your shortcake to the next level!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fluffy homemade biscuits that melt in your mouth
- Sweet, juicy strawberries enhance the flavor
- Versatile dessert perfect for any occasion
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
Achieving the perfect biscuit texture is all about handling the dough minimally. After adding the milk, mix just until no dry flour remains. Overworking the dough can cause the biscuits to become tough instead of light and fluffy. For best results, consider using a light touch when patting the dough and cutting out the biscuits. Aim for a 1-inch thickness, as this will help them rise beautifully during baking.
Another key aspect of making fluffy biscuits is ensuring your butter is cold. Cold butter creates steam when it melts, which helps lift the dough. If you find your butter gets too warm while prepping, simply pop the mixture in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting and shaping.
Strawberry Preparation Tips
For the best flavor, select ripe, sweet strawberries. When hulling and slicing them, aim for uniform slices for even distribution in your shortcake. If your strawberries are a bit tart, you can adjust the sugar amount to taste. Letting them sit with the sugar and vanilla for about 15 minutes allows the natural juices to develop and enhances their sweetness, resulting in a more flavorful mixture.
If you prefer thicker strawberry filling, consider adding a bit of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon) to the mixture before letting it rest. This will help thicken the juicy mixture and prevent it from soaking the biscuits too much, keeping them light and airy.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful shortcake experience:
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 milk
For the Strawberries
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
Make sure to prepare the strawberries ahead of time so they can macerate!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious strawberry shortcake:
Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat, then let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to release.
Make the Biscuit Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Assemble the Shortcakes
To serve, split the biscuits in half. Layer strawberries and their juices, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half of the biscuit.
Enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends!
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, replace half of the milk with buttermilk in the biscuit recipe. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the whipped cream for a refreshing twist!
Make-Ahead Options
You can prep the biscuit dough ahead of time. After cutting out the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake them directly from the fridge. This option is great for gatherings, ensuring you're not rushing through the dough on the day of your event.
The strawberries can also be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the shortcakes. This advance prep will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more intense strawberry flavor.
Serving Suggestions
While this strawberry shortcake is delightful as is, feel free to get creative! You can incorporate other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake. Consider layering in some lemon curd for a zingy twist or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a richer flavor profile.
For an elegant touch, serve with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You could also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the whipped cream for an indulgent summer treat that will impress your family and friends.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess liquid.
→ How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers are best eaten within 1-2 days but can be stored in the refrigerator.
→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough and freeze it for up to a month before baking.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or milk, but the whipped cream will be less rich.
Easy Strawberry Shortcake With Homemade Biscuits
I absolutely love making this Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Biscuits whenever strawberries are in season. The combination of sweet, juicy berries, fluffy biscuits, and whipped cream is simply irresistible! What makes it special is the homemade biscuit base, which is quick to whip up and creates a delightful contrast to the soft filling. This is one dessert that never fails to impress my family and friends, making it a staple for summer gatherings and celebrations.
Created by: Callie Morgan
Recipe Type: Sweet Oven Classics
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
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 milk
For the Strawberries
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat, then let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to release.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
To serve, split the biscuits in half. Layer strawberries and their juices, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half of the biscuit.
Extra Tips
- For a richer flavor, replace half of the milk with buttermilk in the biscuit recipe. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the whipped cream for a refreshing twist!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g