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Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: Perfect Summer Dessert in Under 45 Minutes

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe delivers the perfect balance of buttery shortcake biscuits, juicy macerated strawberries, and fluffy homemade whipped cream. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's a bakery-quality dessert that's simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Summer Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold & cubed
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries hulled & halved
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for macerating
  • 1 cup heavy cream chilled
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut cold butter into flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
  4. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla until dough just comes together.
  5. Turn dough onto floured surface, fold gently, pat to 1-inch thickness, cut shortcakes.
  6. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown and firm. Cool slightly.
  7. Macerate strawberries with sugar for 10 minutes.
  8. Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  9. Split shortcakes, layer with strawberries, whipped cream, and top halves. Garnish with extra berries and cream.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the dough to keep biscuits tender. Always use cold butter and buttermilk for flaky layers. Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy shortcakes.