Easy Strawberry Shortcake (Classic, Fluffy & Perfectly Sweet)

Ingredients

For the strawberries:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries, sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream:

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and vanilla. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes so they release their juices and turn glossy and syrupy.
• Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the cold butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (little buttery bits are a good thing).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix just until combined. Do not overwork it.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick round.
• Cut into circles and place on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly golden on top. Let cool slightly.
• In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

To assemble:

• Slice the shortcakes in half.
• Spoon strawberries and their juices over the bottom half.
• Add a generous dollop of whipped cream.
• Place the top half over and add more strawberries and cream if you’re feeling dramatic.

Tips & Variations

• Keep the butter cold. That’s what gives you tender, flaky shortcakes instead of dense ones.
• Letting the strawberries macerate fully makes the syrupy juices that soak into the cake beautifully.
• For an extra golden top, brush the shortcakes lightly with cream before baking and sprinkle with sugar.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuits, but homemade truly makes the difference here.
• This is best assembled right before serving so everything stays fresh and fluffy.

If you’re craving easy make-ahead pudding desserts, check out this fast and easy Banana Cream Poke Cake, this shockingly decadent Gooey Quadruple Chocolate Oreo Cake, these Chocolate Strawberry Trifle Cups and of course…the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe layers of vanilla wafers, barely ripe bananas, and cloud-like whipped pudding that chills into something creamy, nostalgic, and totally addictive!

If you’re in the mood for something rich and creamy (but still ridiculously easy), this Easy Chocolate Mousse is always an excellent idea!

If poke cakes are your vibe, don’t miss this full recipe list: Best Poke Cake Recipes (Super Easy Cake Mix Desserts)

If you love easy desserts, don’t miss this collection of epic cake mix desserts: Cake Mix Desserts (Easy Recipes That Taste Homemade).