Strawberry Shortcake is 5-Ingredient Ultimate Dessert.

Strawberry Shortcake is the 5-Ingredient Ultimate Dessert for summer. I’m a professional chef who believes weeknight dessert should be as joyful as it is effortless. On my About page, you’ll read how I’m driven by simple, honest cooking that fits a busy life while honoring nostalgic flavors from childhood. This Strawberry Shortcake recipe is built around that philosophy: just five ingredients for the shortcakes, plus juicy berries and fluffy whipped cream, so you can pull off a crowd-pleasing classic in under 40 minutes. Read on to see how simple it can be to bring a sunlit, nostalgic dessert to the table for family, friends, and busy evenings alike.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

what make this Strawberry Shortcake special

Step back into summer freshness

Strawberry Shortcake is a symbol of easy, joyful desserts. This version sticks to a 5-ingredient core for the shortcakes while delivering bright flavors from fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I love how the dough comes together quickly, then bakes into tender cups that cradle juicy berries. It’s a bake-and-assemble dessert you can rely on after a long day, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a treat to a quick gathering. It all comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients Strawberry Shortcake

Here’s a quick guide to every ingredient in this Strawberry Shortcake recipe I love sharing.

For the shortcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour

The base for tender, crumbly shortcakes.

1 tbsp baking powder

Leavening for light, puffed cups.

1/2 tsp salt

Flavor balance that brightens sugar sweetness.

2 tbsp granulated sugar

Sweetness that helps browning and flavor.

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Cold butter creates flaky pockets.

2/3 cup whole milk

Adds richness and tenderness.

1 tsp vanilla extract

A gentle aroma that lifts the berry sweetness.

For the strawberry filling

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Juicy bursts that wake up the shortcake.

3 tbsp granulated sugar

Draws out juice for a glossy filling.

1 tsp lemon juice

Brightens berries and highlights citrus.

For the whipped cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Heavy cream builds the velvety topping.

2 tbsp powdered sugar

Softens sweetness without grit.

1 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla finish for a warm aroma.

Exact quantities referenced here are also printed at the bottom of the article for easy printing.

Optional tips: you can add a touch of lemon zest to the berries or a pinch of balsamic to deepen strawberry flavor if you like.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Have a lightly floured surface ready.

Step 2: Dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. This ensures an even bake for every shortcake.

Step 3: Cut in butter

Add cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or fork. Keep some small bits visible for flaky pockets.

Step 4: Add milk and vanilla

Stir in milk and vanilla just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix or the texture turns tough.

Step 5: Shape and cut

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to 1-inch thickness. Cut into 6 rounds and place on the sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 15–18 minutes until golden. This Strawberry Shortcake stays tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Macerate the berries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let stand 10–15 minutes to release juice.

Step 8: Whip the cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. Avoid overwhipping for silky texture.

Step 9: Assemble

Slice each shortcake in half. Spoon berries on the bottom half, top with whipped cream, then crown with the top. Finish with more cream and berries and serve immediately.

Tips for Success with Strawberry Shortcake

Quick tips

• Keep everything cold: cold butter and cold bowls help shortcakes stay tender.
• Don’t overwork dough: mix until just combined for flakiness.
• Macerate berries: the juice boosts sweetness and moisture for the shortcake.
• Taste berries with a pinch of salt for brightness.
• Whip cream to soft peaks: overwhipping can make it grainy.
• Assemble just before serving for best texture.
• Rest berries briefly after macerating to enhance their flavor.
• Serve with a smile.

Equipment Needs for Strawberry Shortcake

Must-have tools

• Mixing bowls: sturdy, non-slip base for steady whisking.
• Pastry cutter or fork: cut in butter quickly.
• Rolling pin or flat glass: shape dough simply.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet: prevents sticking.
• Electric mixer or whisk: whip cream to soft peaks.
• Measuring cups and spoons: precise baking.
• Cooling rack: cool evenly and quickly.

Strawberry Shortcake Variations

Variations

• Use gluten-free flour blend for the shortcakes
• Swap half the milk for a dairy-free option (almond or oat milk)
• Add lemon zest to berries for brightness
• Try a drizzle of honey or a light glaze on the shortcakes
• Swap vanilla with almond extract for a different note

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake

The everyday appeal

I love how this Strawberry Shortcake is a reliable weeknight showstopper. It’s fast to make, incredibly flavorful, and comforting after a long day. Because I stick to a 5-ingredient shortcake, it stays approachable even on busy evenings. The bright berries and fluffy whipped cream feel like a little celebration at the table, turning ordinary nights into something special without stealing time. It travels to gatherings and leaves everyone smiling together.

Strawberry Shortcake Serving Suggestions

Serving ideas

• Serve with a sprig of mint for color and a bright, uplifting aroma.
• Pair with a glass of sparkling rosé or pale tea to elevate the dessert moment.
• Dust with a light lemon zest twist to wake up the berries’ brightness.
• Plate with extra berries for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy finish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake

I like to treat Make-Ahead as a backstage pass for dessert. A little planning keeps the kitchen calm and flavors bright.

When I plan ahead, I can offer a dessert that tastes bakery-fresh on a busy weeknight, without the panic storms in the kitchen.

Make-ahead guidance

• Shortcakes: bake and cool, store airtight for up to 1 day; assemble just before serving for maximum tenderness and bright flavors.
• Berries: macerate ahead of time; store in the fridge for up to 1 day. The juices intensify sweetness and keep berries juicy.
• Whipped cream: whip ahead and refrigerate up to several hours; re-whip briefly before serving to restore light, airy texture.
• Assembly: keep components chilled and assemble at the last minute for best texture and flavor.

Strawberry Shortcake FAQs

FAQ 1: Can I make this ahead and refrigerate?

Yes, I plan ahead when possible. It’s best to assemble just before serving to keep the shortcake crisp. I bake the shortcakes, cool them, and store them airtight.

I macerate the berries and whip the cream close to serving for best texture.

FAQ 2: Can I use canned or frozen berries?

Fresh berries are preferred for texture and flavor in Strawberry Shortcake. Thawed frozen berries can work in a pinch.

Macerate to draw out moisture and brighten the juices for a juicy filling.

FAQ 3: Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free?

You can attempt dairy-free shortcakes and whipped cream with dairy-free butter, milk alternatives, and coconut or almond whipped cream. Texture may vary.

I recommend testing a small batch first if you’re serving guests with dairy sensitivities.

FAQ 4: How many servings does this yield?

Yields 6 servings, as noted in the recipe notes.

Final Thoughts

A warm closing note

Strawberry Shortcake always feels like a warm hug in a dish. I pull it out on busy weeknights when the clock is loud and the kids are hungry. The vanilla scent and bright berries soften the day, reminding me that joyful cooking can be quick and unfussy.

This five-ingredient shortcake is my go-to because it respects time and flavor. It travels well to potlucks and leaves room for tweaks—lemon zest or extra berries.

I hope you try it soon, share it with someone you love, and remember that great flavor can come from simple, honest shortcuts for your table tonight.

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