Homemade Strawberry Shortcake with Biscuits Recipe – Oh Sweet Basil

Forget those little store-bought fake-cake shortcakes! This is the most delicious strawberry shortcake recipe we’ve ever made! We layer our buttery, flaky homemade biscuits with irresistible sweet strawberries and whipped cream to make homemade strawberry shortcake completely from scratch!

This strawberry shortcake is so simple that you can make it within the hour, and so satisfying that it will easily become your go-to summer dessert.

For me, the moment that marks the beginning of summer is when I bite into my first strawberry of the season. Is it even a lazy summer day if it doesn’t end with juicy berries piled on flaky biscuits and a big dollop of freshly whipped cream?! Homemade strawberry shortcake is the essential dessert for summer!

Gardening with Mom

I grew up obsessed with strawberry shortcake! Not only was it my favorite, it was a reward for hard work. 

Every summer, we’d plant the biggest garden, and by “we,” I mostly mean my mom. I remember Dad tilling the soil, and my 4 siblings and I “helping” for what felt like hours (it was probably 30 minutes). We’d dig through tomato vines and hunt for huge spiders with colorful patterns and potato bugs, then rush back to the house with dirt in our shoes and under our nails.

Fried Chicken, Jojo’s and Strawberry Shortcake

After a hot shower, we’d all pile around the table for fried chicken, JoJos (if you’re from the Pacific Northwest, you know), and to finish the day: strawberry shortcake. Always from those little spongy packages, always stealing the bits stuck to the white cardboard, and always – always – a big scoop of Cool Whip on top.

From Scratch Biscuits for Strawberry Shortcake

These days, unlike the little packaged angel food cakes, we make our shortcakes with from scratch flaky, buttery biscuits as a nod to BurgerVille (a PNW classic).  But the berries? Still done the way Mom taught us: 

How to Make Fresh Strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake

What’s the secret to Mom’s extra sweet berries?

Smash a few, slice the rest, sprinkle on a little sugar, and let them sit! That’s the secret to extra-juicy, syrupy strawberries – and trust me, they are heavenly.

Tips for Perfectly Flaky Biscuits

• Use a food processor or pastry cutter to cut in extra cold butter, jus like you would for a pie crust.  
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt of the biscuit. 
• Don’t over mix as this will lead to a tough biscuit. 
• Flour the biscuit cutter to avoid sticking. 
• Brush and sprinkle the tops with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking. The result is the best texture ever!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake From Scratch

Here’s what you’ll need to make the strawberry shortcake biscuits, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our shortcake biscuits, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the biscuits and the macerated strawberries.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the biscuits, making them rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a flaky, mealy texture in the biscuits.
• Milk or Buttermilk: Brings moisture to the dough. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor; milk keeps things neutral.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness to the biscuits.
• Fresh Strawberries: Essential for that syrupy, juicy layer we love in a classic strawberry shortcake.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks for that luscious topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aroma to the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional but highly recommended for an extra indulgent layer.

The measurements need for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card down below.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Making this strawberry shortcake recipe is easier than you’d think – just follow these simple steps; the full recipe is in the recipe card below.

1. Make the sweet cream biscuit dough: Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in cold butter. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients, then stir into the flour until clumps form. Knead lightly on a floured surface.
2. Roll and cut the dough: Press into a rectangle and cut rounds with a floured biscuit cutter.
3. Brush and sugar the biscuits: Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Do your egg wash and sugar.  BONUS Tip:Egg white helps the sugar stick and creates a golden, glossy top.
4. Bake the biscuits until golden: Bake until golden brown. 
5. Prepare strawberries: Slice berries and mash about ¼ of them. Stir in sugar and let sit.
6. Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cream.
7. Assemble the shortcakes: Split biscuits open, spoon on strawberries, top with whipped cream.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake

Shortcake Biscuits 

Homemade biscuits can be stored separately at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. 

To Freeze: Wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw on the counter before serving.

Strawberries

The strawberries should stay covered in the fridge for a couple of days, but they’ll be at their best within the first 24 hours to avoid excess juice. 

How Long do Strawberries in Sugar Last?

As long as the strawberries are stored in the refrigerator and covered, they will last up to 3-4 days.

This is more than just a recipe – it’s a little taste of home, sunshine, and sweet summer memories. Made completely from scratch, this is the best strawberry shortcake recipe for any summer gathering. Buttery biscuits, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream made with love -what more do you need?

Watch How These Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes are Made…

Want to Try  Different Strawberry Shortcake Recipes?

Now, let me prove my obsession with strawberry shortcake recipes…

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