Name: Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake with Fluffy Biscuits
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice (optional); Pinch of salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 3/4 cup cold buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional); 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream; 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Old-fashioned strawberry shortcake is all about contrast: warm, fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and soft whipped cream. It’s simple, nostalgic, and tastes like summer especially when you let the berries get syrupy and soak into the biscuit.

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake with Fluffy Biscuits

Quick idea

This version uses tender, lightly sweetened biscuits (more like sweet buttermilk biscuits than sponge cake), because they hold up under juicy berries without turning mushy. The goal is a biscuit that splits cleanly, with a soft interior and crisp edges, so it can catch strawberry syrup and whipped cream like a little bowl.

A key move is macerating the strawberries (tossing them with sugar and letting them sit) so they release their juices and turn saucy, which is a common shortcake method.

Shopping list

For the strawberries:

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/3 cup granulated sugar (add more if berries are tart)
1 tsp lemon juice (optional, brightens flavor)
Pinch of salt

For the biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup cold buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as a backup)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the whipped cream:

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional finish:

Extra sliced strawberries on top
A spoonful of Meyer Lemon Marmalade for a bright citrus twist

Bake biscuits

Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with a few pea-size pieces (those butter bits create the fluffy layers).
Pour in cold buttermilk (and vanilla if using). Stir just until a shaggy dough forms; don’t knead it smooth.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it in half, then pat again; repeat 2 more times to build layers without overworking.
Cut into 6–8 biscuits (a sharp knife or biscuit cutter works). Place on the baking sheet close together for taller sides.
Bake 12–15 minutes until risen and golden brown.

Tip: If you want extra glossy tops, brush biscuits with a little buttermilk before baking and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar.

Prep berries

While the biscuits bake, make the strawberries:

Add sliced strawberries to a bowl.
Sprinkle with sugar, lemon juice, and a tiny pinch of salt.
Stir, then let sit 20–30 minutes at room temperature, stirring once halfway through.

You’re looking for a bowl of strawberries swimming in bright red syrup. If you want a thicker sauce, mash a small handful of berries with a fork and stir back in.

Serve

Whip the cream: Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form (pillowy, not stiff).
Split warm biscuits in half.
Spoon strawberries and plenty of syrup onto the bottom half.
Add a big dollop of whipped cream.
Cap with the top biscuit and finish with one more spoonful of berries.

Strawberry shortcakes are traditionally served with whipped cream and sweet biscuits as the base.

If you’re planning dessert for a crowd, set up a “shortcake bar” with biscuits, berries, and whipped cream so everyone can build their own.

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake with Fluffy Biscuits

Author: danyrecipes
Total Time: 40
Yield: 6–8 shortcakes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic old-fashioned strawberry shortcake with fluffy homemade biscuits, juicy macerated strawberries, and vanilla whipped cream. Simple, nostalgic, and perfect for summer desserts.