Old-fashioned Strawberry Shortcake

Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

A timeless treat that never disappoints! This homemade strawberry shortcake is made from fresh ingredients and features a light, fluffy biscuit-style cake that soaks up all the delicious strawberry juice. Indulge in this sweet and satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Additional Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 8 servings (one 8-inch cake)
  
  

Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

• 1 quart strawberries, sliced

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ⅓ cup vegetable shortening

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 cup whipped cream
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1 cup of sugar. Stir them occasionally and let them sit so the strawberries can release their juices (this is called macerating). Let this sit while you prepare the shortcake.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan to prepare it for baking.

Step 3: Make the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the milk, stirring just enough for the dough to come together.

Step 4: Bake the Shortcake

Transfer the dough to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the shortcake cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

Step 5: Assemble the Shortcake

Once the shortcake has cooled slightly, slice it in half horizontally. Spread softened butter on the bottom layer, then add the sweetened strawberries and their juice. Place the top layer of shortcake on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Top your shortcake with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The sweetest flavor comes from perfectly ripe strawberries.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the shortcake tough, so mix just until it comes together.

• Chill the Whipped Cream: Whipped cream holds its shape better when chilled before serving.

• Add Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough or whipped cream.

• Try a Different Flour: Swap some of the all-purpose flour for cake flour for a softer texture.
  
  

Variations

• Buttermilk Shortcake: Swap the milk for buttermilk to add a tangy flavor and a more tender crumb.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

• Dairy-Free: Opt for plant-based milk and a dairy-free whipped topping.

• Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake:  Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.

• Mixed Berries: Add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to make a berry medley shortcake.

Are you looking for even more strawberry dessert ideas? Check out our Strawberry Shortcake recipe, which uses ingredients that are fresh from Super King Markets!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for their flavor and texture, but if fresh ones aren’t available, you can pick up frozen strawberries from a grocery store near you. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess liquid.

How should I store leftover strawberry shortcake?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream in separate containers and assemble before serving. For the freshest ingredients next time, head over to your international supermarket nearby!

Can I substitute shortening with something else?

Yes! You can use butter or a combination of butter and margarine instead of vegetable shortening. If you use all butter, your shortcake will have a richer flavor but might be a little denser. Grab your butter from the butcher shop near you, or head to the grocery store near you to get all the ingredients.

How can I make the shortcake less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet shortcake, reduce the sugar in the dough by cutting back on the 2 tablespoons of sugar. You can also adjust the sweetness of the strawberries by using less sugar. For a sweet but balanced flavor, look for fresh strawberries at your local supermarket.

What kind of whipped cream should I use?

Homemade whipped cream is always a winner! To make it, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Or, pick up some store-bought whipped topping from the grocery store for a quick fix!

Super King Market is a one-stop shop for all culinary needs, offering high-quality strawberries, dairy, and other ingredients for creating classic desserts. It's a convenient destination for grocery stores, international supermarkets, and butcher shops.