The flaky biscuit layers of this Strawberry Shortcake cradle the sweetness of macerated berries and the richness of fluffy whipped cream it’s comfort food in dessert form. This classic American treat hits all the right notes: slightly crispy, buttery biscuit paired with tart-sweet strawberries and a light creamy finish.
What makes it truly special is how easy and adaptable it is. Whether you make it for a cozy family dinner or a summer backyard party, it never fails to impress. Use homemade whipped cream for an elevated touch, and play with fruits or sauces to make it your own. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that brings nostalgia and fresh flavors together on one plate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced or chopped
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 ⅓ cups Bisquick mix
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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½ cup whole milk (or 2%)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 cups homemade whipped cream
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine strawberries and ¼ cup sugar. Mix well and let sit for 20 minutes until juicy.
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In another bowl, mix Bisquick, 3 tablespoons sugar, milk, and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
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Divide dough into 6 portions. Use your hands to shape them roughly and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool completely.
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Whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until fluffy, if not using pre-made.
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Slice each biscuit in half. Place the bottom half on a plate, add whipped cream and strawberries, then top with the other biscuit half. Add more strawberries and cream on top if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6
The History Behind the Dessert
Strawberry shortcake has been enjoyed for centuries, with origins dating back to at least the 1500s in England, where “short” referred to the use of shortening or butter in the dough. The American version of strawberry shortcake gained popularity in the mid-1800s and has since become synonymous with spring and early summer, especially during strawberry season.
What sets the American shortcake apart is its use of a biscuit or scone-like base rather than a traditional sponge cake. This biscuit dough, rich in butter and slightly crumbly, contrasts beautifully with the sweet, juicy berries and light cream topping. Over time, food innovators began creating shortcuts for home bakers, and that’s where Bisquick a premade baking mix introduced by General Mills in the 1930s came into play.
Bisquick simplified the baking process by combining flour, leavening agents, fat, and salt into one mix. It quickly became a pantry staple, known for turning out everything from pancakes to muffins to you guessed it shortcakes.
Why Use Bisquick?
The allure of using Bisquick lies in its time-saving convenience without compromising flavor or texture. While making biscuits from scratch is rewarding, it also involves measuring out multiple ingredients and ensuring the butter is just the right temperature to create flaky layers. Bisquick eliminates much of that work while still delivering a light and tender biscuit that holds up beautifully under layers of fruit and cream.
The flavor of Bisquick biscuits is also wonderfully neutral, which allows the sweet, syrupy strawberries to shine without overwhelming the palate. They can be whipped up in minutes and require no special equipment just a bowl, a spoon, and a baking tray. This makes them ideal for impromptu desserts, casual entertaining, or even getting kids involved in the kitchen.
The Role of Macerated Strawberries
No strawberry shortcake is complete without perfectly macerated strawberries. This simple technique involves tossing sliced or chopped berries with sugar and allowing them to sit for a bit. As they rest, the sugar draws out the fruit’s natural juices, creating a syrupy coating that enhances both flavor and texture.
Maceration is a must for this recipe because it transforms even slightly underripe berries into something luscious. The resulting juices soak gently into the biscuit layer, creating a contrast between soft, syrupy fruit and flaky, buttery shortcake. It’s a perfect marriage of textures and flavors.
You can also elevate your strawberries by adding a dash of vanilla extract, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or even a drizzle of liqueur for more adult versions of the dessert.
Homemade Whipped Cream: The Finishing Touch
While store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip is a handy shortcut, nothing compares to freshly whipped cream. Its cloud-like texture and customizable sweetness make it a luxurious addition that rounds out the dish.
A simple combination of heavy cream, a bit of sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract is all it takes. Whipping it yourself ensures a fresher, less processed flavor that complements the homemade feel of the biscuits. Plus, it holds its shape better and can be piped for a more elegant presentation if you’re serving guests.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about this dessert is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun twists to consider:
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Berry Medley Shortcake: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the strawberries for a vibrant, tart-sweet blend.
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Peach Shortcake: Substitute sliced peaches for a Southern summer twist, or try nectarines and a touch of cinnamon.
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Chocolate Shortcake: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the biscuit dough for a decadent chocolate version.
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Lemon Glazed Shortcake: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top biscuit half to add brightness and zing.
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Ice Cream Shortcake: Swap the whipped cream for vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
You can also use heart-shaped cutters or mini biscuit molds for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or birthdays.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry shortcake is best served immediately after assembly, while the biscuits are slightly warm and the cream is still light and airy. For presentation, consider layering the dessert in a small trifle dish or mason jar to create individual servings with visual appeal.
Another idea is to set up a “Shortcake Bar” at your next get-together. Provide biscuits, a variety of fruits, whipped cream, and toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or chopped nuts. Let your guests build their own shortcake it’s interactive and always a hit at parties.
To enhance the dining experience, pair the dessert with a light sparkling wine, rosé, or fresh lemonade. The drink’s acidity balances the richness of the cream and biscuit.
Tips for the Best Results
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Don’t overwork the dough: Gentle mixing will ensure a light and fluffy biscuit texture.
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Use cold ingredients: Cold milk and melted (but slightly cooled) butter help create the right dough consistency.
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Avoid soggy biscuits: Make sure your strawberries aren’t overly macerated or watery when assembling the dessert.
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Cool the biscuits: Let them come to room temperature before adding whipped cream to prevent melting.
These little tricks make a big difference in achieving a bakery-style result with minimal effort.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
While strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, there are ways to prep it in advance without compromising quality:
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Biscuits: Bake them up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Strawberries: Macerate up to a day in advance and refrigerate.
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Whipped Cream: Make fresh the day of serving for best results, but stabilized whipped cream can last up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Assembling the shortcakes just before serving keeps everything crisp and visually appealing. Avoid freezing assembled shortcakes, as they tend to become soggy upon thawing.
Conclusion:
There’s something undeniably comforting about Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake. It blends tradition and convenience into a dessert that’s both timeless and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and pure joy in every bite.
More than anything, it reminds us that some of the best recipes are the simplest those that let the ingredients speak for themselves and evoke cherished memories with each mouthful. With a few pantry staples, some ripe strawberries, and a touch of creativity, you can create a dessert that feels like summer, no matter the season.