Heavenly Spring Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Spring is here, and with it comes the promise of sunshine, blooming flowers, and the juiciest strawberries of the year! Is there a better way to celebrate the season than with a fresh and fluffy Spring Strawberry Shortcake? This classic dessert is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, all sandwiched between buttery, flaky shortcakes.

Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, need a sweet treat for a picnic, or just want to spoil your family on a weekday, this recipe is your go-to. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll feel like you’re floating through a strawberry field on a warm, breezy day. Let’s get baking! 🌞🍰

Ingredients

For the Shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• ⅔ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Tips

Use cold butter: Just like making pie crust, keeping the butter cold ensures flaky, tender shortcakes.

Pick the best strawberries: Spring strawberries are naturally sweet, but if yours are a bit tart, add a touch more sugar.

Chill the whipped cream bowl: For perfectly whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

1. Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Let them macerate for at least 30 minutes. This step releases their natural juices, creating a delicious syrupy filling.

Step 2: Make the Shortcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat into a 1-inch-thick disk and cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
6. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, brush with heavy cream, and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. Beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—it should be light and fluffy!

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Tips: Bake the shortcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The strawberries and whipped cream should be prepped fresh for the best taste.

Storage: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shortcakes may soften slightly but are still delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how to assemble this masterpiece like a pro:

1. Slice the shortcakes in half horizontally.
2. Place the bottom half on a plate and layer with strawberries (spoon some syrupy juice for extra flavor).
3. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream, then cap it with the top half of the shortcake.
4. Garnish with more whipped cream, a few whole strawberries, and a sprig of mint for that Insta-worthy finish.

Pairings: Serve with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s as light and refreshing as spring itself. This Spring Strawberry Shortcake is easy to make, bursting with seasonal flavor, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone at the table.

Give it a try, and let your family indulge in this sweet celebration of spring! If you make it, snap a photo and share your creation in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes on Cozy Cadence—we’ve got plenty of ideas to brighten your season. 🌸🍓

Happy baking, mama! 🥰