This old-fashioned strawberry shortcake recipe is a classic summer dessert made with sweetened strawberries, tender biscuits, and fresh, homemade whipped cream. It’s simple, nostalgic, and rooted in the kind of cooking that favors real ingredients and familiar flavors.
While there are many variations, this version leans old-fashioned, using a biscuit-style shortcake rather than sponge cake. It’s the kind of dessert meant to be assembled at the table and enjoyed slowly.
Below you’ll find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the best strawberry shortcake at home.
There’s something undeniably special about a classic strawberry shortcake recipe—the kind that evokes memories of sun-drenched afternoons, the scent of fresh berries in the air, and the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. In our home, this dessert holds a cherished place, especially in the heart of my son, Wyatt. Each summer, as wild strawberries begin to ripen and the garden flourishes with mint, we find ourselves returning to this beloved recipe, a true family heirloom.
The simplicity of tender, homemade biscuits layered with sweet, macerated strawberries and clouds of freshly whipped cream creates a dessert that is both humble and extraordinary. The addition of wild mint from our garden adds a refreshing twist, infusing each bite with a hint of aromatic charm.
This strawberry shortcake recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of tradition, a nod to the past, and a sweet reminder of the moments that bind us together.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake
For fresh strawberry topping :
- 4 cups Strawberries, washed + quartered
- 1–2 TBSP granulated sugar
For Homemade Whipped Cream :
For Shortcake :
- 2 1/3 cups Bisquick
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 TBSP granulated sugar
- 3 TBSP melted butter
Instructions : How to Make Strawberry Shortcake
For Strawberry Topping :
- Wash and quarter 4 cups of strawberries. Toss with 1-2 TBSP of granulated sugar and set aside
For Homemade Whipped Cream :
For Shortcake:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees.
- In medium bowl, mix Bisquick, milk, sugar + melted butter until soft dough forms.
- Grease cookie sheet and drop six equal sized balls of dough.
- Bake 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from baking sheet and serve while warm.
Assembling your Strawberry Shortcake:
- To serve, place a single shortcake onto plate or bowl, top with two spoonfuls of strawberry topping and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Garnish with mint, + enjoy!
A Taste of Tradition
This strawberry shortcake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a tapestry of memories woven through generations. From the tender biscuits to the sweet strawberries and airy whipped cream, each element tells a story of family gatherings, summer celebrations, and the simple joys of homemade treats. As you take a bite, may it transport you to sunlit afternoons and the comforting embrace of cherished traditions.
Why Make Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake?
Old-fashioned strawberry shortcake is worth making because it tastes like real dessert, not a shortcut. Traditional shortcake is built on tender biscuits, fresh strawberries, and softly whipped cream. Each element has texture, flavor, and purpose. Together, they create something balanced and satisfying, not overly sweet or artificial.
The premade sponge-style shortcakes found on the grocery store produce shelf are a different thing entirely. They are often dry, overly spongy, and oddly sweet, designed to last rather than to taste good. While convenient, they lack the richness and structure that make true strawberry shortcake memorable. Instead of absorbing the strawberries naturally, they tend to collapse or taste stale by the first bite.
Old-fashioned strawberry shortcake relies on a biscuit base because it can stand up to the fruit and cream while still remaining tender. It soaks up the strawberry juices without turning mushy and brings a subtle, buttery contrast that sponge cakes simply cannot match.
Making strawberry shortcake from scratch takes a little more effort, but the reward is a dessert that feels intentional and timeless. It is the difference between something assembled and something made. And once you taste the real thing, there is no going back.
This family favorite strawberry shortcake recipe is included in my cookbook, The Heirloomed Kitchen. Click here for a signed copy!
Strawberry Shortcake Tips
The best strawberry shortcake is simple, but a few thoughtful details make all the difference. Let the strawberries sit with sugar long enough to release their juices. This creates the syrup that brings everything together. Use cold butter when making the shortcakes to ensure a tender crumb, and avoid overworking the dough, which can make them tough. Whip the cream just until soft peaks form so it stays light and spoonable rather than dense.
If possible, assemble the shortcakes just before serving. This keeps the biscuits from absorbing too much moisture and preserves the contrast between warm cake, juicy fruit, and fresh cream.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is best served layered, not stacked too tightly. Split each shortcake in half, spoon strawberries and their juices onto the bottom, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, then place the top gently over everything. Finish with another spoonful of berries and cream.
Serve immediately while the shortcakes are still slightly warm. This dessert is meant to feel relaxed and generous, perfect for passing around the table at the end of a summer meal.
Can You Make Strawberry Shortcake Ahead of Time?
Strawberry shortcake works best when prepared in stages. The strawberries can be macerated several hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to use. The shortcakes can be baked earlier in the day and stored at room temperature. Whipped cream is best made just before serving, though it can be prepared a few hours in advance if kept cold.
Avoid assembling the shortcakes ahead of time. Putting everything together too early will soften the biscuits, making them soggy and dull the texture that makes strawberry shortcake so special.
Other Old-Fashioned Recipes You’ll Love
heirloomed is a lifestyle brand with a mission of “keeping heirlooms around for another generation.” Our blog features stories about family recipes, creating traditions with your family, interior design and entertaining by mixing new and vintage pieces, classic style, and small town + historic travel. Our shop features a collection of “goods inspired by the past, for generations to enjoy” with an array of products and meaningful gifts including linen aprons, tabletop linens, art, ceramics and beyond. Learn more at www.heirloomedcollection.com.
