Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

Name: Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Occasion Recipes

I absolutely love making these Valentine's Treats Strawberry Shortcakes! It's a delightful recipe that combines the freshness of strawberries with the light, fluffy texture of homemade shortcakes. Every bite feels like a celebration, perfect for sharing with loved ones. The sweetness of the strawberries paired with a hint of vanilla in the whipped cream takes this dessert to the next level. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for myself, I always feel joy when whipping up these shortcakes. They truly brighten any day!

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:42:37.028Z

When I first took a bite of these strawberry shortcakes, I was amazed by how well the flavors meld together. I always start with fresh strawberries, slicing them and letting them macerate with a hint of sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. This step enhances the overall flavor, ensuring that the strawberries taste as vibrant as possible.

Using a blend of all-purpose and cake flour for the shortcakes creates a beautifully light texture that complements the juicy berries. In my experience, adding a touch of baking powder gives them the perfect rise, which makes them irresistibly fluffy. Trust me, these are going to be your new go-to dessert!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fresh strawberries bursting with sweetness
Light and fluffy shortcakes for the perfect texture
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for surprise guests

      

Mastering the Shortcake Technique

Achieving the perfect shortcake texture hinges on how you handle the dough. When mixing in the cold butter, aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This technique is crucial as it creates flaky layers in the baked shortcakes. Avoid overworking the dough; a gentle knead is all that's needed to bring it together. Once rolled out, use a sharp cutter to maintain the integrity of the layers.

For best results, ensure your ingredients are cold, especially the butter and cream. Cold ingredients help the shortcakes rise beautifully and create that fluffy texture we all love. If you have time, chill the mixing bowl and utensils before starting. This simple tip makes a significant difference in the final product, preventing melted butter from affecting the flakiness of the shortcakes.

Enhancing Strawberry Flavor

Macerating the strawberries is a key step that amplifies their natural sweetness and creates a delicious syrup. After mixing the sliced strawberries with sugar, let them rest for at least 15 minutes. This process softens the fruit and encourages the juices to seep out. If you wish to elevate the flavor further, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of lemon juice once the strawberries have macerated. Both additions brightens their flavor profile beautifully.

If you run out of fresh strawberries, you can substitute with frozen strawberries as a last resort. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with sugar. However, using fresh berries is recommended for taste and texture. The vibrant color and juicy crunch of fresh strawberries truly make this dessert shine, providing a perfect contrast to the rich whipped cream.

Storage and Serving Ideas

These delightful shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they're made. However, you can make the shortcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive their freshness, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. However, whipped cream should be made just before serving, as it loses its texture when stored.

For serving, consider presenting these strawberry shortcakes in individual cups or jars for a fun twist. Layer the ingredients in clear cups to showcase the beautiful colors of the strawberries and whipped cream. You can also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top for added texture and a touch of elegance. These variations not only make for a stunning dessert but also cater to different presentation styles at gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious treats.

For the Shortcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberries

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have your ingredients, you're ready to whip up this delightful dessert!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Shortcakes.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Allow them to sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Shortcakes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times before rolling it out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet.

Bake

Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble Shortcakes

Slice the cooled shortcakes in half. Layer the bottom half with macerated strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, then top with the other half of the shortcake. Finish with more strawberries and cream on top.

Your Strawberry Shortcakes are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. You can also experiment with flavors by adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries for an extra zing!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or agave in the whipped cream instead of powdered sugar. This substitution maintains the texture while adding a unique flavor twist. For those avoiding dairy, you can use a coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, which will enrich both flavor and texture, giving it a tropical flair.

For gluten-free alternatives, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's one that includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of it to the mixture to mimic the elasticity of regular flour. Just remember that gluten-free shortcakes might require a slightly different baking time; keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don't overcook.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on special occasions, you can prepare the elements of the strawberry shortcake in advance. The whipped cream can be made up to a day ahead; just store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble. Likewise, the macerated strawberries can sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing their flavors to develop. Just give them a quick stir before using to redistribute the juices that may settle.

If you are preparing for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. The shortcakes freeze well too. Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When friends or family come over, simply thaw them and serve with the fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a quick yet impressive dessert!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the shortcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.

→ What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with whole milk, but the whipped cream will not be as thick or rich.

→ How long can I store the assembled shortcakes?

It’s best to enjoy them immediately, but if stored in the fridge, they should be consumed within 1 day to maintain texture.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Allow them to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.