How to Make Golden Baked Strawberry Shortcake – A Simple Guide

Strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert loved for its sweet, juicy strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy topping. But did you know you can make it extra special by baking it golden and fresh? In this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll learn how to create golden baked strawberry shortcake right in your own kitchen. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!

What is Strawberry Shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a dessert made with fluffy biscuits or cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Traditionally, it’s prepared with soft biscuits, but in this recipe, we’re baking golden, buttery cake layers that add a delightful texture to your dessert. It’s comfort food at its best – sweet, light, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.

Ingredients

Before we start baking, let’s gather everything we need. This recipe uses basic ingredients, so you may already have them in your pantry and fridge.

For the Cake:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
2/3 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Strawberries:

4 cups of fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
1/4 cup of sugar (or adjust to taste)

For the Whipped Cream:

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

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Start by preparing the strawberries. In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir gently and set aside. Over time, the sugar will help the strawberries release their natural juices, creating a sweet and syrupy mixture. This will be perfect for spooning over the cake later.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a round or square baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. You should end up with a crumbly mixture, like coarse sand.

Next, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix – you want the cake to stay light and fluffy.

Step 3: Bake It to Golden Perfection

Transfer the dough into your greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface if needed.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the whipped cream.

In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip the cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Begin on low speed, then increase to high until soft peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape but isn’t stiff. Be careful not to overwhip!

Refrigerate the whipped cream until you’re ready to assemble the shortcake.

Step 5: Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake

Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to build your dessert.

Carefully slice the cake into two layers horizontally (use a serrated knife for best results). Place the bottom layer on a serving plate. Spoon some of the sweet, juicy strawberries over it, spreading them evenly.

Next, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries. Spread it out gently.

Place the second layer of cake on top, and repeat the process – add more strawberries and whipped cream, creating a beautiful, layered dessert. For extra flair, you can top it with a whole strawberry or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your golden baked strawberry shortcake is ready to serve! Slice it into portions and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy topping. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply as a stand-alone treat.

Tips for Success

Here are a few helpful tips to make your strawberry shortcake even better:

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the key to this dessert’s flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can try other berries, like raspberries or blueberries.
Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter helps create a flaky and tender cake crust. Avoid melting it while mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients to keep your cake lightweight and soft.
Serve Fresh: Strawberry shortcake tastes best when it’s freshly assembled. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the cake, strawberries, and whipped cream separately, then assemble right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Golden baked strawberry shortcake is a treat that’s easy to make but feels fancy enough for special occasions. With fresh ingredients and a little love, this dessert will bring smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting guests, or simply treating yourself, this homemade shortcake is always a winner.

Give it a try, and let us know how yours turns out!

how to create golden baked strawberry shortcake