There’s nothing quite like the classic comfort of a homemade Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake. The tender, buttery shortcakes pair perfectly with sweet, juicy strawberries and rich, airy whipped cream. This dessert is a true celebration of simplicity, flavor, and the sweetness of the season.
Perfect for a casual family dinner or a festive summer gathering, this strawberry shortcake is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re craving a light dessert or want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this timeless treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Fresh strawberries, soft biscuits, and fluffy cream – it’s pure happiness on a plate!
Full Recipe:
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2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
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1/2 cup milk
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3 tablespoons sugar
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3 tablespoons butter, melted
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1 quart strawberries, sliced
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1/4 cup sugar (for strawberries)
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Set aside to let the strawberries release their juices.
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In another bowl, stir together the Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
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Drop 6 spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
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While the shortcakes are baking, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
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Once shortcakes are done and slightly cooled, split them in half horizontally.
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Layer with strawberries and whipped cream in between and on top.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the fluffy, fruity goodness!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Delicious Tradition of Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake is a dessert that embodies pure comfort and simplicity. It’s a classic American treat that dates back to the late 19th century but became even more popular with the introduction of Bisquick, the revolutionary all-purpose baking mix introduced by General Mills in the 1930s. This iconic dessert is a celebration of fresh seasonal strawberries layered over a soft, biscuit-like cake and topped with a cloud of whipped cream. Using Bisquick makes the process incredibly easy, ensuring that even novice bakers can create a beautiful and mouthwatering shortcake with minimal effort.
Shortcake differs from regular sponge cake because of its dense, biscuit-style texture. It has a slightly crispy exterior and a fluffy, tender interior, making it the perfect vehicle for juicy, macerated strawberries and lightly sweetened whipped cream. The charm of Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake lies in its rustic, homemade appeal—it’s not about perfection but about pure flavor and nostalgic joy.
Why Bisquick Makes It Even Better
Bisquick has been a pantry staple for decades for a reason. The mix already contains the perfect ratio of flour, fat, leavening, and salt, making it ideal for quick and consistent baking. When you use Bisquick for strawberry shortcake, you eliminate much of the guesswork involved in achieving the perfect biscuit texture.
Additionally, Bisquick-based shortcakes have a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh strawberries. Unlike sponge cakes that are airy and light, Bisquick shortcakes offer a richer, more substantial bite, giving a lovely contrast to the soft whipped cream and syrupy berries. It’s the perfect combination of hearty and delicate in one easy-to-make dessert.
The Importance of Fresh Strawberries
The true star of this dessert is the strawberries. Fresh, ripe strawberries that are bright red, firm, and juicy will yield the best results. Macerating the strawberries with a little sugar draws out their natural juices, creating a luscious syrup that soaks into the shortcake layers, making each bite even more flavorful.
Using in-season strawberries enhances the overall taste and texture of the dessert, as out-of-season berries can sometimes be watery or bland. In the height of summer, when strawberries are at their peak, this dessert transforms into something truly magical—sweet, fragrant, and bursting with vibrant flavor.
Homemade Whipped Cream: The Perfect Finishing Touch
While store-bought whipped cream can work in a pinch, nothing compares to the taste and texture of homemade whipped cream. Lightly sweetened and softly whipped, it adds an airy richness that balances the dense shortcake and the tart berries.
Adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream can deepen the flavor profile, complementing both the strawberries and the shortcake perfectly. Homemade whipped cream holds its shape better and melts into the shortcake layers in the most delightful way, creating a dreamy mouthfeel with every bite.
Tips for the Best Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
To elevate your Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake from good to unforgettable, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough shortcakes rather than the tender, flaky texture you’re aiming for. Stir the ingredients just until combined and handle the dough gently.
Second, let the strawberries macerate for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This gives them time to release their juices and develop that beautiful, syrupy consistency. Third, assemble the shortcakes just before serving to maintain the integrity of the biscuit and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Lastly, consider experimenting with slight variations, such as adding a little lemon zest to the strawberries or brushing the tops of the shortcakes with melted butter before baking for a glossy, golden finish.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic version is a fan favorite, there are plenty of ways to customize your Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake. For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the shortcake dough. For a richer flavor, incorporate a bit of cream cheese into the whipped topping.
Chocolate lovers might enjoy drizzling melted dark chocolate over the assembled shortcake, or even mixing mini chocolate chips into the dough. You can also swap the strawberries for other seasonal fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for a fresh take on this traditional dessert.
For a truly indulgent treat, serve the shortcake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The cold, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the warm, syrupy berries and tender shortcake.
Serving Suggestions
Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake is best served shortly after assembly. You can prepare the components—baked shortcakes, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream—a few hours ahead of time and keep them separate until you’re ready to serve.
For a beautiful presentation, consider stacking the shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream in layers inside small glass jars or parfait cups. This makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, and other casual gatherings. You can also cut the shortcakes into fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties or special occasions.
Garnish each serving with a fresh mint leaf, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few extra strawberry slices for an extra special touch. No matter how you serve it, this dessert is sure to impress.
Healthier Adaptations
Although traditional Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful indulgence, there are easy ways to make it a little healthier without sacrificing flavor. Try using a low-fat version of Bisquick mix, or substitute some of the milk with Greek yogurt for added protein and a slightly tangy taste.
You can also reduce the amount of sugar used in both the strawberries and the whipped cream, or opt for a sugar substitute like honey or agave syrup. Whole wheat Bisquick mix is another option that adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining a delicious, hearty texture.
Using light whipped cream or whipped coconut cream is another excellent alternative, especially for those who are dairy-free or looking for a plant-based option.
A Dessert for Every Occasion
One of the greatest things about Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake is its versatility. It’s casual enough for a weeknight dessert but can be easily dressed up for a more formal dinner or special event. It evokes memories of family gatherings, warm summer afternoons, and joyful celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this dessert fits the bill. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Because it relies on basic pantry staples and fresh fruit, it’s also an excellent choice when you want to whip up something delicious without a trip to the store. Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake proves that simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create something truly extraordinary.
Conclusion
Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake remains one of the most beloved desserts for good reason. Its combination of tender, buttery shortcake, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream is the stuff of sweet, simple perfection. Using Bisquick makes the process quick and foolproof, offering a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor or texture.
This dessert is a nostalgic nod to simpler times and a celebration of the beauty of seasonal ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore fun variations, Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake is sure to become a staple in your home just as it has in countless others for generations. Every bite is a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding.