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There’s nothing quite like the sweet scent of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the kitchen, especially when they’re layered with succulent strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream. As the summer sun shines and berry-picking season arrives, I can’t help but think of the joy this Classic Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake brings to family gatherings and warm evenings on the porch.

This delightful dessert isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a chance to celebrate the simple pleasures of life. With just a few ingredients and a nod to nostalgia, this recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness, making it the perfect go-to dessert when you want to impress without the fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to mix and match fruits or add your favorite flavors to make it uniquely yours. So, roll up those sleeves and join me in crafting this sweet masterpiece that’s bound to become a cherished favorite!

Why is Strawberry Shortcake the Perfect Dessert?

Classic flavors come together in this timeless dessert, creating a symphony of taste and texture that everyone loves. Easy to make with Bisquick, it’s perfect for both novice and seasoned chefs alike. Versatile options allow you to swap in your favorite fruits, ensuring you’ll never tire of it. Impressive presentation with layers of whipped cream and bright strawberries makes any gathering feel special. Finally, quick preparation means you can whip it up in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with family and friends.

Strawberry Shortcake Ingredients

• Gather these essentials for the ultimate strawberry shortcake experience.

For the Shortcakes

Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix – This key ingredient simplifies the process while delivering delicious flavor and texture.
Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness; adjust according to your taste preferences for this classic strawberry shortcake.
2% Milk – Adds moisture to the dough; feel free to swap for whole milk or a non-dairy alternative for richness.
Salted Butter (melted) – Infuses the biscuits with a rich buttery flavor; unsalted butter works too if you add a pinch of salt.

For the Strawberries

Fresh Strawberries – The star of the show; use ripe, seasonal berries for the sweetest flavor and juiciness.

For the Whipped Cream

Heavy Whipping Cream – Essential for achieving that light and airy whipped topping; half-and-half or cream alternatives can give different results.
Optional Vanilla Extract – A splash can elevate the flavor of the whipped cream, adding a delightful twist to the classic recipe.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Preheat the oven to 425°F. This ensures your shortcakes bake evenly and rise to that delicious golden color.
Prepare the strawberries by rinsing and slicing them. Mix the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl and set aside to macerate. This helps them release their sweet juices for a delightful topping.
Combine the Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky, which is perfect for flaky shortcakes!
Drop spoonfuls of this dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving space between each biscuit to allow for spreading as they bake.
Bake for 16-17 minutes or until golden brown. Let the shortcakes cool for 10-15 minutes to set before assembling.
Beat the heavy cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Refrigerate the whipped cream until you’re ready to layer it with the strawberries.
Layer the cooled shortcakes by slicing them in half, adding a generous serving of macerated strawberries, and topping it with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful and aromatic finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake

Choosing Strawberries: Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor in your strawberry shortcake; they’re sweeter and juicier!
Avoid Tough Biscuits: Mix the dough just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense, tough shortcakes that miss the delicate, crumbly texture.
Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F for perfectly risen and golden-brown biscuits. An oven thermometer can help avoid inaccuracies.
Cooling Period: Allow the baked shortcakes to cool completely so they hold their shape when layered with strawberries and whipped cream.
Whipped Cream Perfection: For fluffier whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand. This helps achieve soft peaks with ease!
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover strawberry shortcake, store the components separately to prevent sogginess; assemble fresh before serving for the best taste experience.

What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake?

Celebrate the joy of summer sweetness and create a delightful meal that your family will cherish.

Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkling of mint adds a refreshing note that brightens the dish and enhances the flavor of strawberries.
Lemon Zest Sprinkle: Brightens the entire dessert; a bit of zest offers a vibrant taste contrast with the sweetness of strawberries.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and sweet, it pairs perfectly with the shortcake’s texture, creating a luxurious, nostalgic bite.
Iced Tea with Lemon: Refreshing and crisp, a cool glass of iced tea complements the richness of whipped cream and strawberries wonderfully.
Mixed Berry Salad: A medley of summer berries provides a fresh, juicy counterpart that enhances the overall fruitiness of your meal.
Chocolate Drizzle: Adds a decadent touch; a light drizzle of chocolate can create a delightful contrast with the fruity flavors of the shortcake.
Pineapple Coconut Smoothie: Creamy and tropical, this smoothie will pair beautifully with the shortcake while adding an exotic flair.
Homemade Lemonade: Tart and sweet, it balances the sugary strawberry shortcake and keeps the palate refreshed.
Mini Fruit Tarts: Delightful bite-sized desserts that will impress guests and complement the flavors of strawberry shortcake without overwhelming.

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Bisquick Strawberry Shortcakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the Bisquick, milk, sugar, and melted butter, then chilling it in the refrigerator (this helps maintain its texture). You can also macerate the strawberries up to 3 days ahead to enhance their sweetness and save time when you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to enjoy, simply drop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and proceed with baking as directed. Finish by layering the cooled shortcakes with strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!

Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake

Room Temperature: If you’re serving the strawberry shortcake immediately, keep the assembled dessert at room temperature for no more than 1–2 hours for optimal taste and texture.
Fridge: Store any leftover baked shortcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream separate to maintain their freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap unassembled shortcakes in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and layer with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Reheating: If desired, briefly warm the baked shortcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before assembling to enjoy the delightful contrast of warm biscuits with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Strawberry Shortcake Variations

Embrace the joy of creating your own delightful twists on this classic dessert with these fun and exciting variations!

Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful, tangy treat. Combining different berries adds a burst of flavor that will surprise your taste buds!
Peachy Keen: Replace strawberries with ripe peaches for a sweeter, juicy alternative that screams summer. The juicy peaches bring a whole new level of deliciousness to your shortcake.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the shortcake dough for an aromatic kick. This brightens up the flavor profile, making it a refreshing dessert any time of the year.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or walnuts into the shortcake dough for a delightful crunch. The added texture complements the softness of the whipped cream beautifully!
Pumpkin Spice: For a seasonal twist, mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin spice into the dough during fall. You’ll enjoy the warm, cozy flavors that are perfect for autumn gatherings.
Chocolate Infusion: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping for a decadent touch. Who wouldn’t love a little chocolate with their strawberries?
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that’s rich and creamy. Not only does this create a lush texture, but it also adds a hint of tropical flavor.
Slab Shortcake: Bake the shortcake dough in a rectangular pan for convenient slices, perfect for serving a crowd. This way, everyone can enjoy their delicious piece of the action without the fuss!

Classic Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting strawberries?
Absolutely! When picking strawberries, look for berries that are bright red and free from dark spots or mold. The best ones are plump, firm, and fragrant, which indicates they are ripe and ready to eat. For the sweetest flavor, choose in-season strawberries, typically available in spring and summer.

How should I store leftover strawberry shortcake?
Very! To maintain freshness, store leftover baked shortcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream in separate containers. This way, your shortcakes will stay fluffy, and the strawberries won’t make them soggy.

Can I freeze strawberry shortcake?
Certainly! For freezing, wrap unassembled shortcakes tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and layer with freshly sliced strawberries and whipped cream. This way, you can savor the deliciousness anytime!

What should I do if my shortcakes turn out tough?
If your biscuits come out tough, don’t worry! This can happen if the dough is overmixed. Aim to mix just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid excessive kneading. Additionally, make sure that your oven is at the correct temperature for baking; a hot oven helps create those qualities we love in shortcakes.

Are there any dietary considerations for this strawberry shortcake recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re making this dessert for guests with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free Bisquick for those who need a gluten-free option. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and whipped cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk and coconut whip. This classic strawberry shortcake can easily be adapted for various dietary needs!

How long can I keep my whipped cream?
Very! Whipped cream is best used within 24 hours of preparation for optimal freshness, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its fluffy texture. If it starts to separate, just give it a gentle stir before serving again.