Old-Fashioned Shortcake

Old-Fashioned Shortcake: A Classic Dessert Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting and nostalgic as an Old-Fashioned Shortcake. Soft, buttery shortcakes paired with sweet, fresh strawberries and lightly whipped cream create a timeless dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings—or anytime you crave a sweet treat. This recipe serves 4-6 people and is simple enough for beginners while still impressively delicious.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this classic dessert is sure to delight.

Ingredients

For the Shortcakes:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk or buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 egg, lightly beaten for brushing

For the Filling:

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Optional: a splash of lemon juice or liqueur (like Grand Marnier) for extra flavor

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment:

Mixing bowls
Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting butter into flour)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Whisk or electric mixer
Knife and chopping board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Stir gently and let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This draws out the juices and sweetens the berries naturally. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of liqueur.

2. Make the Shortcake Dough

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This ensures a tender, flaky texture.

In a separate small bowl, combine the milk (or buttermilk) and vanilla extract. Pour the liquid into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—overworked dough can become tough.

3. Shape and Bake the Shortcakes

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a round biscuit cutter (or a glass) to cut out 8-10 shortcakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

4. Whip the Cream

While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; you want it light and fluffy.

5. Assemble the Shortcakes

Once the shortcakes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half horizontally. Spoon a generous layer of macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, then add a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on top and finish with more strawberries and cream, if desired.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Shortcake

Cold butter is key: The small chunks of butter create flakiness as they melt during baking. Keep butter in the fridge until ready to use.
Don’t overmix the dough: Overworked dough leads to dense shortcakes. Mix until just combined for the lightest texture.
Sweeten to taste: The sugar in the strawberries can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Make ahead: Shortcakes can be baked a few hours in advance and kept at room temperature. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Alternative fruits: While strawberries are classic, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mix of summer berries also work beautifully.