When summer’s warmth hits my kitchen, I think of my grandma’s garden. There, strawberries shone bright, ready to be picked. These berries started the strawberry season and our favorite shortcake.

Family gatherings were filled with laughter and stories. We’d enjoy homemade strawberry shortcake together. Each bite was a mix of fresh strawberries, sweet biscuits, and creamy whipped cream.

This dessert is more than food. It’s about love, tradition, and making memories. Every slice brings back happy times with family.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

This Southern Strawberry Shortcake recipe is a taste of summer. It mixes fresh strawberries with fluffy shortcake. It’s a dessert that feels both old and new.

It’s easy to make, even for beginners. The mix of sweet strawberries and creamy toppings is amazing. It looks great and tastes even better.

Every bite is special, making any event feel like a party. The fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just enjoying a sunny day. This dessert will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for a Perfect Southern Strawberry Shortcake

To make the best homemade strawberry shortcake, you need the right stuff. My top picks are:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 4½ teaspoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, tops removed and sliced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for strawberries and whipped cream)
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (for topping)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)

Choosing the best ingredients for Southern Strawberry Shortcake is key. Fresh, ripe strawberries add a sweet taste that makes this dessert special. I pick simple, high-quality parts so the strawberries can be the main attraction. This way, everyone gets a taste of summer’s sweetness.

How to Make Southern Strawberry Shortcake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Southern Strawberry Shortcake is easy. I love making this recipe. It shows off fresh strawberries and creamy whipped topping. Here’s how to make it in a few simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the heavy cream to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this is key for a tender shortcake.
4. Use a large cookie scoop or measuring cup to drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening slightly with your fingers.
5. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden.
6. While the shortcakes bake, prepare the strawberries. Toss them with granulated sugar and vanilla extract, letting them sit for at least an hour to create a delicious syrup.
7. To make the whipped cream, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and additional vanilla until soft peaks form.
8. When it’s time to serve, slice the shortcakes in half, layer with the sweetened strawberries and whipped cream, and top with the other half.

By following these simple steps, I can create an impressive dessert. It perfectly shows off Southern baking tradition. Enjoy every bite of this delicious strawberry shortcake!

Serving Tips for Southern Strawberry Shortcake

When serving my Southern Strawberry Shortcake, how it looks is key. I dust each shortcake with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch. A sprig of fresh mint makes it colorful and pretty.

I suggest serving extra whipped cream and macerated strawberries on the side. This lets guests add what they like. It makes their dessert just right.

Enjoying this dessert with sweet iced tea is perfect. It adds to the Southern charm. These tips make strawberry shortcake a special treat for all.

Storage Tips for Your Shortcake Creations

After enjoying homemade strawberry shortcake, I think about keeping it fresh. Store the shortcake biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days.

For the strawberries and whipped cream, keep them in the fridge. The strawberries last about two days. The whipped cream is best fresh but can be stored for a few hours.

Freezing the shortcake biscuits is a great idea. They can be frozen for up to three months. Assemble the strawberries and whipped cream fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.