Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

Name: Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes for my friends and family. The combination of fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream creates a heavenly dessert that is perfect for any celebration. I enjoy experimenting with different toppings, but there's something special about the classic flavors that always steal the show. These shortcakes are not only easy to prepare, but they also look elegant on a dessert table, making them a delightful treat for loved ones on Valentine's Day or any occasion.

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:13:09.548Z

When I first made these strawberry shortcakes, I knew I had hit the flavor jackpot. The lightness of the biscuits paired beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, and the whipped cream added just the right amount of richness. I discovered that letting the strawberries sit with a bit of sugar enhances their natural sweetness, making them more flavorful.

One tip I’ve learned over time is to serve the shortcakes immediately after assembling them. This ensures the biscuits retain their texture and don’t become soggy. Also, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vanilla to the whipped cream for an extra hint of flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fluffy, buttery biscuits that are easy to make and delicious.
Fresh strawberries that burst with flavor and sweetness.
Creamy whipped topping that elevates each bite to perfection.

      

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh strawberries is pivotal for achieving the best flavor in your strawberry shortcakes. Look for berries that are deep red and firm; this indicates ripeness and sweetness. If strawberries are out of season, I recommend looking for good-quality frozen berries; just remember to thaw and drain them first to avoid soggy shortcakes.

The heavy cream used for both the biscuits and the whipped topping contributes to the delightful richness of this dessert. In biscuits, it hydrates the dry ingredients, creating a tender crumb. Make sure to use cold cream when whipping for the best volume and texture—this ensures a fluffy, stable topping that holds its shape beautifully.

Technique Tips for Perfect Biscuits

When making shortcake biscuits, be cautious to avoid over-mixing the dough. The goal is to combine the ingredients just until no dry flour remains to achieve that light, flaky texture. If you overwork the dough, the biscuits can become tough—no one wants that! A light hand and a quick knead will give you the results you desire.

To get your biscuits to rise evenly, ensure that your butter is cold and cubed before adding it to the dry ingredients. This allows pockets of fat to create steam during baking, resulting in fluffy layers. If you find the dough too sticky while shaping, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour to help manage it.

Ingredients for Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

For the Shortcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream

For the Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Guidance

Instructions for Making Strawberry Shortcakes

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss to coat and let them sit for about 15 minutes, allowing their juices to develop.

Make the Shortcake Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in cream until just combined.

Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and pat to 1-inch thickness. Cut biscuits with a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Whip the Cream

While the biscuits bake, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice the baked shortcakes in half. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and whipped cream, then place the top half on. Add more strawberries and cream on top.

Enjoy Your Treat!

Pro Tips

For a variation, add a splash of liqueur to the strawberries for an extra punch of flavor. You can also substitute other berries or fruits to create your own twist!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to create these strawberry shortcakes in advance, you can prepare the biscuits and strawberries the day before. Store the baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature and keep the strawberries in the fridge. This way, you can whip up the shortcakes quickly when your guests arrive.

The whipped cream can also be made ahead of time, but be cautious with storage. Whipped cream can deflate if left for too long, so I suggest making it no more than a few hours ahead. If you plan to store it, keep it in a container with an airtight seal—consider adding a bit of gelatin to stabilize it for longer-lasting fluffiness.

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry shortcakes are versatile and can be served in various ways. For a twist, consider adding a layer of lemon curd or even mascarpone cheese between the strawberries and whipped cream for added richness and a zesty flavor. This not only enhances the taste but also presents beautifully when served.

For an elegant presentation, serve the layers in individual glasses or jars. This not only makes for a stunning dessert display but also allows each portion to be filled per preference. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and an additional hint of freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the shortcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat them slightly before assembling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover assembled shortcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, although the biscuits may become softer over time.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and taste, but frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative for a lighter version of the whipped topping.