This Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake is the ultimate dessert for strawberry lovers. The light and fluffy shortcake is the perfect base for juicy, sweetened strawberries, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
The combination of textures—tender shortcake, fresh strawberries, and creamy topping—makes every bite a treat. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as an after-dinner indulgence, this dessert is sure to please. You can easily customize the recipe by adding more toppings, like a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups Bisquick pancake and baking mix
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 cup melted butter
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2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
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Whipped cream for topping
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick mix, sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until the dough forms and is soft but not sticky.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the greased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the shortcakes are golden brown.
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While the shortcakes bake, prepare the strawberries by tossing them with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
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Once the shortcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
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Slice the shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of each shortcake and top with whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on top.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The History of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is one of those timeless desserts that has been enjoyed by families for generations. Its humble beginnings date back to the early 19th century when it started as a simple biscuit topped with fresh strawberries and cream. Over the years, it has evolved into the beloved treat we know today, incorporating various styles of biscuits, cakes, and toppings.
The original version of strawberry shortcake used simple ingredients that were easily available to early settlers: flour, butter, sugar, and milk. It was likely a variation of the classic British “scones” or “biscuits” that were baked alongside fresh summer berries. The strawberry component was often a seasonal treat, with strawberries being picked at their peak ripeness during late spring and early summer. The addition of cream or milk transformed this simple dessert into something much more luxurious.
As the years passed, strawberry shortcake began to be served as a dessert for special occasions. In the United States, it became a popular treat during holidays such as the Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day. It’s easy to see why: this dessert not only celebrates the bounty of summer strawberries but also feels indulgent and festive.
Why Choose Bisquick for Strawberry Shortcake?
In a world that constantly demands efficiency and convenience, using Bisquick for making strawberry shortcake is a genius move. Bisquick, a pre-made baking mix, was introduced by the General Mills company in the 1930s and quickly became a household staple. The beauty of Bisquick is that it simplifies the baking process. Instead of measuring out individual dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt, Bisquick provides a pre-mixed solution, ensuring your shortcakes come together in no time with minimal effort.
Using Bisquick in this recipe allows you to make a light, fluffy shortcake without the need for advanced baking skills. Bisquick helps to create the perfect base for strawberries and whipped cream, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, Bisquick offers a no-fuss way to create a classic dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.
Tips for Perfect Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
To make sure your Bisquick strawberry shortcake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
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Use Fresh, In-Season Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this dish, so be sure to use ripe, in-season strawberries when making this dessert. Look for berries that are bright red and plump, with no signs of bruising. Fresh strawberries will provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the richness of the shortcake.
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Let the Strawberries Macerate: After slicing your strawberries, sprinkle them with a little sugar and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This process, called maceration, draws out the juices from the strawberries and creates a sweet syrup. Not only will this enhance the flavor of the strawberries, but it will also help to keep your shortcakes from becoming soggy.
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Whip the Cream Just Right: For the whipped cream topping, make sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks. If you overwhip, the cream can turn into butter, which you definitely don’t want for this recipe. It’s best to whip the cream right before serving to ensure it’s fresh and airy.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: When making your Bisquick shortcake dough, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough shortcakes, and no one wants that. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, so try to handle it as gently as possible when forming the shortcakes.
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Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to the right temperature (425°F). This high temperature will allow the shortcakes to bake up golden and flaky in a relatively short amount of time. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they bake, since oven times can vary.
Variations of Strawberry Shortcake
While the classic version of strawberry shortcake is always a winner, there are plenty of ways to put a fun spin on this dessert. Here are some ideas to try next time you make strawberry shortcake:
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Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits: Layer the shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream in a glass to create a beautiful and individualized dessert. This is perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to present your dessert in a more elegant way.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Shortcake: For a decadent twist, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the shortcake or incorporate chocolate chips into the Bisquick dough. The combination of strawberry, cream, and chocolate is irresistible.
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Vegan Strawberry Shortcake: To make a dairy-free version of this dessert, you can substitute plant-based whipped cream and non-dairy milk in the Bisquick shortcake dough. Using coconut cream or another vegan topping can create a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Lemon Strawberry Shortcake: Add a zesty twist by mixing lemon zest into the dough or by squeezing a little fresh lemon juice over the strawberries before topping them with whipped cream. The tangy lemon flavor will complement the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream: For a fun summer treat, layer the shortcake pieces with strawberry ice cream and whipped cream to make a frozen strawberry shortcake dessert. This is perfect for hot summer days when you want to cool down with something sweet.
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Mini Strawberry Shortcakes: Instead of making a large shortcake, create individual shortcakes for a more personalized dessert. This is especially nice for gatherings or parties, as each guest can enjoy their own little portion.
Why Strawberry Shortcake is a Crowd-Pleaser
Strawberry shortcake is one of those rare desserts that can truly please a crowd. It combines the freshness of fruit with the richness of cream and the lightness of the shortcake, making it the perfect dessert for almost any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, a summer picnic, or just as an after-dinner treat, people of all ages can enjoy it.
Its versatility is another reason why strawberry shortcake remains so popular. You can tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences or personal tastes. Whether you’re making it with Bisquick, from scratch, or even as a gluten-free or vegan version, strawberry shortcake can be easily adapted to fit your needs. Additionally, its vibrant red strawberries make it an ideal dessert for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or the Fourth of July.
Conclusion
Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its history, simplicity, and versatility have made it a beloved treat that’s passed down from generation to generation. Using Bisquick for this recipe makes it incredibly easy to whip up, allowing even beginner bakers to create a delicious dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many variations, strawberry shortcake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So next time you’re looking for a sweet, summery dessert, look no further than Bisquick strawberry shortcake.