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; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes for special occasions. The combination of fresh strawberries layered with fluffy whipped cream and buttery shortcakes creates a delightful dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and the presentation is simply beautiful. Whether it's for a romantic dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe always wows my guests and fills the room with sweet aromas. I can't wait for you to try it and make some unforgettable memories!

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:19:10.364Z

When I first experimented with Strawberry Shortcakes, I decided to bring a twist to the classic version by adding a hint of vanilla and a touch of lemon zest. This small tweak elevated the flavors remarkably, making each shortcake taste even more vibrant. I also found that letting the strawberries macerate for just a little while enhances their sweetness, which is crucial for the overall dessert.

what I truly adore is how this recipe comes together so easily, making it perfect for any gathering, especially on Valentine's Day. Each layer feels like a culinary hug, and serving them in individual portions is visually stunning and makes the experience feel even more special!

        Why You'll Love These Strawberry Shortcakes
        Fresh, juicy strawberries mixed with sweet cream create a harmonious blend of flavors.
Delicate shortcakes that are buttery and melt in your mouth.
Perfectly sized for sharing on a romantic evening or a festive get-together.

      

Perfecting Your Strawberry Shortcakes

For the best results, ensure your butter is very cold when making the shortcake dough. This allows for steam to develop during baking, resulting in remarkably flaky layers. If you find the dough is too sticky to work with, dust your hands and the surface with a little extra flour while rolling out. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch to ensure a perfect rise during baking.

When you’re mixing the dry ingredients, it’s important not to overwork the dough once you add the cream. Overworking can lead to tough shortcakes, which we want to avoid. Stir until the mixture just comes together and then use a light touch when kneading on a floured surface. This will ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Enhancing Flavor with Strawberries

Macerating the strawberries not only enhances their sweetness but also transforms their texture, creating a juicy topping that seeps slightly into the shortcakes. You can adjust the sugar used in this step depending on your sweetness preference or the ripeness of your strawberries. If you want a twist, mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of fresh mint to the strawberries for a refreshing flavor boost.

If you prefer a thicker strawberry mixture, let the strawberries macerate for a longer period, up to 30 minutes. This gives them more time to break down and release their juices. Just make sure to drain some excess liquid before layering to prevent the shortcakes from getting soggy.

Whipping Cream to Perfection

Whipping the cream until soft peaks form is crucial for the perfect topping. It should be fluffy and hold its shape without being overwhipped, which could lead to a grainy texture. I recommend chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 10 minutes before getting started. This ensures that the cream stays cold during whipping, making it easier to achieve the desired consistency.

To add a rich depth of flavor, consider infusing your whipped cream with a teaspoon of almond extract or adding a splash of orange zest. Both will complement the strawberries beautifully. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, whipped cream can be made a few hours in advance; store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the shortcakes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start.

Ingredients for Shortcakes

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

Ingredients for Topping

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

Ensure you have everything you need before jumping into the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delectable dessert.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix gently and let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate. This will enhance their natural sweetness.

Make the Shortcakes

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla until just combined.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and roll to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds.

Bake the Shortcakes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shortcake rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow them to cool on a rack.

Whip the Cream

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Split the cooled shortcakes in half. Layer the bottom half with the macerated strawberries, top with whipped cream, and then replace the top half. Serve immediately.

Now enjoy your creation, perfect for sharing!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can infuse your whipped cream with a bit of almond extract or a splash of orange juice. This will create a unique twist that’s sure to impress your guests!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning a gathering, you can make the shortcakes a day in advance. Once they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just before serving, assemble them with the strawberries and cream for best freshness. Alternatively, you can freeze baked shortcakes for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

The strawberries also lend themselves well to make-ahead preparation. You can macerate them a few hours in advance for maximum flavor. Keep the macerated strawberries separate from the whipped cream until just before serving to maintain the texture and prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry shortcakes are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few additional fresh strawberries on top. For a festive touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

If you wish to add some texture contrast, consider incorporating crushed nuts, like pistachios or almonds, as a garnish. They add a lovely crunch that pairs well with the soft shortcakes and sweet strawberries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the shortcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just assemble right before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a whipped topping, but the flavor may vary slightly.

→ Can I freeze the shortcakes?

Absolutely! They can be frozen before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can use a variety of fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, to create different flavor combinations!