Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

Name: Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 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; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

We absolutely adore making these Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes whenever we want to celebrate love — be it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in. The sweet strawberries, light whipped cream, and buttery biscuits create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. I love how simple yet elegant this dessert is, and it never fails to impress our guests. You can customize it with different fruits too, making it versatile for any season. Let’s get started on this charming treat to share with those we hold dear!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:01:27.848Z

Making these Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes always brings back fond memories of sharing desserts with friends and loved ones. I love picking the ripest strawberries at the market, and there's something so rewarding about transforming fresh ingredients into a simple yet stunning dessert. The sweet scent fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel excited as I whip up the cream.

One secret I’ve learned is to let the strawberries macerate in sugar for about 10 minutes. This not only enhances their sweetness but also draws out the juices, creating a luscious topping for the shortcakes. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in flavor!

        Why You'll Love These Treats!
        Delicately sweet homemade biscuits topped with juicy strawberries
Fluffy whipped cream that adds a luxurious touch
Perfectly romantic for Valentine’s Day or any occasion

      

Perfecting the Shortcake Base

The shortcake base is pivotal in creating the right texture for your strawberry shortcakes. It should be tender yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy strawberries and whipped cream. Make sure to use cold butter, as this helps create the flaky layers. When cutting the butter into the flour mixture, aim for pea-sized pieces, which will create that desired lightness in the final product. If you notice your dough is too wet, add a sprinkle of flour as needed to help with the consistency.

To shape your shortcakes, patting the dough gently is essential. This technique helps maintain the air bubbles trapped in the dough, contributing to a lighter texture. Avoid rolling the dough out, as it may lead to denser cakes. Using a biscuit cutter ensures clean edges, which promote even baking. If you don’t have a cutter, a glass with a sharp rim works just as well—just be sure to press straight down without twisting, which can seal the edges.

Mastering the Whipped Cream

Whipping cream to the right consistency can elevate your strawberry shortcakes. Start with cold heavy whipping cream; I recommend chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping to help achieve faster results. Beat until soft peaks form—this means the cream should hold its shape but still have a slight wobble. If you prefer a sweeter topping, gradually mix in powdered sugar, adjusting to your taste. Avoid over-whipping, as this can lead to butter forming, making the texture grainy instead of smooth.

For enhanced flavor, consider infusing your whipped cream with other extracts or zest. A hint of almond extract or lemon zest pairs beautifully with strawberries. For serving, dollop or pipe the whipped cream onto the shortcakes for an elegant look. If you're making them ahead of time, assemble the shortcakes without the whipped cream, as it can cause the biscuits to become soggy. Whip the cream fresh just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

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
3/4 cup heavy cream

For the Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ensure you have everything you need to whip up these delights!

Instructions

Follow these steps for the perfect shortcakes:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes to macerate.

Make the Shortcake Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.

Shape the Shortcakes

Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter or a glass and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Whip the Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice each shortcake in half. On the bottom half, spoon some macerated strawberries and top with whipped cream. Place the top half back on and repeat with remaining shortcakes.

Enjoy every bite of your delicious creations!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the whipping cream for enhanced flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These strawberry shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components in advance to save time. Store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the unbaked dough cutouts for about a month. Just bake them from the frozen state, adding an extra minute to the baking time for a delightful treat at a later date.

Macerated strawberries can be prepared up to four hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to give them a gentle stir before using, as they can release juice over time. Remember to whip the cream right before serving for the freshest taste, which will complement the shortcakes perfectly.

Variations and Customizations

While strawberries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or peaches can add unique flavors and colors to your shortcakes. If using berries, adjust the sugar in the maceration step based on your fruit's sweetness—raspberries often need less sugar due to their natural tartness.

For a twist, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache or a drizzle of caramel sauce between the strawberries and whipped cream for a decadent surprise. You can also modify the cream by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or a splash of liqueur like Frangelico or Amaretto for an adult version. These variations can turn a simple dessert into a custom creation that suits any palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?

Yes, the shortcakes can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving for the best experience.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture may be less rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any assembled shortcake in the fridge for a short time; however, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Keep the components separate and assemble as needed.