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; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp almond extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore creating sweet treats for Valentine's Day, and these Strawberry Shortcakes are one of my favorites! The combination of fluffy shortcake, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream makes for the perfect romantic dessert. I love how easy they are to assemble yet impressive enough to wow my loved ones. This year, I decided to elevate the classic recipe by infusing the cream with vanilla and a hint of almond extract, creating a delightful and fragrant twist that makes these shortcakes truly special.

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-11T23:55:07.262Z

When I first made these Strawberry Shortcakes, I was blown away by how quickly they came together! The shortcake dough is simple but so buttery and tender. I typically mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which results in the perfect texture after baking. I've learned that resting the dough for a few minutes really helps enhance the flavors as well.

One of my tips is to coat the strawberries in a little sugar and let them sit for a while before assembling. This draws out their juices and creates a lovely syrup that elevates the dessert. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and that slight tartness from the berries—just heavenly!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Tender, fluffy shortcakes that melt in your mouth
Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor, enhanced by a touch of sugar
Light and fluffy whipped cream with a delightful almond twist

      

Perfecting the Shortcake Technique

The shortcakes rely on a specific technique to achieve the right texture. When mixing in the butter, be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough shortcakes. Aim for a consistency where the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Therefore, using a pastry cutter or your fingers can be more effective than using a spoon, allowing for better incorporation without heating the butter too much.

Another key aspect of successful shortcakes is the baking process. Once you’ve shaped the rounds, space them about an inch apart on the baking sheet to ensure even baking. As they bake, check for visual cues like golden edges and a puffed appearance, which typically happens around the 12-minute mark. If they seem pale, give them an additional minute or two, but watch closely to avoid over-browning.

Choosing and Preparing Strawberries

Selecting the right strawberries can transform your dessert. Look for vibrant red berries that are firm and fragrant. Avoid any that are overly soft or have green spots, as they may lack flavor. If strawberries are out of season, I recommend using frozen strawberries; just thaw and drain them before mixing with sugar to release their juices, keeping the flavor vibrant without being too watery.

When preparing your strawberries, slice them just before serving to maximize freshness. Tossing them in sugar not only enhances their flavor but also draws out the juices, creating a syrupy mixture. If you're concerned about overly sweet strawberries, adjust the sugar amount based on your personal preference or consider using a splash of lemon juice for a touch of acidity to balance sweetness.

Elevating Your Whipped Cream

The whipped cream is a crucial component of this dessert, and how you whip it can make all the difference. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled before starting, as colder equipment helps achieve fluffier peaks. Whipping at medium speed will help incorporate air more efficiently, so avoid turning up to high speed too quickly, which can be a common mistake resulting in grainy cream.

To tweak the flavor of your whipped cream, consider adding a touch of mix-ins. A swirl of finely grated lemon zest can add a delightful freshness, while a hint of cocoa powder can introduce a chocolatey twist. Furthermore, you can prepare the whipped cream a few hours in advance; just store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, give it a quick re-whip to revive its texture before assembling your shortcakes.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

Shortcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tbsp sugar

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions: Steps to Make the Strawberry Shortcakes

Instructions

How to Make Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar. Mix gently and let sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.

Make the Shortcake Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Carefully stir in the heavy cream and vanilla until just combined.

Bake the Shortcakes

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a thick rectangle and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Whip the Cream

In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice the shortcakes in half, spoon some strawberries and their juice onto the bottom half, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, and top with the other half of the shortcake.

Enjoy Your Treats!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of liqueur to the strawberries. If you're short on time, store-bought shortcakes work well in a pinch!

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry shortcakes are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the presentation by adding a sprig of mint for color and aroma. Alternatively, a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add an unexpected gourmet touch. For a more festive approach, consider layering the shortcake components in individual glasses, creating a visually appealing parfait.

If you want to mix things up, consider adding different fruits based on seasonal availability. Raspberries, blueberries, or even peach slices can complement the strawberries beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level slightly if using tarter fruits to maintain a balanced sweetness in your dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, as refrigerating them can make them soggy. Strawberry filling can be stored in the fridge for about three days, while whipped cream should be consumed within a couple of days for optimal lightness and texture.

If you plan to prepare in advance, you can bake the shortcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just before serving, rewarm them lightly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will make them nice and fluffy again, which is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shortcakes turn out dense rather than fluffy, it may be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. It’s best to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than packing it down, which can lead to excess flour. Additionally, using cold ingredients and avoiding over-kneading the dough will help ensure the perfect texture.

If your strawberries release too much juice and make the shortcake soggy, try tossing them with sugar earlier, allowing them to sit while you prepare the other components. This will help thicken the liquid and create more of a syrup than a watery filling. Straining excess juice just before assembling can also help maintain the shortcake's integrity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the whipped cream won't be as thick.

→ How long will the assembled shortcakes last?

Assembled shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them to avoid soggy shortcakes.

→ What can I do with leftover strawberries?

Leftover strawberries can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, or used in smoothies.