Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes

Name: Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Family Kitchen

I can’t help but feel excited when making these Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes! The combination of fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream layered between light and tender shortcakes creates a delightful dessert that's perfect for any romantic occasion. I've experimented with different methods, and I’ve found that letting the strawberries macerate with a little sugar enhances their sweetness, making each bite a burst of flavor. This dessert is not just visually stunning but also a delicious way to celebrate love and indulge yourself or someone special.

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:21:45.131Z

Making these strawberry shortcakes was a wonderful experience for me, as I got to balance the sweetness of the strawberries with the whipped cream. I learned that using a mix of heavy cream and a touch of vanilla elevates the flavor, and the whipped texture is light enough to complement the strawberries. This harmony of flavors creates a delightful dessert that I can enjoy any time.

One tip I can share is to let the strawberry mixture sit for a while after adding sugar. This extra time allows the strawberries to release their juices, creating a syrup that soaks beautifully into the shortcakes. It’s a simple step that truly makes a difference in taste and presentation!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh strawberries bring vibrant flavor and color.
Light, tender shortcakes are golden and soft.
Whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to each bite.

      

The Importance of Fresh Strawberries

When preparing your Valentines Treats Strawberry Shortcakes, using fresh strawberries is essential for achieving the best flavor. Look for ripe, vibrant strawberries that are fragrant and firm. Strawberries that are too soft may be overripe and won’t hold their shape during assembly. Additionally, if you're unable to find fresh strawberries, consider using high-quality frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy shortcakes.

Macerating the strawberries with sugar is a crucial step that enhances their natural sweetness and draws out their juices. The sugar not only sweetens the strawberries but also helps soften them, creating a luscious syrup that adds moisture to your shortcakes. Allow them to sit for at least 15 minutes; if time permits, letting them macerate for up to an hour can intensify their flavor even more.

Perfecting the Shortcakes

To achieve the light and tender texture of the shortcakes, be cautious when mixing the dough. Overworking the dough will yield tough shortcakes, while underworking it can lead to denser results. Aim to mix until just combined, and when kneading, do so gently to maintain the airiness. A pastry cutter or two forks work well for cutting in the butter, ensuring you achieve those desirable coarse crumbs that will transform into flaky layers when baked.

An important tip for baking shortcakes is to preheat your oven accurately. The high temperature of 425°F (220°C) helps create those golden edges and a soft interior. Keep an eye on the shortcakes towards the end of the bake time; they should be lightly golden and rise beautifully. If you find them browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

Ingredients

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, chilled and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberries

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.

Steps to Make

Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to soften and release juices.

Make the Shortcakes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla, forming a dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle, then cut into rounds.

Bake the Shortcakes

Place shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Slice the shortcakes in half. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and their juice, then a generous dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half back on and finish with more whipped cream and strawberries, if desired.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, enjoying the fresh, juicy strawberries with each bite.

Pro Tips

Taste your strawberries before mixing them with sugar
this will help you adjust the sweetness based on their ripeness. Feel free to experiment with adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist on the strawberries!

Whipped Cream Techniques

For the whipped cream, using chilled tools is critical to achieving the perfect texture. Before beating the cream, place your mixing bowl and whisk in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Cold equipment will help the cream whip faster and retain its shape better. Keep an eye on the cream as you whip; stop beating once you see soft peaks forming, as overbeaten cream can turn grainy and lose its smoothness.

You can customize the whipped cream by adding flavors like almond extract or even a dash of liqueur, like Frangelico or Baileys, for a delightful twist. Alternatively, if you prefer a non-dairy version, coconut cream can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to chill the can before scooping out the cream and whipping it as you would regular heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Strawberry Shortcakes, consider pairing them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor contrast. Fresh mint leaves can also serve as a beautiful garnish, adding an aromatic touch that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully. For a more festive presentation, using a clear glass dish to layer the ingredients can showcase those vibrant colors.

If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. The shortcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. The macerated strawberries and whipped cream can be kept in the refrigerator, making this an ideal make-ahead recipe for romantic events like anniversaries or special date nights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you're ready to use.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in the whipped cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping as a dairy-free alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover shortcakes and strawberries separate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I freeze the shortcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the baked shortcakes. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.