Easy Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Name: Mother's Day Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

April 3, 2025

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The sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes wafting through the air can make anyone weak at the knees. Now imagine that heavenly scent mixed with ripe strawberries glistening like tiny rubies on top of a fluffy cake. This is what you can expect when you whip up a Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake that will not only impress your mom but might just earn you the unofficial title of ‘Favorite Child’—at least for today.

When I think about Mother’s Day and this delectable dessert, I can’t help but remember my childhood. Every year, we’d gather in the kitchen to bake for Mom. Flour would go everywhere except in the bowl; I think we used more on our faces than in the cake! But when that shortcake came out of the oven, it was pure magic. It’s a dish that brings back laughter and love with each bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make strawberry shortcake is perfect for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers.
The burst of fresh strawberries paired with whipped cream creates a delightful flavor explosion.
Its vibrant colors make it a show-stopper at any gathering.
Plus, it’s versatile; serve it as breakfast or dessert!

I remember one Mother’s Day when my attempt at this dish sent my family into fits of laughter—let’s just say that my idea of “lightly greasing” the pan ended up creating a beautiful cake sculpture that could have doubled as modern art! Nevertheless, Mom loved it anyway.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red berries with their green tops still attached for optimal freshness and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour; it helps create a soft texture perfect for your cake.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh; old baking powder won’t give your cake the rise it needs.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors in the dish.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; this helps create that delightful fluffy texture.
Milk: Whole milk gives richness; however, you can substitute with almond milk if desired.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavors beautifully; avoid imitation if possible.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This will be whipped into clouds of goodness to top your creation!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab two round cake pans and lightly grease them so your masterpiece doesn’t stick like last month’s leftovers.

Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until combined. The sweet smell will start to fill your kitchen—just wait!

Creaming Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding sugar until fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes and feels like an arm workout.

Add Milk and Vanilla : Pour in milk and vanilla extract into the buttery mixture while continuing to beat until smooth. You’ll notice how everything blends beautifully.

Combine Everything : Gradually add in dry ingredients to wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle here; we want to keep our batter light and airy!

Bake Your Cakes : Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick should come out clean when poked in the center.

Whip Up Some Cream : While cakes cool down, pour heavy whipping cream into a chilled bowl and whisk until peaks form—think clouds! Sweeten with sugar to taste.

Now it’s time to assemble this beauty! Slice those glorious strawberries if they aren’t already sliced—they should look shiny and inviting.

In no particular order (because who doesn’t love some chaos), layer one cake on a plate first. Spread whipped cream generously over it before piling on those juicy strawberries like you’re decorating a crown jewel!

Top with the second layer of cake and repeat with more whipped cream and strawberries because why not?

And there you have it—a stunning Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake that not only tastes divine but also looks like you’ve spent hours mastering pastry chef skills (we won’t tell)!

Enjoy every single bite while basking in compliments from family members who are now convinced you’re secretly a professional baker!

You Must Know

This delightful Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake combines fluffy layers of cream and fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both simple and elegant.
The aroma of vanilla wafts through your kitchen while baking, promising a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by making the shortcake first; while it bakes, prepare the strawberries and whipped cream. This will keep everything fresh and perfectly timed.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping traditional shortcake with angel food cake or even gluten-free options for a personalized twist. You can also infuse the cream with lemon zest for added zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shortcake components separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness, ideally within three days.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh strawberries for optimal sweetness; frozen ones may dilute flavor.
Whip cream until soft peaks form to avoid a runny consistency.
Slice shortcake while warm for easier handling and better texture.

I remember the first time I made this dessert for my mom on Mother’s Day. She couldn’t stop smiling, and neither could I when she requested seconds!

FAQ

What is the best type of strawberry to use?

Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor in your Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the shortcake a day in advance and store it properly.

How do I prevent my whipped cream from deflating?

Whip cream until soft peaks form, and add a bit of powdered sugar to stabilize it.

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