Mothers Day Strawberry Shortcake (Printable View)

Fluffy shortcake layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special celebration.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortcake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberries

09 - 1.5 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream

12 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
13 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
03 - Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a small bowl, combine milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
05 - Add wet ingredients to dry mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet to form 8 even mounds.
07 - Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely, then cut each shortcake horizontally into halves or cubes.
08 - While shortcakes bake, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir gently and let sit for at least 15 minutes to release juices.
09 - Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
10 - Layer half of the shortcake pieces in a large trifle bowl or glass dish. Spoon half the strawberries with juices over the cake. Spread half the whipped cream on top. Repeat layers with remaining shortcake, strawberries, and cream.
11 - Garnish with additional strawberries or mint leaves if desired. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks fancy enough to impress at a dinner party, but comes together faster than you'd think—no advanced baking skills required.
  • The trifle format means you can assemble it hours ahead, which takes the pressure off when guests arrive.
  • Fresh strawberries and homemade shortcake beat store-bought every single time, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while it bakes.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step for shortcakes—a still-warm cake will soak up all the strawberry juices and become mushy instead of staying light and fluffy.
  • Macerate your strawberries before whipping cream; this timing means your cream stays at its best while the berries are releasing their liquid magic.
03 -
  • Keep all your dairy ingredients cold until the very last second—cold cream whips faster and fluffier, and cold milk mixed into cold butter creates the best shortcake texture.
  • If you're making this during strawberry season and they're perfectly ripe, you might need slightly less added sugar; taste as you go and adjust.
Go Back