Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake

Name: Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup milk; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I love creating desserts that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. This Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake is a perfect example. By breaking down the traditional shortcake, I can layer fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and biscuit pieces to create a dish that celebrates all the flavors in a fun new way. Plus, the individual components make assembly easy, allowing me to share this delightful treat at gatherings without any fuss. Whether it's a summer barbecue or a family dinner, this recipe is always a hit!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-12T19:58:18.333Z

Making this Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake was a delightful experience. I experimented with different layers to capture the essence of the original dish while presenting it in a stylish way. Using freshly-picked strawberries and rich cream, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. I discovered the key to achieving the perfect biscuit is to not overmix the dough—it really makes a difference!

As I layered the ingredients, I appreciated how each component complemented the others. The sweetness of the strawberries balances wonderfully with the light, airy whipped cream, while the biscuit provides that essential crunch. Trust me, this deconstructed version elevates the classic and showcases the ingredients beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh strawberries provide a burst of natural sweetness
Easy to assemble and customize for each guest
A whimsical take on a classic dessert that pleases everyone

Understanding the Ingredients

Each component of the Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For the biscuits, using cold, cubed unsalted butter is essential as it creates steam while baking, resulting in a flaky and tender texture. Make sure to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this will help ensure you don’t overmix, which can lead to dense biscuits.

The strawberries are the stars of this dish, providing a vibrant freshness. When selecting strawberries, look for firm, plump ones with a deep red color and a sweet fragrance. Allowing them to macerate with sugar and vanilla not only enhances their sweetness but also creates a delicious syrupy sauce that adds moisture to the layers. Ensure they sit for at least 10 minutes to fully develop those flavors.

Assembly Tips for Perfect Layers

When it comes to assembling your Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake, presentation is key. I recommend using clear glass dishes or jars to display the beautiful layers of biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream. Start with a layer of brittle biscuit pieces so that they can absorb some of the strawberry juices without becoming soggy too quickly. This texture contrast will elevate the overall experience of the dessert.

As you layer, consider the order: biscuits at the bottom, followed by strawberries and topped with whipped cream for a light finish. For a fun twist, you can also add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or granola between the layers for extra crunch. If you're preparing these ahead of time, store the ingredients separately until just before serving to keep the biscuits fresh.

Ingredients

For the biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup milk

For the strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream

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

Instructions

Prepare the strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss to combine and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the biscuits

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden.

Whip the cream

In another bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the dessert

To serve, break the biscuits into pieces and layer them with the strawberries and whipped cream in individual serving dishes. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries while they macerate. It adds a complex tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the biscuits up to two days in advance, allowing them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their texture without introducing moisture from the strawberries and whipped cream too early.

The whipped cream can also be made a day ahead. To prevent it from deflating, whip it just until stiff peaks form and store it in the refrigerator in a covered container. If it starts to lose volume, you can re-whip it briefly to bring back the texture just before assembly.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with the flavors! You can substitute the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or raspberries. Each fruit offers a unique sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose so that each layer is well-balanced.

For a twist, try infusing the whipped cream with flavors such as citrus zest or almond extract, which can introduce an unexpected but delightful note to this classic dessert. Additionally, a dash of liqueur like Grand Marnier can elevate the strawberries' flavor when macerating them, perfect for adult gatherings!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the biscuits a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to assemble.

→ What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture in the dessert.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for a lighter alternative.

→ How long can I store leftover desserts?

Assembled servings are best eaten fresh, but you can store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.