![closeup of strawberry shortcake with whipped cream on a white plate](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/CL3JY2yf_GDX4ezhVLKPAUBCRRE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1130792_Cottage-Pudding-Cake-for-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-269ec9fb173c40fabe066641090fb990.jpg)
Andreas Müller
Purists may disagree, but there's more than one way to make strawberry shortcake. You might prefer a classic biscuit-type shortcake base, or maybe a sponge cake with a baked-in hollow to hold the filling is more to your liking. You can even use homemade or store-bought pound cake or angel food cake. Whichever you prefer, you'll spoon on strawberries macerated in sugar until they're juicy and dripping with syrup, and top it all off with whipped cream—and you'll call it strawberry shortcake. And we're here for it. Here are 16 ways to make strawberry shortcake, from classic to creative, including shortcut versions.
Strawberry Shortcake
![a slice of strawberry shortcake topped with whipped cream on a plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/LNb8KUjMbTaSj6AKYlv270YYD-A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/840004_Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-6f096195880241e3abac54b187d2b3e1.jpg)
Pam Ziegler Lutz
This classic strawberry shortcake is made from scratch from start to finish. Recipe creator Denyse describes this as "An old-fashioned, tender shortcake with two layers of strawberries topped with whipped cream." Note that the shortcake in this recipe is a biscuit-like cake round instead of a sponge cake, and gets its moisture from the juicy strawberries.
Chef John's Classic Strawberry Shortcake
![closeup of Chef John's Classic Strawberry Shortcake topped with whipped cream in a ramekin garnished with a mint sprig](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/OjCwfQb-n2ySDuG06xgdRmMr3h8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2377260_Chef-Johns-Classic-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-743e010510064f9abb3d0851e2effeea.jpg)
Chef John
Browned butter makes these shortcakes special. "For this strawberry shortcake recipe, I modified the way my grandfather made his and used self-rising flour and toasted butter for a nutty flavor. I'm hoping Armand Cianfoni would approve." – Chef John
Petra's Strawberry Shortcake
![closeup of the side of two cake layers topped with strawberry slices arranged on whipped cream (Petra's Strawberry Shortcake)](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/w7X8RIPj8ZfQ7--VOD1bNAFAOco=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6301786_Petras-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-292a3150c21d4007871f42bee308a1bd.jpg)
steph mcconnell
If you're looking for more of a sponge cake as a base, this recipe is for you. Recipe creator Petra says, "As a teenager (born and raised in Germany) I made what we call Biskuitteig weekly, which is similar to sponge cake. I never really liked Bisquick for shortcake and remembered the spongy, tender texture of the Biskuitteig. I altered an old German recipe and came up with this delicious version. Also good with other fruit toppings!"
Glazed Doughnut Strawberry Shortcake
![Glazed Doughnut Strawberry Shortcake](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/OLuNGw8S9GveZIJhMn23eoqsJ3o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/glazed-doughnut-strawberry-shortcake-photo-by-the-daily-gourmet-4517680-2000-9a33d0fdd96e4766bb7a0c84e78bcd3c.jpg)
This fun-loving twist on strawberry shortcake uses a glazed donut for the shortcake base, but you'll still pile on the whipped cream and strawberries. "BRILLIANT! Real whipped cream, yes please. Move over cheesecake, I think I might have a new favorite dessert! YUM!" – Alice Camper
Skillet Strawberry Shortcake
![top-down view of a cast iron skillet of Skillet Strawberry Shortcake with both baked and fresh strawberries, garnished with a big dollop of whipped cream](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/8URLe2vuPINtsZRpi9C9WIrQtik=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/9110310_Skillet-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-a827c12c515443b884c109cf386cc7a3.jpg)
Darcy Lenz
"This impressive skillet strawberry shortcake recipe eliminates much of the hassle and mess of traditional strawberry shortcakes. Instead of flouring the counter and rolling and cutting out individual biscuits, you'll bake one giant skillet biscuit cake that's topped with macerated strawberries and whipped cream." – Darcy Lenz
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
![Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/zKRgnD3BUBsJ6My6P-mQ_kMfcO8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gluten-free-strawberry-cheesecake-photo-by-buckwheat-queen-2289015-5cc3fa62378245b7aaac193a551473d8.jpg)
You can be gluten-free and eat your shortcake, too: This top-rated version is made with brown rice and tapioca flours. "AWESOME!" raves reviewer DESLUE. "This was very good. My whole family enjoyed it. I just kept eating it even plain without the strawberries. It's a keeper."
Easy Strawberry Shortcake
![Easy Strawberry Shortcake](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/_jl6T819UwtDWQ12dzPsvrYL7r0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/easy-strawberry-shortcake-photo-by-lela-2211487-43e37749f2fd4b55b51adc7699c0fbec.jpg)
How easy it is? Four ingredients are all you'll need to make this dessert using store-bought sponge cake dessert cups. "This is how my mom and grandma put these together for us growing up & yummmm... just like home," says reviewer Madeline Shannon.
Hot Milk Sponge Cake
![closeup side view of an individual strawberry Hot Milk Sponge Cake shortcake garnished with a whipped cream rosette and a mint sprig](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/NALF9ra_Wkc4k9JRMp96oxmLa_Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/636526_Hot-Milk-Sponge-Cake-I-4x3-dbf1d68eb275411dbf526936dd94bd04.jpg)
naples34102
If you want to make your own sponge cake cups, you'll need a special pan (you can also bake this as a single cake layer)—but this is the recipe to use. domestikate offers good tips: "This is such a great recipe for those little sponge cakes you usually find in the grocery store for strawberry shortcakes! A very simple and easy recipe. Careful not to overmix once you add the flour to maintain a light and airy batter. Also sifting the flour/baking powder is very important. I made quite a few mini cakes in a shortcake mold. Bake a little less time and grease your mold really well because they have a tendency to stick."
Strawberry-Citrus Shortcake
![strawberry citrus shortcake](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/-6VCiTREEgttfGB3PDGT3TT5Sb8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-citrus-shortcake-photo-by-meredith-be47ca223db74b9eabc7d1e80dfc4767.jpg)
Homemade lemon pound cake forms the base for this citrus-kissed shortcake. (You can certainly use a store-bought pound cake for a time-saving shortcut.) Toast the pound cake slices to get crispy edges before topping with strawberries and whipped cream, if you like. Reviewer PULLEYHEATHER says, "If you don't have cake flour you can use 1 3/4 cups all-purpose mixed with 1/4 cup cornstarch."
Cottage Pudding (Cake for Strawberry Shortcake)
![closeup of strawberry shortcake with whipped cream on a white plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/CL3JY2yf_GDX4ezhVLKPAUBCRRE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1130792_Cottage-Pudding-Cake-for-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-269ec9fb173c40fabe066641090fb990.jpg)
Andreas Müller
Kaylene says, "This is a wonderful shortcake recipe my grandmother used to make for strawberry shortcake. It is moist and sweet and can be eaten by itself too. Reviewer Jamie says, "Oh my gosh this is so yummy! The only change was I made it with butter instead of shortening. I served it with fresh strawberries and pineapple topped with homemade whipped cream with a bit of cream cheese in it."
Carry Cake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream
![a double-layer cake topped with a deliciously gooey-looking whipped cream-cream cheese icing and sliced strawberries](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/x4Lkidsdz5ooEN-GgVGCuWEBNXQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8263838_Carry-Cake-with-Strawberries-and-Whipped-Cream-4x3-841f28c9329240058e3867fb243a36ac.jpg)
fleurchic
A cream cheese frosting lightened with whipped cream makes this version easy to transport, since it holds up a little longer once it's decorated. "My grandkids go crazy for this rendition of strawberry shortcake. This recipe has been in my mother's family for over 100 years." – Rick Brown
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
![Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/AZGryHI6LYUWJOSmqetJMBtYhow=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-shortcake-ice-cream-cake-photo-by-thedailygourmet-6877011-2000-0b72a269def74228b79f54563d45cdbb.jpg)
Recipe creator thedailygourmet says, " This recipe is fast to assemble and while you can absolutely buy the ingredients pre-made, I prefer to make the cake part myself. You can also use angel food cake (loaf shape) or your favorite pound cake."
Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake
![closeup of a serving of Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake with a sparkling sugar-topped biscuit, whipped cream, and strawberries on a white plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/I6sisfGTKOcChqGpZNNYLiBrmio=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/838719_Buttermilk-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-658f298d73a642a29a8b57498d620778.jpg)
Molly
Buttermilk adds a tang to this biscuit-style shortcake. Jillian says, "What a simple, easy, and delicious dessert! I had some buttermilk I had to use up and this was just perfect. For the shortcakes, I froze the butter and grated it which is much easier."
Strawberry Shortcake with Cheesecake Whipped Cream
![a trifle bowl of Strawberry Shortcake with Cheesecake Whipped Cream topped with sliced strawberries](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/o2D5iZHECQvq-D-Hx9MPT6dB-20=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3632169_Strawberry-Shortcake-with-Cheesecake-Whipped-Cream-4x3-d24b829fa14141b1a60fcb600bb4ea33.jpg)
MiHeather
You can use store-bought or homemade angel food cake to make this easy strawberry shortcake trifle. "Amazing. So easy to make. Light and delicious—a perfect summer dessert. Everyone loved it; was even better the next day. Will definitely make again. YUM." – hockeymom089
Italian-Style Strawberry Shortcake
![side view of a glass trifle bowl of Italian-Style Strawberry Shortcake made with mascarpone](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/n97eB50FUGrfS_8XwbYdHbtu4ds=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1031382_Italian-Style-Strawberry-Shortcake-4x3-05ea6556f1e0493f926d920cd26ac8e2.jpg)
MrsFisher0729
Here's another trifle-style strawberry shortcake; this version uses mascarpone cheese. "Wonderful! Five minutes to make (not counting letting the berries sit), beautiful presentation, and absolutely delicious. Made this for a family dinner," says reviewer CookinginColorado.
Fresh Strawberry Lemon Shortcake
![four Fresh Strawberry Lemon Shortcakes topped with whipped cream on a plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/OuXhbkb7sx3_FAEjpZ_8SHOnNQk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1028042_Fresh-Strawberry-Lemon-Shortcake-4x3-93c502a83cf94afc8156045daf2c5bea.jpg)
Lady at the Stove
Lemon zest shines through the biscuits for these little shortcakes. They're topped with a lemony sour cream and yogurt mixture, macerated strawberries, and finished with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
More Like This
![closeup of a serving of Strawberries Romanoff in a glass garnished with a mint sprig](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/vYB5v7Np6TvI52F4_2wp_gqH1QA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5615453_Strawberries-Romanoff-4x3-11d5687a2736413c99dcb3592ff45b13.jpg)
lutzflcat