The Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Bake Recipe

 If you're a fan of strawberry shortcake but looking for a fun twist on this classic dessert, we've got just the recipe for you. This Strawberry Shortcake Bake combines all the fluffy, fruity goodness of the beloved dessert into an easy-to-make baked dish that's perfect for sharing. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Skip the assembly of traditional strawberry shortcakes. This bake simplifies the process while keeping all the flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or Sunday dinners, it’s a dish that pleases kids and adults alike.
• Bursting with Strawberries: Juicy, fresh strawberries are the star, delivering fruity sweetness in every bite.

Now, grab your apron, and let's get baking!

Ingredients

You likely already have many of these pantry staples, which makes this recipe even simpler to prepare.

For the Strawberry Base:

• 4 cups of fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Shortcake Layer:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Strawberry Shortcake Bake from start to finish:

Step 1: Prep the Strawberry Base

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the shortcake dough. This will create a sweet, flavor-packed strawberry syrup as the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Dough

1. In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut the cold butter cubes into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the dough to stay light and tender.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Transfer the strawberry mixture, along with the syrup it created, into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the shortcake dough over the strawberries, covering most of the surface but leaving some gaps to allow the strawberries to peek through.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the shortcake topping is golden brown and cooked through. You should see the strawberry juices bubbling up around the edges.

Step 5: Serve

1. Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls or onto plates.
2. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bake

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will elevate the flavor of this dessert. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can work, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them.
• Customize the Topping: If whipped cream or ice cream aren’t your thing, try a drizzle of crème anglaise or even a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings instead.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before topping with whipped cream or ice cream.

Why This Recipe is a Hit

This Strawberry Shortcake Bake strikes the perfect balance between decadent and light. It’s simple enough for weekday baking yet impressive enough for a dinner party centerpiece. The gooey, syrupy strawberries paired with a golden, buttery shortcake topping make each bite a delight.

Try this recipe and experience the twist on strawberry shortcake that might just become your new favorite dessert. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your bake before digging in—we’d love to see how it turned out! Share your creations on social media and tag us @YourBrandName for a chance to be featured.

Happy baking! 🍓