Strawberry Shortcake Valentines

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 27, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

Celebrate love and sweetness with this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Valentines creation. Each bite offers a tender, buttery shortcake layered with juicy, fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, making it the perfect dessert to share on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The beautiful red strawberries contrasted against the golden cake and white cream not only please the eye but also the palate.

This dessert is simple enough to make at home, yet indulgent enough to impress your loved ones. The combination of fresh ingredients and careful baking creates a harmonious balance between texture and flavor, embodying a classic American treat with a romantic twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses fresh strawberries for a natural, vibrant flavor that brightens every bite.
The buttery, flaky shortcake contrasts beautifully with the sweet, juicy berries and airy whipped cream.
Quick to prepare, making it a charming homemade dessert perfect for valentine celebrations.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 2 cups of finely sifted flour provide structure and tenderness to the shortcake dough.
Sugar: 1/4 cup granulated sugar blended into the dough adds subtle sweetness and enhances browning.
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon is the leavening agent that helps the shortcakes rise light and fluffy.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon balances sweetness and boosts the flavor depth in the cake base.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup cold, cubed butter creates a flaky texture as it melts during baking.
Heavy cream: 1 cup of rich cream moistens the dough and contributes to tender crumb.
Fresh strawberries: 2 cups sliced strawberries provide natural sweetness and a juicy burst.
Sugar for strawberries: 1/4 cup sugar macerates the berries to release their juices and create a syrup.
Whipped cream: 1 cup whipped to soft peaks for a light, creamy topping that complements the fruit.

Instructions

Preheat The Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature before baking. This high heat is essential for creating a golden crust while keeping the inside tender.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. This ensures the leavening agents and seasonings are distributed uniformly, leading to consistent texture in each shortcake.
Cut In Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial to developing a flaky, tender shortcake texture.
Add Heavy Cream and Form Dough: Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir with a fork just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dough light and tender. The cream adds moisture and richness.
Knead and Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times to bring it together. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch thickness to achieve thick, fluffy shortcakes after baking.
Cut and Bake Shortcakes: Use a round cutter to cut the dough into even circles, then place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed. Baking at a high temperature ensures a crusty top and moist interior.
Prepare Macerated Strawberries: While the shortcakes bake, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar. Let them sit at room temperature to release their natural juices, creating a glossy, sweet topping.
Assemble The Shortcakes: Once the cakes have cooled slightly, slice each in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with a generous spoonful of macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Follow with the top half, finishing with more whipped cream and strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

You Must Know

Use fully ripe strawberries to maximize natural sweetness and flavor intensity for the best dessert experience.
Adjust the sugar in the strawberry maceration according to taste and berry sweetness to avoid an overly sweet result.
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the whipped cream before spreading.

Storage Tips

Store assembled shortcakes in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness. Keep components separate if storing longer, especially the whipped cream and strawberries, to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this strawberry shortcake chilled or at room temperature with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or a glass of chilled sparkling wine for Valentine’s Day.

Professional Tips

Freeze the shortcakes separately before assembly to warm quickly in a toaster oven without sogginess.
Use cold butter and minimal handling of dough for a tender, flaky texture in your shortcakes.
Soak strawberries with fresh lemon juice for enhanced brightness and balance to the sweet flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?: Fresh strawberries are recommended for best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
How long do the shortcakes stay fresh?: The shortcakes maintain best texture when consumed within 24 hours. Store components separately if needed for longer freshness.
Is there a gluten-free alternative?: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cakes; baking times may vary slightly.
Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?: Whipped cream is preferred for flavor and texture, but whipped topping can be used as an easier alternative though it may be less rich.
How do I prevent the shortcakes from becoming soggy?: Serve soon after assembling and avoid over-macerating the strawberries to limit excess juice release onto the shortcake layers.