Introduction
Strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that has won the hearts of many. It’s light, sweet, and perfect for summer or any time you want a fresh, fruity treat. With Bisquick, you can make a delicious strawberry shortcake quickly and easily. This Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe combines sweet, juicy strawberries with a soft, fluffy shortcake and creamy whipped topping. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple, fast, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through every step of the process, share tips, and answer common questions. So, get ready to enjoy the best Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe ever!
1. What Is Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake?
Bisquick strawberry shortcake is an easy and convenient take on a traditional dessert. Originally, strawberry shortcake was made with a biscuit-like cake served with fresh fruit and cream. Bisquick, which was introduced in the 1930s, changed the way home cooks prepared baked goods, including shortcake. With Bisquick, you don’t need to measure out individual ingredients like flour, salt, and baking powder. It’s all combined into one simple mix.
This Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe consists of three main parts: the shortcake, the strawberries, and the whipped cream. The shortcake is made with Bisquick, which creates a soft, slightly crumbly base. The strawberries are sweetened and allowed to release their natural juices, creating a sweet, syrupy topping. Finally, everything is finished with whipped cream, making the dessert light and fluffy. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious dessert in a short amount of time.
2. Ingredients Overview
Before making your Bisquick strawberry shortcake, gather all your ingredients. You probably already have most of these items at home, making this recipe easy for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Bisquick Mix: The main part of the shortcake. It’s a ready-to-use mix of flour, salt, baking powder, and fat, which makes the process easier.
- Milk: Used to hold the dough together and create a soft texture in the shortcake.
- Sugar: Added to the strawberries to bring out their natural sweetness. It also adds a touch of sweetness to the shortcake dough.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the shortcake.
- Fresh Strawberries: The highlight of the dish. Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
- Whipped Cream: You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for a fresher taste. Either way, it adds a light, creamy texture to the dessert.
These simple ingredients come together to make a delicious, classic Bisquick strawberry shortcake. The fluffy shortcake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping are hard to resist.
3. Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
Step 1: Preparing the Strawberries
First, get the strawberries ready. Start by washing and hulling about 4 cups of fresh strawberries. Once they’re hulled, slice the strawberries and place them in a bowl. Add ¼ to ½ cup of sugar, depending on how sweet your strawberries are. Stir the strawberries gently to coat them with the sugar, then let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This process, called softening, allows the strawberries to release their natural juices. This juice will serve as a syrupy topping for your shortcake, making it even more delicious.
Step 2: Making the Bisquick Shortcake Dough
While the strawberries are softening, it’s time to make the shortcake. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a medium bowl, mix 2 ⅓ cups of Bisquick, ½ cup of milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as doing so can result in a dense and tough shortcake. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky.
Step 3: Baking the Shortcakes
Spoon portions of the dough onto a baking sheet without greasing it. This recipe makes about 6 shortcakes, but you can make them larger or smaller based on your preference. Bake the shortcakes for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before putting together the dessert.
Step 4: Assembling the Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
To put together your Bisquick strawberry shortcake, slice the shortcakes in half sideways. Place the bottom half of the shortcake on a plate and spoon some of the softened strawberries and their juice over it. Add a spoonful of whipped cream, then place the top half of the shortcake on top. Finish with more strawberries and another spoonful of whipped cream. Repeat this process with the remaining shortcakes, and serve right away.
4. Tips for the Best Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
If you want to make the best Bisquick strawberry shortcake possible, keep these tips in mind:
Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
The quality of your strawberries makes a big difference. Choose strawberries that are firm, deep red, and have a fragrant aroma. The fresher the strawberries, the better your Bisquick strawberry shortcake will taste. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them first and drain any extra liquid.
Add Extra Flavor
To add more flavor to your Bisquick strawberry shortcake, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon zest to the shortcake dough. Both of these ingredients add a light but tasty flavor that matches the sweetness of the strawberries.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the dough can make the shortcakes tough and dense. To keep the shortcakes light and fluffy, stir the dough just until the ingredients are combined. If the dough seems too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with flour when shaping the shortcakes.
Homemade Whipped Cream
While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, making your own whipped cream is worth the extra effort. To make homemade whipped cream, simply beat cold heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. A dash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor for an even tastier shortcake.
Serve Immediately
For the best results, serve your Bisquick strawberry shortcake as soon as it’s assembled. The shortcakes will be warm and tender, and the whipped cream will be light and fluffy. If you let the shortcakes sit too long, they may become soggy from the strawberry juice.
5. Variations of Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
While the classic Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe is a winner, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dessert. Here are a few ideas to try:
Classic Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
This is the traditional recipe, and it’s the one we’ve highlighted throughout this guide for good reason. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Moreover, the result is always delicious, offering a classic blend of flavors that everyone loves. The combination of the golden, buttery shortcake, the sweet, juicy strawberries, and the light, fluffy whipped cream creates a dessert that’s truly hard to beat. Additionally, the balance of textures and flavors makes this traditional recipe a timeless favorite, one that never fails to impress.
Mini Strawberry Shortcakes
For a fun and bite-sized twist on the classic dessert, you can make mini strawberry shortcakes. Instead of preparing large shortcakes, simply drop smaller spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet to create individual portions. Not only are these mini versions adorable, but they’re also perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can enjoy personal servings. In addition to being convenient, they’re great for kids since the smaller size makes them easy to eat, and they look even more appealing on the plate. Furthermore, these mini strawberry shortcakes add a playful element to any occasion while still delivering the delicious flavor everyone loves.
Strawberry Shortcake with Ice Cream
For an extra indulgent twist, consider serving your Bisquick strawberry shortcake with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Not only does the cold, creamy ice cream add a delightful contrast to the warm shortcake, but it also pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. This version is particularly popular during hot summer days when the refreshing ice cream offers a cooling effect. Moreover, the addition of ice cream enhances the richness of the dessert, making it even more satisfying. By adding this simple yet decadent touch, you elevate the classic strawberry shortcake to an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
Gluten-Free Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
If you’re in need of a gluten-free option, you’re in luck because Bisquick now offers a gluten-free version of their popular baking mix. To make the recipe gluten-free, all you need to do is substitute the regular Bisquick with the gluten-free variety. Beyond that, simply follow the rest of the recipe as usual, and you’ll be able to enjoy the same delicious results. Furthermore, you’ll still achieve those light, fluffy shortcakes that everyone loves, without compromising on taste or texture. This makes it easier than ever to accommodate dietary needs while still serving up a dessert that’s just as delightful as the original.
Dairy-Free Strawberry Shortcake
For those avoiding dairy, there are easy substitutions you can make. Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk when making the shortcake dough. For the whipped cream, you can use coconut whipped cream, which is made from the solid part of coconut milk. The subtle coconut flavor pairs well with the strawberries and adds a tropical twist to the dessert.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best way to store Bisquick strawberry shortcake?
If you have leftover shortcakes, it’s best to store the components separately. Keep the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature, and store the strawberries in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, warm the shortcakes slightly and reassemble the dessert with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.
Can I make Bisquick strawberry shortcake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare some parts of the dessert ahead of time. The shortcakes can be baked a day in advance and kept in an airtight container. The strawberries can be softened up to 24 hours before and kept in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just put the shortcakes together with the strawberries and whipped cream.
How do I make the shortcake fluffier?
For an even fluffier shortcake, try using buttermilk instead of regular milk. Buttermilk adds moisture and softness to the dough, creating a lighter texture. You can also add a little extra baking powder to the Bisquick mix to help the shortcakes rise more.
Can I use frozen strawberries in Bisquick strawberry shortcake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Ensure the strawberries are thawed and properly drained before adding them to your recipe. You may also need to add a little extra sugar, as frozen strawberries can sometimes be less sweet than fresh ones.
How can I make Bisquick strawberry shortcake dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of this recipe, use almond milk, coconut milk, or another non-dairy milk instead of regular milk. For the whipped cream, use coconut whipped cream or another dairy-free option. The result is still a delicious, light, and fluffy dessert without any dairy.
7. Nutritional Information and Adjustments
A standard serving of Bisquick strawberry shortcake typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients. Here are a few ways to make healthier adjustments to the recipe:
Reduce Sugar
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or reduce the amount of sugar added to the strawberries. You can also skip adding sugar to the shortcake dough for a more neutral flavor.
Use Low-Fat Options
To reduce the fat content, you can use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk substitute like almond or oat milk. Additionally, you can use light whipped cream or a lower-calorie whipped topping.
Conclusion
This Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe is a quick and easy way to make a classic dessert that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a light, fluffy shortcake topped with sweet strawberries and whipped cream. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, this dessert is sure to impress. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious treat that’s easy to make, give this Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!