Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Delightful Bakes

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling for gatherings and special occasions. The combination of sweet strawberries, light cake, and creamy filling creates an irresistible dessert that's always a crowd-pleaser. As I whip up the layers, I can't help but get excited about the vibrant flavors that meld together. It’s a delightful treat that not only looks beautiful but tastes even better. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-24T06:53:36.061Z

When I first discovered the joy of making strawberry shortcake, I never expected it to become a staple in my baking repertoire. The process of layering the strawberries and cream cheese filling is therapeutic, and the end result is something truly magnificent. I love using fresh, ripe strawberries for this recipe; they really bring life to the dessert.

One trick I picked up along the way is to let the strawberries macerate in sugar for at least 15 minutes. This step enhances their sweetness and creates a delicious syrup that seeps into the cake. It's these small details that make all the difference in achieving a show-stopping dessert!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy strawberries bursting with flavor
Rich cream cheese filling that complements the cake perfectly
Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth

The Importance of Fresh Strawberries

To create the best Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling, it's crucial to use fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red with a fragrant aroma; dull or overly firm strawberries may lack the juicy sweetness you need. The quality of your strawberries significantly impacts the overall flavor of the dessert, making them the star of this recipe. If fresh strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen strawberries, but thaw them appropriately to avoid excess water in your filling.

After slicing the strawberries and mixing them with granulated sugar, allow them to rest for at least 15 minutes. This maceration process not only enhances the flavor but also produces a beautiful syrup that brings moisture to the cake layers. The sugar draws out the natural juices, creating the perfect topping for the shortcake and ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Perfecting the Shortcake Texture

The key to achieving a light and airy texture in your shortcake lies in how you handle the dough. When cutting in the cold butter, aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs; large chunks of butter left intact will create pockets of flakiness that are desirable. Avoid overmixing the dough when you add the heavy cream and vanilla; you want just enough flour to be incorporated for a tender crumb.

Once baked, the shortcakes should be golden brown on the edges and slightly soft to the touch. Cool them completely before slicing to prevent them from becoming soggy. If you want to make the shortcake ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for up to a month. Just reheat them lightly in the oven before assembling with the strawberries and cream.

Making Ahead and Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Shortcake can be prepared in stages, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings. You can make the shortcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container, allowing you to focus on the filling and strawberries closer to serving time. For the cream cheese filling, keep it refrigerated until you're ready to assemble; it can even be made a day ahead.

When serving, consider placing the assembled shortcakes on a platter and garnishing with extra fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation. Alternatively, for a fun twist, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to your strawberries for a richer flavor profile that complements the cream cheese beautifully. This dessert also stands out as an impressive finale to any meal, balancing sweetness with the creamy filling.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful strawberry shortcake.

For the Shortcake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Make sure to prep your ingredients before starting for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your strawberry shortcake.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a circle about 1.5 inches thick, and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

Assemble the Shortcake

Once shortcakes have cooled, slice them in half. On the bottom half, layer a generous amount of strawberries and top with cream cheese filling. Replace the top half and add more strawberries and cream. Serve immediately!

Enjoy your homemade strawberry shortcake with loved ones!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If you'd like a sweeter filling, feel free to adjust the sugar in the cream cheese layer to your taste.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your shortcakes turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Always handle the dough gently after adding the wet ingredients to preserve its light texture. If the cream cheese filling does not whip up to stiff peaks, ensure your heavy cream is chilled, as warm cream won't achieve the desired volume.

For those who may find their strawberries too tart, an easy fix is to adjust the quantity of sugar during maceration. If they don’t appear to release enough juice after the resting period, give them a gentle stir to encourage more juice to flow out.

Ingredient Variations

For a unique twist on the classic, consider incorporating lemon or zest into the cream cheese filling for a subtle citrus flavor. Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or the zest can brighten the dessert and enhance the strawberries' natural sweetness.

For dietary restrictions, swap gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to maintain texture while making this dessert suitable for gluten-free guests. A dairy-free version can be achieved using plant-based cream cheese and whipping cream alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning to serve a larger group, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space for the shortcake to ensure it's evenly baked. Monitor the baking time closely, as larger batches may require an additional few minutes in the oven for even cooking.

Conversely, if you only want to prepare a smaller portion, you can halve the ingredients. This makes it simple to enjoy this delightful dessert without excessive leftovers. Just keep an eye on baking times, as smaller portions may finish a few minutes earlier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, you can use other berries or fruits like peaches or cherries.

→ How do I store leftover shortcake?

Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best freshness.

→ Can I make the components ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shortcake and filling a day in advance; just assemble before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free flour blend can work well in this recipe.