Indulge in the classic flavors of old-fashioned shortcake with this delicious recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of sweet shortcake and juicy strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- This recipe is quick and simple to make, perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Old-Fashioned Shortcake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredient Notes:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the shortcake.
- White sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
- Baking powder: Helps the shortcake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Ground nutmeg (Optional): Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the shortcake.
- Cold butter, cubed: Creates a tender and flaky texture in the dough.
- Milk: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Large egg: Helps to bind the dough and adds richness.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the shortcakes cool slightly before slicing and serving with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- If you don’t have nutmeg, you can substitute it with cinnamon or leave it out altogether.
- Store any leftover shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to keep the shortcakes light and tender.
- Brush the tops of the shortcakes with melted butter before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the old-fashioned shortcakes with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a classic and delicious dessert. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover shortcakes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh ones will provide the best flavor.
- Can I make the shortcakes in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve.
- Can I use a different fruit topping? Yes, you can use any fruit you like, such as peaches, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Can I make the shortcakes gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion:
Embrace the nostalgia of old-fashioned shortcake with this simple and delicious recipe. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this classic treat is sure to be a hit with your loved ones. Try it out and share your feedback with us!
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Old-Fashioned Shortcake
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a classic dessert with this Old-Fashioned Shortcake recipe. Tender shortcake topped with sweet berries and whipped cream create a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (Optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and pat into a ½ inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter.
- Bake: Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the shortcakes with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Notes
- You can customize the shortcake by adding lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of making your own.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shortcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg