These Strawberry Shortcakes are a fresh, flaky, buttery dream layered with juicy macerated strawberries and airy crème fraîche whipped cream. With a simple all-butter shortcake base, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of seasonal strawberries and adds a rich touch of lemon zest and honeyed cream. Developed in collaboration with baking icon Candace Nelson, this dessert is a must-make for summer gatherings, brunches, or anytime you want a nostalgic treat with a gourmet twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Strawberries:

1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced horizontally (about 3 cups)
¼ cup granulated sugar (plus more to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Shortcakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
4 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp granulated sugar
⅛ tsp fine sea salt
½ cup cold salted butter, cubed and chilled
⅔ cup half-and-half (plus more as needed)
2 tbsp heavy cream (for brushing)
1 tbsp sanding or turbinado sugar (for topping)

For the Whipped Cream:

1½ cups heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup crème fraîche
2 tbsp honey

Directions

Macerate the Strawberries:
Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon zest. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release juices. Chill until ready to use.
Make the Shortcakes:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a food processor, pulse flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add butter and pulse until pea-size crumbs form (10–15 pulses).
Transfer to a bowl, stir in half-and-half just until combined (do not overmix). Dough should be slightly sticky.
On a floured surface, knead dough gently twice. Form into a 6×1-inch square. Cut into 6 rectangles.
Place on baking sheet, brush tops with cream, and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
Bake for 12–13 minutes until golden.
Whip the Cream:
Beat heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks (2–3 minutes). Add crème fraîche and honey; beat until smooth and creamy (30 seconds). Chill until needed.
Assemble the Shortcakes:
Slice shortcakes in half. Spoon ¾ cup strawberries over the base, add ¾ cup whipped cream, and top with the other half. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: 1084 kcal
Protein: ~7g
Fat: ~73g
Saturated Fat: ~45g
Carbohydrates: ~92g
Sugar: ~34g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~310mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe doesn’t just rely on one element to carry the dish—it delivers in every layer. The shortcakes are rich and golden, with a beautifully crisp top thanks to a brush of heavy cream and a sprinkle of sanding sugar. The strawberries are given just the right amount of sweetness and citrusy brightness with lemon zest and a touch of sugar, bringing out their juicy, sun-ripened flavor. But it’s the crème fraîche whipped cream that seals the deal: slightly tangy, ultra-smooth, and kissed with honey, it balances all the other components and makes each bite unforgettable.

This shortcake is anything but ordinary—it’s a dessert designed to impress both visually and with its flavor complexity.

The Perfect Shortcake Base

At the heart of this recipe is the homemade shortcake, and it’s miles above anything store-bought or pre-packaged. Made from scratch with cold, salted butter and simple pantry ingredients, the dough is gently handled to maintain those all-important pockets of air that create flakiness in the bake. The finished shortcakes have a tender interior and a golden, slightly crisp exterior—thanks to a generous brushing of heavy cream and a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.

What sets this shortcake apart is how effortlessly it walks the line between biscuit and cake. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it the perfect canvas for the vibrant fruit and creamy topping. The buttery, slightly savory nature of the base adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet strawberries and honeyed cream, creating a balanced, multi-dimensional dessert.

Macerated Strawberries with Lemon Zest

The strawberries in this recipe are given just the right treatment to highlight their natural flavor. Rather than burying them in excess sugar, they’re tossed with a restrained amount of granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. This not only coaxes out their natural juices but also adds a touch of acidity and aromatic brightness. The result is a juicy, syrupy mixture that soaks beautifully into the shortcakes without overwhelming the palate.

This method of maceration is especially important when strawberries aren’t at their seasonal peak, as the lemon zest helps awaken the berries’ flavor even when they’re a bit underripe or lacking sweetness. When berries are in their prime—juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor—this step simply enhances what’s already there.

Honey Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream

This whipped cream variation takes a classic component and makes it more luxurious and interesting. Heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks and then blended with crème fraîche and honey. The result is a topping that’s tangy, rich, and slightly floral, thanks to the honey. It’s not too sweet, which keeps the dessert from becoming cloying and allows each element to shine.

Crème fraîche provides both a textural and flavor upgrade from standard whipped cream. Its subtle tartness acts like a secret weapon—it lifts the richness of the dessert while also cutting through the sweetness of the berries and shortcake. The honey adds a gentle, golden sweetness that complements the lemon and berry notes, pulling everything together.

Assembling the Perfect Shortcake

Assembling this dessert is part of the fun—and an opportunity to show off the beautiful layers. Once the shortcakes are baked and cooled slightly, they’re sliced horizontally and filled with a generous helping of macerated strawberries and whipped cream. The juices from the strawberries begin to soak into the bottom layer of the shortcake, while the cream acts as a pillowy cloud between layers of texture and taste.

This dessert is best assembled just before serving to maintain the structure and ensure the shortcakes don’t become soggy. If preparing for a gathering, keep all the elements chilled separately and set up an assembly station for guests—or plate them yourself in a way that highlights the fresh, rustic elegance of the dish.

Perfect for Spring and Summer Gatherings

Few desserts feel more celebratory and sun-kissed than strawberry shortcake. With this elevated version, you’ve got a showstopping dish that’s ideal for spring and summer events. Whether it’s a casual backyard brunch, a bridal shower, a picnic, or a Mother’s Day spread, these shortcakes are guaranteed to be a hit.

Their individual serving size also makes them perfect for hosting. Each tartlet can be plated with precision or offered buffet-style for guests to help themselves. Pair them with fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, or even a drizzle of strawberry reduction for extra flair. You can even provide additional toppings like lemon zest curls or chopped pistachios for contrast.

Variations and Serving Ideas

While strawberries are a classic, this recipe can be adapted to highlight other seasonal fruits. Blueberries, peaches, nectarines, or even a mix of berries all work beautifully in this format. The crème fraîche whipped cream pairs well with any fruit, and you can infuse the whipped topping with different flavors—like orange blossom water, almond extract, or lavender—for subtle twists.

You might also consider using flavored honeys—like wildflower, orange blossom, or clover—to complement the fruit and add an extra note of complexity.

For a richer dessert, add a spoonful of lemon curd between the strawberries and cream. Or go dairy-free by swapping in coconut whipped cream and using a plant-based yogurt in the custard base.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Shortcakes with Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream are the epitome of a thoughtful, crowd-pleasing dessert. They take the comforting charm of a childhood favorite and elevate it into something gourmet and elegant. From the golden, buttery shortcakes to the juicy, zesty strawberries and that incredible honeyed whipped cream, every component is carefully crafted to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and new.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, celebrate the season’s freshest fruit, or just treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers with ease and sophistication. It’s a reminder that the best desserts are often the simplest—when made with care, quality ingredients, and a touch of creativity.

0 Shares