What’s the difference between strawberry cake and strawberry shortcake?

A strawberry cake is usually a layered sponge or pound cake with strawberry flavor or frosting. A strawberry shortcake recipe uses a biscuit or sponge base, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The key difference lies in texture and construction.

What does strawberry shortcake have?

A traditional strawberry shortcake recipe includes sweet biscuits (or sponge cake), macerated fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Some versions add custard or syrup for extra flavor.

Is pound cake or angel food cake better for strawberry shortcake?

It depends on the result you want. Pound cake gives richness and soaks up berry juices well. Angel food cake is lighter and airier. Classic strawberry shortcake recipes use buttery biscuits.

Is strawberry shortcake American or British?

The strawberry shortcake recipe is considered a classic American dessert. British versions lean toward sponge cakes and trifles with custard.

What is the fancy name for strawberry shortcake?

In France, it’s similar to fraisier . Other countries use names like Ichigo cake in Japan or trifle in the UK. But the core of the strawberry shortcake recipe remains the same—fruit, cream, and a base.

Is strawberry shortcake a cake or a biscuit?

It’s technically a biscuit , not a cake. Despite its name, a real strawberry shortcake recipe uses a crumbly, rich biscuit base.

What do you call strawberries in French?

In French, strawberries are called “fraises.” That’s why a strawberry shortcake recipe in France becomes gâteau aux fraises or fraisier .

Is custard from strawberry shortcake?

Not originally. A basic strawberry shortcake recipe features whipped cream. Custard is more common in European variations like trifles or fraisier cakes.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: 8 Amazing Ideas To Try Now

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe With a Twist You’ll Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 2/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced; 3 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

2/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced

3 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat to 1-inch thick and cut into 6 rounds.

6. Place biscuits on prepared sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.

7. While biscuits cool, mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and let sit for 30 minutes.

8. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

9. Split each biscuit, layer strawberries and whipped cream, then top with biscuit lid and more cream.

10. Serve immediately or refrigerate components separately.

Notes

For a vegan version, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.

Biscuits can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Use a slotted spoon to add strawberries to avoid soggy biscuits.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 shortcake
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: strawberry shortcake recipe, classic dessert, summer fruit dessert