3 Fun & Easy Strawberry Shortcake Inspired Recipes

From the classic layered cake to the popular milkshake option, strawberry shortcake is the ultimate dessert choice. The iconic pairing of buttery shortcake and fresh fruit somehow manages to provide both a down-home, cozy feel and bright, fresh flavor with every bite. Though this timeless dessert may have earned its iconic status long ago, the many ways you can enjoy the flavor pairing continue to impress even the most old-fashioned shortcake fans.

With protein pancakes that let you enjoy dessert first thing in the morning, a grown-up drink and a creative way to up your campfire game, our strawberry shortcake inspired recipes help you enter new, imaginative flavor dimensions. But before we teach you how to make strawberry shortcake in unique and trendy ways, let’s talk a little bit about where this dessert came from.

What is Strawberry Shortcake?

When the first strawberry shortcake recipe was published, the treat was called “strawberry cake” and involved cutting a heavy pastry in half, filling it with mashed and sweetened strawberries and covering it in a sugared frosting. Throughout the years, with the evolution of baking techniques and flavor preferences, the dessert has gone through a series of changes, evolving into the light and sweet treat we know today.

What Makes Shortcake Different from Regular Cake?

Though they may look similar, true shortcake isn’t actually a cake at all – the original strawberry shortcake cake was actually a biscuit! Still, many of the “strawberry shortcakes” you see today are made with a simple pound or sponge cake. When it comes to which is better: it’s all about personal preference. True shortcakes have a crumbly, scone-like texture due to their fat content from butter, whereas other cakes offer a lighter, airier texture and richer flavor.

Why is it Called Strawberry Shortcake?

The “short” in shortcake originally referred to the type of biscuit that was used as the base for the dessert. In baking, the term “short” indicates a pastry or dough with a crumbly and tender texture. Even though the base of the cake may be different in some modern recipes, the name was so well recognized that we still use it today. If you’re a fan of other fruits, you’ll be happy to know that shortcakes aren’t exclusive to strawberry and can be enjoyed many different ways, like in a sweet nectarine shortcake or zesty blueberry-orange shortcake.

Strawberry Shortcake Protein Pancakes

Who says the perfect breakfast doesn’t exist? Not only can you start your day with a meal that reminds your taste buds of your favorite summertime dessert, but these pancakes are also a great way to add some extra protein to your diet! Top them with a dollop of yogurt and fresh strawberries for an ideal treat.

Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Drink

Want to make your next celebration a memorable one? We recommend impressing guests with an adults-only beverage that’s sweet and flavorful from first sip to last. Garnish the drinks with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for extra flair (and flavor).

Campfire Strawberry Shortcake

S’mores are good, but we have something even better. Next time you’re gathered around the campfire, sweeten the night with sugar-crusted biscuits crowded with sweetened strawberries and refreshing whipped cream.

Head to our recipe page to find even more shortcake recipes and shop ingredients, or check out The Fresh Lane for trendy recipes, cooking tips, DIY inspiration and more.