If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect spring or summer dessert that’s easy to pull together yet looks like it came straight out of a fancy bakery window, say hello to this Luscious Lemon Strawberry Shortcake! This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser — buttery, tender shortcakes with a bright hint of lemon zest, piled high with juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. Honestly, what’s not to love?

I don’t know about you, but I get ridiculously excited whenever strawberries come into season. I’ll buy an entire flat at the farmers’ market and look for any excuse to use them in everything. But if there’s one recipe that really lets those sweet, ruby-red berries shine, it’s definitely this classic shortcake. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch — no store-bought sponge cakes here!

So, grab a mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s make something delicious together.

More Strawberry Recipes:

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Strawberry Shortcake

First, the shortcakes themselves are super tender and flaky, thanks to the magic combo of heavy whipping cream and a gentle hand with the dough. The fresh lemon zest adds just the right pop of brightness to balance the sweet strawberries and rich cream.

And let’s not forget the strawberries! Macerating the sliced berries in a little sugar and fresh lemon juice draws out their natural juices, creating that classic sweet strawberry syrup that soaks perfectly into each buttery shortcake layer. Top it off with a big dollop (or two) of whipped cream and you’ve got a dessert that just screams sunshine and smiles.

How To Make Your Lemon Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients

For The Shortcake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon zest (about one lemon’s worth)
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
For The Strawberries:
6 cups strawberries, sliced
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons sugar
For Serving:
Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade — no judgment here!)

Step-By-Step Guide:

Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s how to whip this up step-by-step:

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 425°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

2. Mix the dry ingredients.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and that fresh lemon zest. The zest makes all the difference — trust me.

3. Add the cream

Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir gently with a spoon until you have a thick dough. It should come together without overmixing — you want those shortcakes light and fluffy.

4. Form the shortcakes

Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, scoop the dough into mounds on your prepared baking sheet. You should get about 8 medium-sized shortcakes. They’ll spread a bit, so give them some room.

5. Bake to golden perfection

Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

6. Prepare the strawberries

While the shortcakes bake, toss the sliced strawberries with the sugar and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let them sit and macerate — basically, they’ll get all juicy and sweet while you finish the shortcakes.

7. Let the shortcakes cool

Once the shortcakes are done baking, let them cool completely. This makes slicing them so much easier.

8. Assemble and devour!

When you’re ready to serve, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon a generous layer of whipped cream onto the bottom half, top with those luscious macerated strawberries (and don’t forget to drizzle on some of that strawberry syrup!), then crown it with the other half of the shortcake. Finish with an extra dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy — which, let’s be honest, you always should be.

Tips for the Best Shortcake

Use cold cream: Cold heavy cream makes for tender, fluffy shortcakes.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until the dough comes together — overmixing can make the shortcakes tough.
Macerate long enough: Give those strawberries at least 15–20 minutes to get nice and syrupy.
Homemade whipped cream: If you have a few extra minutes, whip up your own cream with a splash of vanilla and a tablespoon of sugar. It’s worth it!

This Luscious Lemon Strawberry Shortcake is truly one of those desserts that feels like a warm, sunny hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for birthdays, showers, or any gathering where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

So, the next time you spot fresh strawberries, grab a couple pints and treat yourself (and your lucky family or friends) to this dreamy, classic dessert. Just don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers!