If you grew up in a kitchen like mine, chances are there was always a box of Bisquick in the pantry, ready for weekend pancakes, Sunday biscuits, or, my personal favorite, shortcakes. This Bisquick shortcake recipe was the very first dessert I ever made on my own, and it’s still one I turn to when I want something quick, nostalgic, and completely delicious.
Whether you’ve got a bowl of ripe strawberries, juicy peaches, or even some frozen berries on hand, this shortcake is the perfect base to build a light and satisfying dessert. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute gathering, a summer BBQ, or even a lazy weeknight treat.
With its tender, biscuit-like texture and golden top, this Bisquick shortcake recipe tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but you didn’t. Let me show you how to master this timeless dessert and make it your own.
Table of contents
Why This Bisquick Shortcake Recipe Always Works
There’s a reason this Bisquick shortcake recipe has stood the test of time. It’s reliable, simple, and impressively customizable. Unlike cakes or pastries that require precision, this recipe is forgiving, perfect for beginner bakers or seasoned cooks who just want dessert without the stress.
Quick and Foolproof
Using Bisquick baking mix means you skip multiple steps like measuring flour, baking soda, and salt. It already has the perfect balance of leavening and fat. All you need are a few pantry staples: milk, sugar, and maybe a touch of vanilla for an aromatic lift. The dough is stirred together in minutes, and there’s no need for kneading or chilling.
Perfect Texture Every Time
Unlike sponge cakes, shortcakes are meant to have a biscuit-like crumb, light, slightly crumbly, and golden on top. When baked just right, the center stays moist while the exterior turns beautifully crisp, creating the perfect canvas for whipped cream and juicy fruit.
Customize to Fit Your Cravings
The best part? This Bisquick shortcake recipe is a blank canvas. You can add citrus zest, spices, or even cocoa powder to the dough. Need it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and coconut oil. Gluten-free Bisquick mix works too!
Pair it with strawberries for a classic vibe, or go bold with caramelized peaches, roasted rhubarb, or blueberry compote. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe one you’ll come back to again and again.
Recipe Card
Bisquick shortcake
6
servings10
minutes12
minutes270
kcalThis Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe is a quick and easy dessert that combines fluffy Bisquick shortcakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.
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Ingredients
- For the Shortcake:
2 1/3 cups Bisquick mix
½ cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- For the Strawberry Topping:
4 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
1/4 cup sugar
- For the Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare Strawberries:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
- Make the Shortcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together the Bisquick mix, milk, sugar, and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop the dough by large spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet to form 6 equal mounds.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Shortcakes:
- Split each warm shortcake in half. Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices over the bottom half. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream, then top with the other half of the shortcake. Add more whipped cream and strawberries on top, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute whipped cream with a vanilla yogurt or whipped coconut cream.
- You can use frozen strawberries if fresh are out of season; just thaw and sweeten them before using.
- Customize this Bisquick shortcake recipe by adding other fruits like blueberries or peaches.
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Tips for Perfect Bisquick Shortcake Recipe:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Overmixing can lead to dense, tough shortcakes. Stir the dough until just combined for a tender, fluffy result. - Use Fresh, Juicy Strawberries:
The strawberries are the star of this recipe for shortcake made with Bisquick. For the best flavor, choose fresh, ripe strawberries. If they aren’t sweet enough, add a bit more sugar when macerating. - Chill Your Cream:
For the fluffiest whipped cream, make sure your heavy cream and mixing bowl are cold. This helps the cream whip faster and creates soft, pillowy peaks. - Serving Variations:
For a twist, try serving the shortcakes with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or swapping out strawberries for a mixed berry topping. Bisquick shortcake is highly versatile and can complement a variety of flavors. - Use Butter Instead of Margarine:
Real butter gives the shortcakes a richer, more authentic flavor. Margarine can be used, but the taste won’t be as robust.
In-Depth Recipe Insights:
The Convenience of Bisquick recipe
One of the biggest draws of this Bisquick strawberry shortcake recipe is the convenience Bisquick provides. Traditional shortcake recipes often require a blend of flour, leavening agents, and fats, but Bisquick streamlines this process by offering a pre-mixed base. This simple ingredient saves both time and effort, allowing you to whip up dessert in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this recipe ensures that you can create a delicious dessert with minimal fuss. The ease of preparation also makes it a go-to option for spontaneous gatherings or family dinners.
A Classic Combination of Flavors
At the heart of this Bisquick recipe for shortcake lies the classic combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream. These flavors are light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying, particularly during warmer months. The sweet and slightly tangy strawberries pair beautifully with the buttery, fluffy shortcakes. By macerating the strawberries in sugar, you not only enhance their natural sweetness but also create a luscious syrup that drips over the shortcakes, adding moisture and flavor. This method has been passed down through generations, ensuring that the Bisquick shortcake cake recipe remains a family favorite across kitchens.
The Perfect Balance of Texture of the Bisquick Shortcake recipe
One of the defining features of this Bisquick shortcake recipe is its delightful texture. The shortcakes have a golden, crisp exterior that contrasts with their soft, crumbly interior. Combined with the silky whipped cream and the juicy burst of strawberries, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures in every bite. While the ingredients and method are simple, the end result is impressive. That proves that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most memorable dishes. The presentation and taste will always impress.
FAQs
If your shortcakes are too dense, it’s often because the dough was overmixed. Bisquick shortcake dough should be handled gently and mixed just until everything comes together. Overworking the dough can develop the gluten and make the shortcakes heavy. Also, make sure not to add too much liquid; the dough should be slightly sticky but not runny.
Tip: When mixing the dough, stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy!
Yes, but this will change the texture and flavor of your shortcakes! If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can use all-purpose flour along with baking powder, salt, and sugar. However, Bisquick is pre-seasoned, so your shortcakes may lack the same flavor profile. Here’s a quick conversion: for 2 cups of Bisquick, use 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Yes, frozen fruit can be used in place of fresh fruit. However, you may need to drain the fruit well to prevent the shortcake from becoming soggy. Frozen berries, in particular, can release quite a bit of juice when thawed. I recommend letting them thaw in a colander to drain the excess liquid.
Tip: If you’re using frozen fruit, you can also bake the fruit with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a syrupy topping.
Final Thoughts
The Bisquick shortcake recipe is a delicious, simple way to enjoy a classic dessert with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these shortcakes are sure to impress. With the tips and variations shared here, you can customize your shortcakes to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever fruit happens to be in season.
And if you loved this easy classic, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more delightful treats. Try the strawberry compote recipe for an extra juicy topping next time or pair your shortcake with a scoop of strawberry ice cream for the ultimate summer bite. For a slightly different fruit-forward treat, check out our peach cobbler recipe with cake mix or the beautifully golden cherry crumble.
Whether you’re in the mood for cozy, classic, or completely craveable, there’s a recipe on The Recipe Master that fits the bill. Bookmark this shortcake for your next gathering, and don’t forget to come back and try more from our delicious collection.
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