This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cream Sauce is the perfect summer dessert! Fluffy shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and a tangy lemon cream topping – so easy and delicious! This is the perfect recipe for your next BBQ or backyard party! 🍓🍋✨

Biscuit filled with lemon cream and strawberries on a plate, with strawberry halves on the side.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

This Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cream Sauce is a fresh take on the classic dessert. Sweet, juicy strawberries layered over tender shortcakes and topped with a tangy lemon cream – this is the strawberry shortcake easy recipe you’ll be making all season long. Whether you’re planning a cookout or just craving something light and sweet, this lemon and strawberry shortcake is a must-try!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Make-ahead friendly – Prep the strawberries and cream in advance.
  • A fresh twist – The lemon cream balances out the sweetness.
  • Perfect for spring or summer – Bright, fruity, and refreshing.
Measuring cups and bowls filled with ingredients, including sliced strawberries, sugar, flour, and lemon curd.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

strawberry filling

  • fresh strawberries
  • granulated sugar

shortcakes

  • shortening – Use cold unsalted butter instead for a richer flavor.
  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • milk

lemon cream

  • lemon curd – Try orange curd or a citrusy Greek yogurt for a milder twist.
  • heavy whipping cream – You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

✨ Variations

  • Mini shortcakes: Use a smaller biscuit cutter for bite-sized treats.
  • Berry blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries.
  • Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

🔥 Tips For Success

  • Don’t overmix the dough – it keeps the shortcakes soft and tender.
  • Let the strawberries sit with the sugar for at least an hour to bring out the juices.
  • Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the lemon cream for best results.
Partially eaten shortcake with cream and strawberries, served on a plate with a fork.

❓ FAQs

➡️ How long will strawberry shortcakes last?

For best results, these strawberry shortcakes need to be used up within 3-5 days. 

➡️ How do I store strawberry shortcakes?

The shortcakes themselves are fine at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. The strawberries and lemon cream sauce need to be refrigerated in an airtight container. 

➡️ Where do I find lemon curd?

In my store, it is usually close to the jams and jellies. If you can’t find it, or if you prefer to make it yourself (it’s super easy!), I have a great Lemon Curd recipe right here on the blog!

➡️ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar.

➡️ Can I use store-bought shortcakes instead?

Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought shortcakes will work. Just warm them slightly before serving for a fresh-baked feel.

➡️ Can I make the lemon cream without a mixer?

It’s easier with a hand mixer, but you can use a whisk and some elbow grease. Chill the bowl and whisk first to help it whip faster.

➡️ Is there a low-sugar version of this recipe?

Yes – reduce the sugar in the berries to ¼ cup and use a sugar-free lemon curd or lightly sweetened Greek yogurt instead of cream.

➡️ Can I freeze the shortcakes?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before serving.

➡️ What’s the texture of these shortcakes like?

They’re soft, a little crumbly, and lightly sweet – similar to a biscuit but perfect for holding all that strawberry and lemon goodness.

Classic Strawberry Shortcake gets a sweet and tangy twist with a dollop of lemon cream sauce. This fresh, fruity dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings – or just because!

A plate with strawberry shortcake, sliced strawberries, and a fork.

Other recipes you may enjoy

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It
Strawberry shortcake on a plate with sliced strawberries and a fork.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 6 servings

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cream Sauce

By Jamie Sherman
Classic Strawberry Shortcake gets a sweet and tangy twist with a dollop of lemon cream sauce. This fresh, fruity dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings – or just because!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 27 minutes

Would you like to save this?

We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Ingredients 

For the strawberry filling

  • 1 quart strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup sugar

For the shortcakes

  • cup shortening
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup milk
  • additional granulated sugar, for topping (if desired)

For the lemon cream

  • ½ cup lemon curd
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions 

Prep the strawberries:

  • In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with ½ cup of sugar. Let them sit for at least 1 hour so they get nice and juicy.

Make the shortcakes:

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F.
  • In another bowl, cut the shortening into the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the milk just until combined.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 20 to 25 times, then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 3-inch biscuit cutter.
  • Place the rounds 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with extra sugar if you’d like a little sparkle.
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Whip the lemon cream:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the lemon curd and heavy whipping cream. Beat with an electric mixer on high for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a soft, billowy cream.

Assemble and serve:

  • Carefully split each shortcake in half. Spoon strawberries and lemon cream sauce over the bottom half, then place the top back on. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Bake shortcakes until just golden for the best texture.
  • Double the lemon cream if you want extra for drizzling.
  • This strawberry shortcake recipe serves 6 but can easily be scaled.
  • For best results, these strawberry shortcakes need to be used up within 3-5 days. The shortcakes themselves are fine at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. The strawberries and lemon cream sauce need to be refrigerated in an airtight container. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1shortcake, Calories: 532kcal, Carbohydrates: 78g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 26mg, Sodium: 676mg, Potassium: 351mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 42g, Vitamin A: 361IU, Vitamin C: 93mg, Calcium: 200mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on April 16, 2014. Updated on July 12, 2020. Updated again on April 10, 2025.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

You May Also Like

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

5 Comments

  1. Diane Balch says:

    The recipe and the pictures look amazing. I loved your silk custard pie too, but was not able to comment on it.

  2. Miz Helen says:

    Hi Jamie,
    There is nothing like a great Strawberry Shortcake! Hope you had a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Have a good week and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

  3. Pam @ over50feeling40 says:

    This looks so good! Thanks for sharing on the Thursday Blog hop!!

  4. Melissa @ My Recent Favorite Books says:

    Oh my, this looks so good!!
    Pinning!

  5. DesignedByBH says:

    This looks AMAZING!!! 🙂

    – Brooke –