12 Layered Strawberry Shortcake Recipes

Nothing beats the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake on a warm summer evening—it’s a dessert that transports me straight back to my childhood summers at Grandma’s house in rural Ohio. We’d pick fresh strawberries from her garden, their juicy sweetness bursting with every bite, and layer them between fluffy biscuits slathered with homemade whipped cream. Those simple joys sparked my lifelong love for this classic treat, and as a food blogger, I’ve spent countless kitchen experiments elevating it into show-stopping layered masterpieces.

Lately, I’ve been on a layering kick in my own kitchen, stacking tender shortcake with macerated strawberries, creams, and unexpected twists to create desserts that are as Instagram-worthy as they are indulgent. In a world obsessed with quick desserts, these 12 layered strawberry shortcake recipes bring back that homemade magic while adding modern flair—perfect for parties, picnics, or just treating yourself. Whether you’re a purist or love bold flavors, there’s a stack here to satisfy every craving.

Classic Layered Strawberry Shortcake

This timeless version features tender shortcake biscuits layered with macerated strawberries and billowy whipped cream. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup milk, 2 pints strawberries (sliced and tossed with 1/4 cup sugar), 2 cups heavy cream (whipped with 2 tbsp sugar).
Bake biscuits at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, cool, then layer: split biscuits, add strawberries and whipped cream between three layers. It’s ready in under an hour and serves 8. The benefits? A light, not-too-sweet crowd-pleaser that’s naturally gluten-optional with swaps and packed with fresh fruit antioxidants.

Chocolate-Drizzled Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Indulge with shortcake infused with cocoa, layered with strawberries and ganache. Ingredients: Shortcake as above but add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to dry mix; 1 pint strawberries, 1 cup dark chocolate chips melted with 1/2 cup cream, 2 cups whipped cream.
Prepare and bake cocoa shortcake, layer with macerated berries, whipped cream, and drizzle warm ganache over three stacks. Benefits include a decadent antioxidant boost from chocolate and strawberries, plus it’s a romantic dessert that impresses with minimal effort.

Almond Crunch Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Crunchy toasted almonds add texture to this nutty twist. Ingredients: Classic shortcake dough + 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted), 2 pints strawberries, 2 cups whipped cream mixed with 1 tsp almond extract, 1/4 cup honey.
Layer baked shortcakes with honey-drizzled strawberries, almond-whipped cream, and sprinkle almonds between four layers for extra height. This version offers heart-healthy fats from almonds and a satisfying crunch that elevates the classic.

Lemon Zest Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Bright citrus zest cuts through the sweetness for a refreshing stack. Ingredients: Shortcake with 2 tbsp lemon zest in dough, 2 pints strawberries macerated with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cups whipped cream with 1/4 cup lemon curd.
Bake zesty biscuits, layer with curd-infused cream and berries in three tiers. Vitamin C from lemon and strawberries supports immunity, making it a summery, feel-good treat.

Coconut Cream Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Tropical vibes with coconut whipped cream and flakes. Ingredients: Classic shortcake + 1 cup toasted coconut flakes, 2 pints strawberries, 2 cans coconut cream (whipped).
Layer coconut-dusted shortcakes with berries and whipped coconut cream for four lush layers. Dairy-free option provides healthy fats and a vacation-in-a-bite escape.

Balsamic Glazed Layered Strawberry Shortcake

A gourmet edge with reduced balsamic for tangy depth. Ingredients: Shortcake base, 2 pints strawberries sliced with 1/4 cup balsamic glaze, 2 cups whipped cream, fresh basil leaves.
Assemble three layers drizzling glaze over berries and cream; garnish with basil. The balsamic adds antioxidants and a sophisticated flavor twist that’s low-calorie yet luxurious.

Peanut Butter Layered Strawberry Shortcake

PB&J nostalgia meets shortcake in creamy layers. Ingredients: Shortcake dough, 1 cup peanut butter mixed into 2 cups whipped cream, 2 pints strawberries, 1/4 cup chopped peanuts.
Layer PB cream, berries, and nuts between biscuits for three stacks. Protein-packed from peanuts, it’s a fun, filling dessert for kids and adults alike.

Matcha Infused Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Green tea powder brings earthy elegance. Ingredients: Shortcake with 2 tbsp matcha powder, 2 pints strawberries, 2 cups whipped cream with 1 tsp matcha.
Bake vibrant green biscuits, layer with matcha cream and berries in three levels. Antioxidant-rich matcha promotes calm energy, perfect for tea lovers.

Vegan Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Plant-based delight using aquafaba and dairy-free swaps. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 cup vegan butter, 3/4 cup almond milk, 2 pints strawberries, 2 cans coconut whipped cream.
Bake vegan biscuits, layer with macerated berries and cream for three stacks. Fully vegan, it’s inclusive, lighter, and bursting with natural sweetness.

Boozy Rum Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Adult-only with rum-soaked berries. Ingredients: Classic shortcake, 2 pints strawberries soaked in 1/4 cup rum + 1/4 cup sugar, 2 cups whipped cream with 1 tbsp rum.
Layer rum-infused elements between biscuits in four tipsy tiers. The rum adds warmth and relaxation, ideal for dinner parties.

Cheesecake Stuffed Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Cream cheese filling for a hybrid dessert dream. Ingredients: Shortcake base, 16 oz cream cheese beaten with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 pints strawberries, 1 cup whipped cream.
Spread cheesecake mix between berry layers on three shortcakes. Combines two favorites for protein-rich indulgence that’s ultra-creamy.

Tropical Pineapple Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Pineapple chunks mix with strawberries for island flair. Ingredients: Shortcake, 1 pint strawberries + 1 cup diced pineapple, 2 cups whipped cream with 1 tsp vanilla, toasted coconut.
Layer fruits and cream on biscuits for three sunny stacks. Enzyme-rich pineapple aids digestion, blending tropical tang with strawberry sweetness.

These 12 layered strawberry shortcake recipes are your ticket to dessert heaven—easy to customize, shareable, and guaranteed to wow. Grab some fresh berries, fire up your oven, and stack your way to summer bliss; which one will you try first? Share your creations in the comments!