Strawberry Bisquick Shortcake Recipe

This Bisquick strawberry shortcake is the easiest 4th of July dessert you can make. Buttery, golden shortcake biscuits, sweet macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream come together in about 25 minutes using just six simple ingredients. It's a classic summer dessert that works for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, cookouts, or any time strawberries are in season.

The Best Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake for 4th of July

This strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of warm summer nights at my grandmother's house. She always kept Bisquick in the pantry for quick desserts, and this strawberry shortcake was one of her go-to recipes every summer, especially around the 4th of July. Now I make it with my wife every year and it's become our summer tradition too.

What makes this version work is how little effort it takes for how good it tastes. The shortcake biscuits bake up golden and perfectly crumbly, the macerated strawberries get syrupy and jammy as they sit, and the whipped cream ties it all together. The red strawberries and white cream make it naturally festive for the 4th, and you can add blueberries alongside the strawberries for the full red, white, and blue look. If you love summer desserts like my strawberry banana pudding, this is going straight to the top of your list.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb. fresh strawberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 ⅛ cups Bisquick Original Baking Mix
• 1 cup whipped cream

I use some of these ingredients to make my milk cake, so be sure to check out that recipe next! Or get a visual walkthrough here.

How to Make Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Rinse, hull, and slice the fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar. Toss gently and set aside to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, milk, Bisquick mix, and the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar.

Stir until a sticky dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Shortcakes

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming small mounds. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes

Let the biscuits cool slightly, then slice them in half. Layer the bottom half with macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream before topping with the other biscuit half.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy the shortcakes warm, allowing the juices from the strawberries to soak into the biscuit for the perfect bite.

My Expert Tips to Make The Best Strawberry Shortcake

Don't overmix the dough. Stir just until the dough comes together. Overmixing develops the gluten and makes the biscuits tough and dense rather than tender and crumbly.

Let the strawberries macerate for at least 10 minutes. The sugar draws out the natural juices from the strawberries and creates a syrupy sauce that soaks into the biscuit beautifully. The longer they sit, the better.

Make homemade whipped cream. Store-bought whipped cream works, but freshly whipped cream takes about 2 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in the finished shortcake.

Add vanilla or lemon zest to the dough. A splash of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest stirred into the biscuit dough adds a subtle depth that elevates the whole dessert.

Make it red, white, and blue for the 4th of July. Add fresh blueberries alongside the macerated strawberries for a naturally festive color combination that looks as good as it tastes.

Bake the biscuits ahead. The biscuits can be baked a few hours ahead and kept at room temperature. Assemble with strawberries and whipped cream right before serving for the freshest result.

Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake FAQs

Can I make Bisquick strawberry shortcake for the 4th of July?

Absolutely. This is one of the best 4th of July desserts you can make. The red strawberries and white whipped cream are naturally festive, and adding blueberries gives you the full red, white, and blue look. It comes together in under 30 minutes and can be partially prepped ahead, making it perfect for a cookout or backyard gathering.

What is the Bisquick shortcake recipe on the box?

The classic Bisquick shortcake recipe on the box uses Bisquick mix, milk, sugar, and butter to make drop biscuits that are baked and then filled with strawberries and whipped cream. This version follows that same method with a few upgrades, including macerating the strawberries with sugar for more flavor and using homemade whipped cream.

Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry shortcake?

Yes, but thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding the sugar. Frozen strawberries release significantly more juice than fresh ones and can make the biscuit soggy if you're not careful. Fresh strawberries are strongly preferred when they're in season.

How do I store leftover strawberry shortcake?

Store the biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The biscuits can also be stored at room temperature for up to a day. Assemble fresh before serving since the biscuits soften quickly once they come in contact with the strawberries and cream.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the biscuits up to a few hours ahead and keep them at room temperature. Macerate the strawberries in the fridge. Assemble everything right before serving for the freshest, best-textured result.

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes. Swap the milk for any unsweetened non-dairy milk like oat or almond, use vegan butter in place of regular butter, and top with coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream.

Can I add other fruits?

Blueberries, raspberries, and peaches all work well alongside or in place of the strawberries. A mix of strawberries and blueberries is especially popular for 4th of July and Memorial Day since the colors are naturally festive.

More Recipes with Bisquick Mix

• Bisquick pancakes
• Bisquick waffles
• Bisquick coffee cake
• Bisquick breakfast casserole