Strawberry Shortcake With Mascarpone

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Mascarpone
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baked Collection

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake with Mascarpone, especially during strawberry season when the fruit is at its sweetest. The contrast between the luscious mascarpone cream and the tender, buttery shortcake creates a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and the fresh strawberries add a touch of brightness that makes this dessert stand out. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a casual family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:33:35.068Z

When I first decided to make Strawberry Shortcake with Mascarpone, I wanted to elevate the traditional recipe. After experimenting with different creams and toppings, I found that mascarpone added a luxurious richness that paired beautifully with fresh strawberries. The sweetness of the berries gets enhanced by the creamy texture, making each bite a decadent delight. I also discovered that using a little vanilla extract in the cream was a game-changer, adding an aroma that draws everyone into the kitchen excitedly.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. I’ve made it for birthdays, barbecues, and even just a weekend treat when I have some extra strawberries. With the right balance of sweetness and freshness, it never fails to impress. I recommend using a mix of whole and sliced strawberries for a beautiful presentation and never skip the homemade shortcake – it’s what makes this dessert truly special!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The creamy mascarpone adds a luxurious touch that elevates the classic treat
Fresh strawberries bring vibrant flavor and color to every serving
Perfect as a light dessert for summer gatherings or special occasions

Choosing the Right Strawberries

For the best flavor and sweetness in your Strawberry Shortcake, it's essential to choose ripe, in-season strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any with white or green patches, as they may not be fully ripe. If you can, visit a local farmers' market during strawberry season to find the freshest produce. You can also gently press a berry; it should yield slightly without being mushy.

Be sure to hull and slice your strawberries evenly to maximize cookie's texture in each bite. Consistent sizing ensures that the strawberries release their juices uniformly, enhancing the flavor throughout the dish. If you find your strawberries are a bit tart, consider adjusting the sugar content in the maceration process. Letting them sit in sugar and lemon juice enhances their natural sweetness and results in a beautiful syrup that complements the cake.

Perfecting the Shortcake Texture

The texture of the shortcake is crucial for a successful Strawberry Shortcake. When mixing your dough, be careful not to overwork it, as this can lead to dense shortcakes. The goal is to have a light and tender crumb, so mix until just combined. You should see bits of butter still visible for flaky layers.

Another essential tip is to chill your butter before adding it to the flour mixture. Cold butter contributes to that wonderful flakiness by creating steam during baking. If you find your shortcakes become too dry, consider adding a splash more heavy cream to the dough, which will enrich the flavor and moisture content.

Serving and Storage Tips

When assembling your Strawberry Shortcake, serve it immediately for the best texture and freshness. The creamy mascarpone can start to soften over time, so if you’re making the dessert ahead of time, consider preparing the components separately. Store the strawberries in the fridge and assemble individual servings just before serving to ensure the shortcake remains intact.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to a day. However, remember that the shortcake might absorb the juices and become soggy. For later enjoyment, I recommend freezing unassembled shortcakes and storing the strawberry filling separately, allowing you to enjoy this treat fresh at any time.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake with Mascarpone

For the Shortcake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling

4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Mascarpone Cream

1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake with Mascarpone

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and shape into a circle. Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Set aside.

Assemble the Shortcake

Once the shortcakes have cooled, slice them in half. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and a dollop of mascarpone cream. Top with the other half and finish with more strawberries and cream.

Enjoy Your Dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the assembled shortcakes or serving with a side of sweetened whipped cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten the mascarpone cream, you can substitute half of the mascarpone with Greek yogurt. This swap maintains the creaminess while adding a touch of tanginess, which complements the sweetness of the strawberries nicely. Just be careful not to overbeat the mixture to prevent it from becoming too runny.

For those who are lactose intolerant, try using coconut cream as an alternative to heavy cream in the mascarpone mix. Simply chill a can of coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solidified cream, and whip it until fluffy. This option will provide a unique flavor while achieving a similar creamy texture.

Enhancing Flavor with Variations

To give your Strawberry Shortcake a unique twist, consider adding a splash of flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier or Chambord to the strawberries. This addition creates a wonderful depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with the mascarpone cream. Just be cautious with the quantity; a tablespoon should suffice to avoid overpowering the natural fruit taste.

Another great variation is to incorporate different fruits into your filling. Peaches or raspberries can be mixed with the strawberries for an exciting flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry mixture. It deepens the fruit's flavor and adds an intriguing counterpoint to the creaminess of the mascarpone.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shortcakes don’t rise as much as expected, it may be due to the leavening agents. Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening can lead to dull, flat cakes. Test it by adding a teaspoon to a glass of warm water—if it bubbles vigorously, it's still good!

Another potential issue is sogginess from the strawberries. If you find your shortcakes are soaking too quickly, layer them with a thin spread of mascarpone cream before adding the strawberries. This creates a barrier to help keep the cake's texture intact and enhances the overall flavor experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches would also work wonderfully.

→ How do I store leftover shortcake?

Store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; assemble just before serving.

→ Can I make the shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the shortcakes a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container.

→ What's the best way to slice the shortcake?

Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts without crumbling the soft cake.