Shortcake is already perfectly fluffy, buttery, and sweet, but let’s be honest—it could use an upgrade. Enter espresso syrup, the bold, slightly bitter contrast this dessert never knew it needed. Fresh strawberries soak up all that rich, caffeinated goodness, making every bite an indulgent mix of sweet, tart, and deep caramel-like espresso flavor. Soft biscuits, juicy fruit, and whipped cream that’s anything but basic—this dessert is not here to play. If you think shortcake is just a summer treat, this version will change your mind. It’s classic, but with an attitude.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Espresso Syrup
A classic strawberry shortcake made better with a bold espresso syrup that adds depth, richness, and a slight coffee kick.
Ingredients
For the Shortcake Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Espresso Syrup:
- ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberries & Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or forks until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into six rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- While they bake, heat espresso, sugar, honey, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let them macerate while everything else cools.
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Slice the biscuits in half and layer them with strawberries, whipped cream, and espresso syrup.
- Drizzle extra syrup over the top because why not?
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~340
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 45%
- Calcium: 12%
- Iron: 8%
- Potassium: 10%
- Folate: 6%
Additional Notes/Tips
- Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper flavor in the espresso syrup.
- Swap strawberries for raspberries if you want a tangier bite.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the whipped cream for extra warmth.
- If you don’t have espresso, strong brewed coffee works just fine.
