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Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Espresso Syrup

moka coffee pot
A classic strawberry shortcake made better with a bold espresso syrup that adds depth, richness, and a slight coffee kick.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 340 kcal

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.
This isn’t your grandma’s strawberry shortcake. It’s sweet, rich, slightly bitter, and completely addictive. You’ll never go back.