Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake is a twist on the classic dessert featuring the popular pairing of two early summer fruits. For the purists, there’s an all-rhubarb option too.

When I say that Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert, I’m not kidding. Shortcake recipes were found in English cook books as early as 1588. I can imagine that shortly after folks starting making shortcakes, they starting topping them with strawberries and cream. I mean, why wouldn’t they?

Being rhubarb obsessed, I think that adding a little rhubarb to the classic dessert, or even going full-on, pure rhubarb, can only make a good thing better.

Tips for making great Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake:

For the Strawberry part of the filling, use seasonal berries for the best strawberry flavor.
Macerate the berries. “Macerate” just means to toss the berries in sugar and allow them to sit for a while. The sugar draws out the juice to create a delicious syrup and the berries draw in some of the sugar. This not only makes the berries taste better, it keeps them from completely breaking down and turning into strawberry mush. You can read more about how this works in my Peach Pie post.
Choose rhubarb that is firm and crisp. Bright red rhubarb also makes a beautifully colored filling.
Macerate the rhubarb for the same reason we macerate the berries. By giving the rhubarb a little time to absorb some sugar we prevent it from breaking down completely as it cooks. You’ll often see cooked rhubarb that looks like a sauce with no texture at all. This filling has distinct chunks of rhubarb throughout.
Don’t use just any old biscuit recipe, use my shortcake biscuits which are made especially to soak up the strawberry juice. These biscuits are a little sweeter and more cakey than regular biscuits.
Add a splash of vanilla to the whipped cream for a luscious topping.

Scroll through the step by step photos to see how cook the rhubarb for the topping.

a pot of sliced rhubarb — Toss the sliced rhubarb with sugar and let it macerate for 1 hour before cooking.

a pot of boiling rhubarb — Cook until the rhubarb pieces are tender and the syrup is slightly reduced.

a spoon dipping into a bowl of cooked rhubarb — Macerating the rhubarb allows it to retain it’s shape while cooking.

a bowl of cooked rhubarb — Cool the rhubarb then mix with the strawberries, or use the rhubarb by itself for pure Rhubarb Shortcakes.

SHORTCAKE IS THE PERFECT MAKE-AHEAD DESSERT.

Though the shortcakes come together quickly and can be made the day you’re serving them, you can make them a few days (or weeks) before the party and freeze them. Defrost and reheat in the oven to revive the texture.
The fruit fillings can be made the night before and refrigerated.
The day of the party all you need to do is re-warm the shortcakes and whip some cream.
Set out the biscuits, filling and cream and allow guests to build their own Shortcake.
You can mix the strawberries and rhubarb together, or serve the strawberries and rhubarb in separate serving dishes and allow your guests to mix and match according to their taste.
If you’re not hosting a party, make the shortcakes and freeze any leftovers for later.

a strawberry rhubarb shortcake on a plate — Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake

a rhubarb shortcake on a plate — Pure Rhubarb Shortcake

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Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes

Name: Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: desserts
Ingredients: 1 pound (16 oz, 448g) rhubarb; 1 1/2 cups (12 oz, 336g) granulated sugar, divided; Pinch of salt; 16 oz (448g) ripe strawberries, stems removed; 2 cups (1 pint, 480 ml) heavy Cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 12 Shortcake Biscuits, baked and cooled to room temperature.

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

A true shortcake is not a layer cake, it's more of a biscuit topped with luscious fruit and lots of whipped cream. This twist on the standard strawberry shortcake includes the popular pairing of strawberry & rhubarb. You can also go pure rhubarb.

Ingredients

1 pound (16 oz, 448g) rhubarb
1 1/2 cups (12 oz, 336g) granulated sugar, divided
Pinch of salt
16 oz (448g) ripe strawberries, stems removed
2 cups (1 pint, 480 ml) heavy Cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
12 Shortcake Biscuits, baked and cooled to room temperature.

Instructions

Slice the rhubarb into 1/2" thick slices and toss with 1 cup of the sugar and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan. Cover the pan and set the rhubarb aside for 1 hour to macerate.
Slice the strawberries and place them in a large bowl, toss in 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Set aside.
Cook the rhubarb over medium heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 5-10 minutes until most of the rhubarb is tender and it's beginning to thicken. Set the rhubarb aside to cool to room temperature.
Transfer to rhubarb to the bowl with the strawberries, stir in the vanilla.
Whip the cream with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
To serve, split open the shortcake biscuits. Top each biscuit with some of the fruit and a dollop of cream.

Notes

Note: To make pure rhubarb shortcakes, eliminate the strawberries and use 2 pounds of rhubarb.

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Shortcake Biscuits

Yield: 12 biscuits

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

A true shortcake is more biscuit than cake. These are the perfect rich biscuits for making Strawberry Shortcakes, of course. But don't stop there. Use any seasonal fruit to top these delicious true shortcakes.

Ingredients

2 cups (10 oz, 285 g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (9oz oz, 260 g) cake flour
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup (2 oz, 55g) granulated sugar
2 stick unsalted butter (8 oz, 230 g), cold, cut into 1/4" slices
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups (350ml) buttermilk
Extra buttermilk and sugar for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 1/2 sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Whisk together the flours, salt, baking powder and sugar. Toss the butter slices into the flour.
Use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the pieces are no larger than a pea.
Whisk the eggs into the buttermilk. Pour the buttermilk into flour mixture. Toss the mixture with a spoon or spatula until it begins for form a dough. Turn the dough out onto a well floured surface and lightly knead about 5-10 times to bring the dough together. This is a very wet dough so keep your hands well floured and use a light touch while kneading. You don't wan't to knock all the air out of the dough.
Use your hands to pat dough to 3/4" thick. Cut rounds with a 3" biscuit cutter. Gently knead together the scraps to cut remaining biscuits. Place the rounds on the sheet pan. Brush with buttermilk and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes (see note).

Notes

The shortcakes are best the day they are baked. To work ahead you can freeze the shortcakes as soon as they are cooled. Defrost and rewarm in the oven before serving.