Cherry Shortcake with Vanilla Biscuits (and Vanilla Whipped Cream)

Cherry shortcake with vanilla biscuits combine an easy, flaky vanilla biscuit recipe with sweet cherries and vanilla whipped cream for this twist on a summer classic dessert.

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Is there anything more classic than shortcake for a summer dessert? I know strawberry shortcake is the popular kid, but cherry shortcake is definitely a fun and delicious twist! Sweet cherries and homemade vanilla whipped cream are layered between flaky vanilla biscuits.  Truly perfect for summer time! 

This recipe starts with quick and easy vanilla biscuits. They take about five minutes to put together and bake in about 15 minutes and I'm guessing you likely have all the ingredients on hand.

Then fresh cherries are macerated with some vanilla and sugar. The sweet cherries are layered with a homemade vanilla whipped cream and ta-da! dessert is served.

how to make these quick and easy vanilla biscuits

Start by combining the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium size bowl. I use my pastry blender to mix everything together, but a whisk will also work. Then cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse meal and some pea size pieces of butter remain.

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Now add the vanilla to the half and half and pour it over the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork or spatula just until the dough comes roughly together.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 8-10 times until the dough roughly comes together.  Pat the dough {with your hands} into about and 8x4 rectangle.  Then using a bench scraper or sharp knife, slice the dough in half so you now have two 4x4 squares. 

Place one square on top of the other and lightly press them together, you should roughly have a 5x5 square now. Cut the dough into 4 equal squares and place them on the prepared baking pan, letting them touch each other.

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Now bake the vanilla biscuits until the tops are golden, about 15 minutes. {Mine are usually done at about 12 minutes, but it could take up to 18 minutes. Remember your oven is different than mine and baking times can vary}. Then allow the biscuits to cool.

Just look at those flaky layers!

how to prepare the fresh cherries

Start by washing the cherries. Then pit them and slice them in half {a cherry pitter like the one I use is a great helper here}. Place the cherries in a bowl with granulated sugar and vanilla extract and allow them to macerate for about 30 minutes. You can start this ahead of the biscuits, if you want. The cherries can macerate on the counter, if using immediately, or in the refrigerator until ready to use.

tips for making the homemade vanilla whipped cream recipe

• Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream is what I prefer when making homemade whipped cream. They have a higher fat content than whipping cream {no heavy in the title} and tend to hold their shape better.
• 99.9% of the time I use my handheld mixer for making whipped cream, but a stand mixer also works. If you don't have either, a whisk will also do the trick (Mr. Two Sugar Bugs' preferred method), but be prepared for an arm workout!
• Cold, cold, cold!! To ensure your cream whips nicely it needs to be COLD. You can also chill the bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10-15 minutes prior to making.
• Granulated sugar or confectioners' sugar work interchangeably in this recipe, so use whichever you prefer. If you like a non-sweetened whipped cream, you can eliminate the sugar as well.
• Vanilla bean paste {this is the paste I currently use} can be replaced with pure vanilla extract, but I love the little specks that the vanilla beans add to the look of the whipped cream.

how to assemble the cherry shortcake with vanilla whipped cream

• Slice the vanilla biscuits in half and place one half on a plate cut side up. 
• Place a dollop of vanilla whipped cream on top of the bottom biscuit, followed by a generous scoop of the cherries. 
• Then top with the other half of the biscuit, cut side down, another dollop of whipped cream and a few more cherries on top.  Garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired, and serve immediately.
• The order of the cherries and whipped cream isn't overly important ~ if you prefer to layer cherries and then the vanilla whipped cream, that's just fine!

Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Cherry Shortcake with Vanilla Biscuits and Vanilla Whipped Cream. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

more cherry dessert recipes to enjoy

• Cherry Nectarine Crostata
• Blackberry Cherry Pie
• Cherry Almond Scones
• Cherry Bourbon Crumble No Churn Ice Cream

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!