shortcake

American  

[shawrt-keyk] / ˈʃɔrtˌkeɪk /

noun

1. a cake made with a relatively large amount of butter or other shortening.

2. a dessert made of short, sometimes sweetened, biscuit dough baked or split in layers, with a filling or topping of strawberries or other fruit.

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shortcake British  

/ ˈʃɔːtˌkeɪk /

noun

1. a kind of shortbread made from a rich biscuit dough

2. a dessert made of layers of shortcake filled with fruit and cream

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Etymology

Origin of shortcake

First recorded in 1585–95; short + cake

Example Sentences

At a community blind-box trading event in Central Park in New York City, Dottin unboxed a Sonny Angel with a strawberry shortcake hat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

It was a simple take on a strawberry shortcake, with rich yellow butter cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2024

Takashimaya's strawberry shortcake has layers of chiffon and fresh strawberries, covered in white icing that is carefully piped to resemble the frilled hem of a dress.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2023

Thus, the Japanese ichigo shotokeki, or winter strawberry shortcake, was born.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2023

Ishmael walked beside his father past the concession booths where shortcake, bagged popcorn, and caramel apples were sold and down toward the displays of strawberries.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson