shortcake

American  

[shawrt-kayk] / 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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shortcake

The chain is set to land on the West Coast on Friday, serving strawberry shortcake matchas and cherry glaze cold brew lattes to an invite-only crowd at Kendall Jenner’s 818 Outpost at Coachella.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026

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

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

Then, in 1921, Fujii visited America where he was introduced to the classic strawberry shortcake: made by topping a slightly crunchy scone with fresh-whipped cream and fruit.

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

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