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

See Examples For:

shortcake

A few years ago he supported colleagues in a similarly contentious bid to make the strawberry shortcake the official state dessert.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

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

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

We enjoyed strawberry shortcake for dessert, and then it was time for Styx to go.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon