Shortcake Biscuits? Why not shortcake “cakes”? Because, despite the name, a true shortcake is more biscuit than cake. The “short” refers to a specific type of dough where the fat is cut into the flour. The lumps of fat interfere with gluten development. This mixing method creates a pastry that is that is more crumbly than stretchy. So a shortcake is more biscuit than cake.