Strawberry shortcake is the dessert that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing. Imagine biting into a fluffy biscuit, layered with luscious strawberries, and crowned with a cloud of whipped cream. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist. This delightful treat is perfect for summer picnics or cozy family gatherings, bringing smiles all around. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
My love affair with strawberry shortcake began in my grandmother’s kitchen. She would whip up this heavenly creation every spring when the strawberries were bursting with sweetness. I remember sneaking spoonfuls of whipped cream when she wasn’t looking, causing her to fuss and laugh at my antics. Each bite was a celebration of sunshine, warmth, and sweet nostalgia that still makes my heart flutter today.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry shortcake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level
- The combination of juicy strawberries and creamy whipped topping creates a flavor explosion in every bite
- Visually stunning with its bright red berries and fluffy cream, this dessert will wow your guests
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it can be served at picnics, parties, or as a simple weeknight treat
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, juicy strawberries; they should be bright red and fragrant for the best flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: A little sugar helps macerate the strawberries, bringing out their natural sweetness.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour to ensure fluffy biscuits that serve as the base of this dessert.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent will help your biscuits rise beautifully while baking.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors in your shortcake.
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Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key for flaky biscuits; use unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
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Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for creating rich homemade whipped cream that’s light and airy.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Begin by washing your fresh strawberries under cold water. Remove the stems and slice them into quarters. Sprinkle about two tablespoons of granulated sugar over the strawberries and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This allows them to release their juices and become even sweeter.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, you can get started on those delicious biscuits.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure there are no lumps because we’re aiming for fluffy biscuits here!
Step 4: Cut in Butter
Take half a cup of cold unsalted butter and cut it into small pieces. Add it to your dry ingredient mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips (the fun part), mix until it resembles coarse crumbs—like tiny pebbles on a beach.
Step 5: Add Cream
Pour in three-quarters of a cup of heavy whipping cream gradually while stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix! You want tender biscuits that melt in your mouth.
Step 6: Bake Those Biscuits
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it just until it comes together (about five times). Pat it down to about an inch thick and use a round cutter to cut out circles—don’t forget to gather scraps! Place them on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Once everything is ready, assemble your strawberry shortcake! Slice each biscuit in half horizontally, layer with those juicy strawberries from earlier, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top, then close it like a sandwich. Serve immediately and watch as everyone’s eyes light up—your masterpiece will disappear faster than you can say “strawberry shortcake!”
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake is not just a dessert; it’s a cheerful celebration of summer!
- With fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream, it’s a treat that brings smiles to every gathering
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a kitchen novice!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your strawberries first. While they macerate in sugar, whip up the biscuit dough. Bake the biscuits while the berries soak up all that sweetness. Finally, assemble everything just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top for an indulgent twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry shortcake components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. For best results, reassemble just before serving; this keeps the biscuit from getting soggy and maintains that delightful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve fluffy biscuits, don’t overmix your dough; gently fold until just combined for light-as-a-feather results
- Always let strawberries sit with sugar for at least 30 minutes to create natural syrupy goodness
- Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy optimal freshness!
Sharing my first strawberry shortcake experience brings back memories of summer picnics with friends. Everyone raved about it, and I felt like a superstar chef for a day!
FAQs :
What is Strawberry Shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that features layers of sweetened strawberries, whipped cream, and fluffy cake or biscuits. Traditionally, the base of the dessert can either be a sponge cake or a biscuit-like shortcake. The strawberries are macerated with sugar to enhance their sweetness, creating a juicy filling. The combination of textures and flavors makes strawberry shortcake a favorite for summer gatherings and celebrations.
How do you make Strawberry Shortcake from scratch?
To make strawberry shortcake from scratch, start by preparing your cake or biscuits. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, while combining butter and milk in another. Combine the dry and wet ingredients until just mixed. Bake until golden brown. For the filling, slice fresh strawberries and mix them with sugar to draw out juice. Layer the cake or biscuits with whipped cream and strawberries for a delicious treat. For more inspiration, check out this various cake recipes recipe.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for strawberry shortcake if fresh ones are unavailable. However, keep in mind that frozen strawberries may be softer after thawing. To prepare them, let the frozen berries sit at room temperature until they soften, then mix them with sugar to draw out their juices. This will create a flavorful filling that works well in your dessert.
How can I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake?
Storing leftover strawberry shortcake requires some care to maintain its freshness. If you have assembled the dessert, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to two days. If you have extra components like whipped cream or strawberries left over, store them separately in airtight containers. This will help prevent sogginess and preserve the texture of each element.
Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake :
In summary, strawberry shortcake is an easy-to-make dessert that combines sweet strawberries with light whipped cream and tender cake or biscuits. Whether you opt for fresh or frozen berries, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Follow simple steps to create your own homemade strawberry shortcake that will impress family and friends alike. Remember to enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
Strawberry Shortcake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry shortcake is the ultimate summer dessert, featuring layers of fluffy biscuits, sweet macerated strawberries, and creamy whipped cream. This delightful treat captures the essence of sunny days and joyful gatherings, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive celebrations. Its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted cold butter
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Wash and slice strawberries. Sprinkle with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the heavy whipping cream until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and cut into circles.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Assemble by splitting biscuits, layering with strawberries and whipped cream, then serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For a berry twist, substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries. Enhance whipped cream flavor with vanilla extract or drizzle chocolate sauce over the top for an indulgent experience.