Indulge your taste buds in the sweet symphony of ripe strawberries, tender shortcakes, and billowy clouds of whipped cream with this delightful Strawberry Shortcake recipe. A timeless classic, this dessert captures the essence of summer in every bite. The buttery, flaky shortcakes cradle a luscious combination of fresh strawberries, macerated to perfection with a hint of lemon, and a dollop of velvety whipped cream. Simple yet elegant, this Strawberry Shortcake is a celebration of seasonal bounty and a surefire way to elevate any occasion. Whether served at a family gathering, picnic, or as a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe promises to leave a lasting impression and satisfy your cravings for a taste of sunshine. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey to create a strawberry dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Mouthwatering Strawberry Dessert Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 2 Bowl
Ingredients
For the Shortcakes
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2/3 Cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
For the Strawberry Filling
- 4 Cups Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes.
- Place the shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Slice the cooled shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the strawberry mixture onto the bottom half. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and place the other half of the shortcake on top.
- Garnish with additional strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious strawberry shortcake!
Notes
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Wash and hull them just before assembling the shortcakes to maintain their freshness.
- Shortcake Texture: Be mindful not to overmix the shortcake dough. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture. Mix until just combined for light and tender shortcakes.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the shortcakes while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. They should be golden brown on the top and bottom when done.
- Whipping Cream: Ensure that your heavy cream, bowl, and beaters are well-chilled for optimal whipping. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, but be cautious not to overwhip, as it can lead to a grainy texture.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding a splash of almond extract to the shortcake dough or incorporating a touch of balsamic vinegar into the strawberry mixture for depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The shortcakes can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. Assemble the dessert just before serving to maintain the freshness of the components.
- Presentation: Garnish the assembled shortcakes with mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serving Options: Consider serving the Strawberry Shortcakes with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added decadence.
- Storage: Leftover shortcakes can be stored in the refrigerator. However, they are best enjoyed fresh on the day of preparation.
- Enjoy Promptly: Strawberry Shortcakes are at their peak when enjoyed shortly after assembly. The combination of warm shortcakes, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream is a delightful experience that shouldn’t be missed!