Classic Strawberry Shortcake a Taste of Summer
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave that taste of pure summer? What says summer more than a juicy strawberry shortcake ? Honestly, this recipe is like sunshine on a plate!
The Easiest Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Ever
This classic dessert is a must have. This recipe takes a traditional strawberry shortcake and makes it simple! We're talking buttery shortcakes, sweet macerated strawberries , and fluffy whipped cream recipe .
Strawberry shortcake has been around for ages, a true classic American dessert . It's a humble dessert, easy to make, perfect for showing off the season's bounty.
This biscuit shortcake recipe yields six servings. Ideal for a small gathering or a family treat.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
One of the best parts? Strawberries are packed with vitamin C. This fresh strawberry dessert is also perfect for a summer BBQ.
What sets this easy strawberry shortcake apart? The simple techniques that guarantee light and fluffy shortcakes every time. You know? Like how your Grandma used to make!
It's all about that fresh taste. Those berries macerating create a flavor explosion. The whipped cream recipe is light and dreamy! Get ready to dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for this strawberry shortcake recipe . It's easier than you think! We're making homemade strawberry shortcake , so let's get prepped! This easy strawberry shortcake will blow your socks off.
Main Players: The Ingredients List
Okay, here’s the lowdown on what you need. Honestly, it's all pretty basic stuff. This fresh strawberry dessert is a total crowd pleaser! It's one of the best summer dessert recipes .
- Strawberries: You'll need 2 pounds (900g) of fresh ones. Get the ripest, reddest ones you can find. Smell them, honestly! If they smell amazing, they'll taste amazing.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) for the berries, and another 1/4 cup (50g) for the shortcakes. I once accidentally used powdered sugar...don't do that.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This is optional, but it really brightens the strawberries.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g) . Plus a bit extra for dusting. Plain old all-purpose does the trick.
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (12g) . Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking powder is a baking buzzkill.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . Just a pinch to balance the sweet.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . Cut into cubes and super cold. Freezing it for 15 minutes before is chef's kiss .
- Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup (180ml) for the shortcakes, plus 1 cup (240ml) for the whipped cream, plus extra for brushing. Gotta have that creamy goodness!
- Powdered Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g) for the whipped cream. Keeps it nice and smooth.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adds that little something special to the whipped cream.
Seasoning & Flavor Town
Let's talk flavors! A little somethin' somethin' to make it pop. A classic American desserts like strawberry shortcake deserves a little love, right?
- Essential spice combinations : Keep it simple. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the shortcake dough adds a warm, cozy vibe if you are using biscuit shortcake .
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics : A touch of almond extract in the whipped cream? Game changer.
- Quick substitution options : No lemon juice? A splash of orange juice works.
Tools of the Trade
Don't stress about fancy gear. Here's what you really need. It's not rocket science!.
- Large Bowl: For the strawberries and dry ingredients.
- Small Bowl: For the whipped cream.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!
- Pastry Cutter or Food Processor (optional): For cutting in the butter. Your fingertips work too!
- Baking Sheet: The stage for our strawberry shortcake masterpieces.
- Parchment Paper (optional): Makes cleanup a breeze.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: For the whipped cream. Arm power works too, but…ouch.
So there you have it the arsenal for your strawberry shortcake adventure! Let's get cooking. I can't wait for you to try this homemade strawberry shortcake .
Cooking Method: Baking Our Way to Blissful Strawberry Shortcake
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving into strawberry shortcake . This isn't just any dessert; it’s a cornerstone of classic American desserts ! It's pure summer vibes.
I want to show you the method to bake up some seriously tasty shortcakes. Trust me, this easy strawberry shortcake recipe is a doddle!
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Slice those gorgeous fresh strawberries , chuck them in a bowl with a bit of sugar (about 1/4 cup , or 50g ) and a squeeze of lemon juice.
This is the secret sauce for macerated strawberries ! Let them sit while you do the rest it's flavour magic.
The sugar extracts all their juices, making them extra lush. Have all your ingredients measured. This is key for smooth sailing.
And please, please keep your butter cold!
step-by-step Process: The Shortcake Shuffle
- Whisk together 2 cups (250g) of flour , 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar , 1 tbsp (12g) of baking powder , and 1/2 tsp (3g) of salt in a big bowl. Get them well combined.
- Chop in 1/2 cup (113g) of cold butter until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Cold butter is essential for that crumbly texture!
- Stir in 3/4 cup (180ml) of heavy cream just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Pat the dough on floured surface and cut out rounds.
- Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 18- 22 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, ovens vary.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shortcake Game
Want that homemade strawberry shortcake to be next level? First, don’t overmix the dough! Honestly, less is more here. Overmixing develops the gluten, and that's a no-no.
You'll end up with tough shortcakes. Second, serve warm with freshly whipped cream and macerated strawberries! A perfect marriage of flavors.
If you want to make these ahead, you can bake the shortcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, ready for assembly.
A little warmth before serving works wonders! I usually serve my biscuit shortcake with a homemade whipped cream recipe , the flavor difference is noticeable.
It's a simple gesture but it truly elevates the dessert.
Recipe Notes: Strawberry Shortcake, Deconstructed!
So, you're about to embark on your strawberry shortcake adventure! Fantastic! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to help you nail this easy strawberry shortcake recipe .
This is where we chat about all those little extras that make a good dessert great .
Serving Suggestions: Let’s Plate it Up!
Presentation matters, right? Don't just chuck it all in a bowl. Try layering your homemade strawberry shortcake in a clear glass for a fancy trifle effect.
Or, arrange the shortcake halves artfully on a plate, with the macerated strawberries cascading down and a swirl of whipped cream recipe on top.
A sprig of mint adds a pop of colour. For sides, consider a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream.
Or a glass of chilled prosecco! Because why not? It's summer, time for summer dessert recipes .
Storage Tips: Keepin’ it Fresh
Honestly, strawberry shortcake is best eaten immediately. But life happens, yeah?
If you have leftovers, store the shortcakes and the strawberries separately in the fridge. They'll last for about 2 days .
The whipped cream is best used within 24 hours . Freezing is a no-no. The texture will be wrecked. To reheat, gently warm the shortcakes in a low oven ( 200 degrees Fahrenheit ).
Variations: Remix Your Shortcake
Want to shake things up? How about a berry shortcake variations ? Try adding blueberries or raspberries to the strawberries.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum. It helps with the texture.
Or you could opt for a "healthier" route using maple syrup instead of sugar, for both shortcakes and strawberries.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness
Okay, so this isn't exactly a health food. But strawberries are packed with vitamin C, right? And this fresh strawberry dessert uses real ingredients. No nasties!
Each serving is around 450 calories. It includes healthy fats and carbohydrates, and a bit of protein. So you’re not doing that bad!
Ultimately, making strawberry shortcake recipe is about making the most of summer’s bounty with this classic American desserts . It's one of those recipes that is just a pure taste of summer.
So get baking, and enjoy! It's delicious. Trust me. You’ll love my biscuit shortcake !
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to making really good strawberry shortcake, and how do I avoid dry shortcakes?
The key to a perfect strawberry shortcake is keeping your ingredients cold and not overmixing the dough! Cold butter ensures flaky layers, and overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough shortcakes.
Gently combine the ingredients until just moistened a shaggy dough is perfectly fine, like a slightly unkempt garden!
Can I make strawberry shortcake ahead of time?
You can definitely prep parts of the strawberry shortcake in advance! Bake the shortcakes and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. The macerated strawberries can be made a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge.
However, assemble the shortcakes right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy, no one wants a soggy bottom!
What are some fun variations I can try to put a twist on classic strawberry shortcake?
Fancy a change from the usual? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortcake dough for a warm, spiced flavour. You could also substitute other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry delight! And for an extra zing, a little lemon zest in the whipped cream is a game changer.
Help! I don't have heavy cream. Can I still make strawberry shortcake?
Absolutely! While heavy cream gives the richest flavor and best whipped cream, you can use half and-half in a pinch for the shortcakes. They might be slightly less tender, but still delicious.
For the whipped cream, you could try using a stabilized whipped cream recipe (using gelatin) if you're not using heavy cream; there are many recipes online.
How should I store leftover strawberry shortcake, assuming there are leftovers?
If you happen to have leftover assembled strawberry shortcake (a rare occurrence!), store it in the refrigerator. Be aware that the shortcakes will become softer and the whipped cream might deflate a bit.
For best results, store the components separately and reassemble just before serving to keep everything at its optimal texture and flavour, like keeping the band together for a reunion tour!
Is strawberry shortcake a healthy dessert? I am curious about the nutritional information.
While delicious, strawberry shortcake is a dessert, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. It contains sugar, butter, and cream, contributing to a higher calorie and fat content. However, it also includes fresh strawberries, which are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, a little bit of good in a tasty treat!
You can reduce the sugar content slightly by using less sugar to macerate the strawberries or opting for a lighter whipped cream. The nutritional information is just an estimate of course, and depends on ingredients, serving size and how much maceration takes place.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake A Taste Of Summer
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
