Why Make This Best Strawberry Shortcake
There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and cream nestled between tender shortcake layers. The Best Strawberry Shortcake takes the classic dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe is not just about following instructions; it’s about crafting a treat that will impress your family and friends. Every bite of this dessert is a sweet reward, offering a delightful balance of light and flaky texture, some juicy and sweet strawberries, and the heavenly lightness of freshly whipped cream. Perfect for warm summer days, picnics, or special celebrations, this shortcake promises to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
How to Make Best Strawberry Shortcake
Creating the Best Strawberry Shortcake is an enjoyable experience that anyone can master, whether you’re a novice or an experienced home baker. Start by crafting your rich and fluffy shortcakes, then prepare the luscious strawberry filling. Finally, assemble everything with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The process is simple, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Follow this guide, and you’ll make a dessert that bursts with flavor and looks impressive on the plate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup additional sugar for strawberries
- Whipped cream for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently before rolling it out to about 1-inch thick.
- Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the shortcakes cool, mix the strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let them sit to macerate.
- To serve, split the shortcakes in half, layer with strawberries, and top with whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 189mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 4g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific quantities used.)
How to Serve Best Strawberry Shortcake
Serve your Best Strawberry Shortcake fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. Split the shortcakes open and fill with a generous portion of the macerated strawberries, allowing the juices to soak in a bit. Top it off with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation. You can also sprinkle some extra sliced strawberries on the plate for a pop of color. This dessert is perfect for birthday parties, summer barbecues, or simply as a delightful evening treat.
How to Store Best Strawberry Shortcake
If you have leftover strawberry shortcake, that’s a win! Store the components separately to maintain their textures. Place the shortcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the strawberries, keep them in the refrigerator in a sealed container, where they’ll last for about 3 days. Whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the shortcakes again — the flavors only get better!
Expert Tips for Perfect Best Strawberry Shortcake
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is cold! This helps create a flaky texture that’s essential for shortcakes. You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it in.
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Strawberry Preparation: Allow the strawberries to sit in sugar for at least 30 minutes to macerate. This draws out their juices and enhances their sweetness.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing will lead to tough shortcakes.
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Flour Your Surface: Keep your work surface floured to prevent the dough from sticking, making it easier to roll out and cut into rounds.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Add cocoa powder to the flour for a chocolatey twist, pairing beautifully with strawberries.
- Berry Blast: Mix different berries, like blueberries and raspberries, for a delicious fruit medley.
- Almond Undertones: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor that complements the strawberries nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy shortcake. -
How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free. -
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter for a lighter option. However, the end result will be slightly different in texture.
Conclusion
The Best Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that celebrates the flavors of summer in every bite. With its tender shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and fluffy cream, it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Try this recipe to create a deliciously fresh experience that will become a favorite in your home. Don’t be shy about personalizing it to your taste! Remember to engage with your fellow bakers and share your creations. Happy baking!
Print
Best Strawberry Shortcake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert featuring tender shortcake layers filled with sweet strawberries and topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup additional sugar for strawberries
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently before rolling it out to about 1-inch thick.
- Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the shortcakes cool, mix the strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let them sit to macerate.
- To serve, split the shortcakes in half, layer with strawberries, and top with whipped cream.
Notes
For best flavor and texture, serve fresh out of the oven. Store components separately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 189mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, dessert, summer treats, baking, whipped cream
