Strawberry Shortcake

There’s nothing better than homemade strawberry shortcake during strawberry season! This classic dessert recipe is surprisingly simple to make, featuring homemade biscuits, fresh whipped cream, and juicy strawberries. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, each component can be prepared in advance, allowing you to impress guests with ease. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe strawberries elevates the flavor, ensuring a deliciously sweet experience.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Components can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of serving.
• Versatile Serving Options: This dessert can easily be adapted for various occasions, from picnics to dinner parties.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite fruits or experiment with different cream toppings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect strawberry shortcake, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for achieving that perfect golden color on your biscuits.
• Whisk: Ensures that your cream is whipped to fluffy perfection.

Ingredients

For the Strawberries

• 7 cups fresh sliced strawberries (2 pounds strawberries)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Biscuits

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (frozen for 30 minutes)

For the Cream

• ¾ cup cold heavy whipping cream (plus more for brushing tops of biscuits)
• ¾ cup cold whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• turbinado sugar (coarse sugar), optional

For Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar.
2. Toss gently to coat and set aside for about 30 minutes until they release their juices.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the frozen butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the cold heavy whipping cream and milk until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Biscuits

1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle.
2. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush tops with additional heavy cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form; be careful not to over-whip.

Step 5: Assemble Your Shortcakes

1. Slice biscuits in half horizontally.
2. Layer strawberries on the bottom half of each biscuit followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream.
3. Top with the biscuit top and finish with more whipped cream and strawberries if desired.

Now you have a delicious homemade strawberry shortcake that’s sure to impress! Enjoy this delightful treat as you savor every bite of summer’s sweetest fruit.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake

Serving strawberry shortcake is all about creating a delightful experience that highlights the freshness of the strawberries and the richness of the cream. Here are some creative ways to present this classic dessert.

Individual Servings

• Use small glass jars to layer biscuits, strawberries, and cream for a charming presentation.

Family Style

• Arrange the components on a large platter so everyone can build their own strawberry shortcake as they like.

With Ice Cream

• Serve slices of strawberry shortcake alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Garnished with Mint

• Add fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and a refreshing flavor contrast.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an elegant touch and added sweetness.

On a Waffle Base

• Create a twist by serving the strawberry shortcake on top of waffles instead of biscuits for a brunch-inspired dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Making the perfect strawberry shortcake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dessert.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. They should be bright red with no bruises.
• Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping your butter and cream cold helps achieve flaky biscuits and whipped cream with great texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your biscuit ingredients, mix just until combined. This will keep your biscuits tender.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your strawberries before adding sugar. Depending on their ripeness, you may need less or more sugar.
• Opt for Heavy Cream: Use heavy whipping cream for both the biscuits and topping to ensure rich flavors and textures.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the assembled cake to rest for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake

To complement your strawberry shortcake, consider serving some delicious side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade offers a tart contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.
3. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, tangy side that complements the cake.
4. Vanilla Custard: Serve warm custard alongside your shortcake for a comforting addition that enhances its richness.
5. Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Herbed Scones: Flaky scones infused with herbs add an interesting flavor twist when served alongside sweet dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making strawberry shortcake, small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Bold butter choice: Using softened butter instead of cold butter can result in tough biscuits. Ensure your butter is frozen and grated for light, flaky layers.
• Bold overmixing dough: Mixing the biscuit dough too much can make it dense. Stir just until combined to keep your shortcakes tender.
• Bold improper strawberry preparation: Not letting the strawberries macerate with sugar can lead to bland flavor. Allow them to sit for at least 30 minutes for maximum juiciness.
• Bold skipping chilling the cream: Whipping warm cream won’t yield the best volume. Always start with cold heavy cream for perfect peaks.
• Bold neglecting biscuit size: Cutting biscuits too large or too small can affect baking time and texture. Aim for uniform sizes for even baking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover strawberry shortcake components separately in airtight containers.
• Fresh strawberries can last up to 2-3 days in the fridge.
• Biscuits will stay fresh for about 2-3 days; keep them covered to prevent drying out.
• Whipped cream should be used within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake

• You can freeze biscuits for up to 3 months; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Strawberries can be frozen as well, but they may become mushy upon thawing.
• Whipped cream does not freeze well; it’s best made fresh.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm biscuits for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Place biscuits on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat to gently warm biscuits, flipping occasionally to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert featuring layers of sweet biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

How do I make homemade whipped cream for Strawberry Shortcake?

To make homemade whipped cream, whip together cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This adds sweetness and richness.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Shortcake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they might be softer than fresh ones. Thaw them beforehand and drain excess liquid before using.

How do I customize my Strawberry Shortcake?

You can customize strawberry shortcake by adding different fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or by adding flavors like lemon zest or almond extract to the whipping cream.

Is Strawberry Shortcake suitable for special diets?

This recipe can easily be adapted for special diets by using gluten-free flour or dairy alternatives while maintaining the same delicious flavors.

Conclusion

Homemade strawberry shortcake is a delightful treat that combines light biscuits with juicy strawberries and rich whipped cream. This dessert is versatile—feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to summer picnics. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of seasonal sweetness!

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