Strawberry Shortcake

There’s nothing better than homemade Strawberry Shortcake during strawberry season! This classic dessert is not only easy to make but also a delightful treat for any occasion. With its layers of flaky biscuits, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it stands out as a perfect choice for spring and summer gatherings. Whether it’s a family barbecue or a festive picnic, this dessert will surely impress your guests with its fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of juicy strawberries and homemade whipped cream makes every bite refreshing.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Make-Ahead Option: Each component can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the event without stress.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add other fruits to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools in your kitchen will make preparing Strawberry Shortcake easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution while baking your biscuits for that perfect texture.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream quick and effortless if you’re short on time.

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)
• 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 the 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

Start by washing and slicing your strawberries. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes so they can macerate and release their juices.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the frozen butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Biscuits

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush the tops lightly with additional heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
4. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Assemble Your Shortcakes

Once cooled slightly, slice each biscuit in half horizontally. Layer with fresh strawberries and whipped cream between each biscuit half. Top with more strawberries and whipped cream for serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Strawberry Shortcake!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your strawberry shortcake experience.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the strawberry shortcake layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a beautiful and traditional look.

Individual Cups

• Create individual servings in clear cups, layering biscuit pieces, strawberries, and whipped cream. This makes for an attractive presentation that’s easy to serve.

Parfait Style

• Layer ingredients in a tall glass for a parfait-style treat. Alternate layers of strawberries, whipped cream, and crumbled biscuits for a visually appealing dessert.

Mini Shortcakes

• Use small biscuit cutouts to make mini versions. These are perfect for parties or as bite-sized desserts that guests can enjoy without needing utensils.

Drizzle with Chocolate

• For a twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled shortcake just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.

Garnish with Mint

• Add fresh mint leaves on top of each serving for an elegant touch and a hint of freshness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Creating the perfect strawberry shortcake requires a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out wonderfully every time.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Cold butter and cream help create flaky biscuits. Make sure everything is chilled before starting your dough.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries to enhance the flavor of your shortcake. They should be sweet and vibrant in color.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the biscuit dough just until combined. Overworking can lead to tough biscuits; you want them light and fluffy.
• Whip Cream Properly: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form for optimal texture. This keeps it light while still holding its shape when layered.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: Taste your strawberries and adjust sugar accordingly. Some may need more sweetness depending on ripeness.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the shortcake soon after assembling. The biscuits can become soggy if left too long with the toppings.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweetness. Here are some fantastic options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of strawberry shortcake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy element that blends beautifully with strawberries.
3. Lemonade or Iced Tea: A chilled beverage like lemonade or iced tea adds refreshment and balances out the sweetness of dessert.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to add savory notes next to sweet treats.
5. Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola on the side offers texture contrast and can even be sprinkled on top of the dessert.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Enhance your strawberry theme with chocolate-covered strawberries for an indulgent treat.
7. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds crispness and freshness that pairs well with rich desserts.
8. Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches can add a warm fruit option alongside your cool strawberry shortcake, enhancing flavor complexity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry shortcake can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Using warm butter: Warm butter leads to dense biscuits. Always freeze the butter for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make biscuits tough. Mix just until combined for light, fluffy biscuits.
• Skipping the maceration: Not letting strawberries sit with sugar misses out on flavor. Allow them to rest for at least 30 minutes to enhance sweetness and juiciness.
• Not chilling ingredients: Using warm cream or milk affects biscuit texture. Keep all dairy ingredients cold for the best results.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can dry out your biscuits. Keep an eye on them and remove when golden brown.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry shortcake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Separate components (biscuits, strawberries, whipped cream) if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake

• Freeze components separately for optimal storage.
• Biscuits can be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap in plastic and aluminum foil.
• Strawberries can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap biscuits in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat biscuits on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: For quick reheating, use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert made of layers of fluffy biscuits, sweetened strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s a favorite during strawberry season.

How do I make homemade whipped cream?

To make homemade whipped cream, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Adjust sweetness to your taste.

Can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or infuse the whipped cream with flavors like lemon or almond for variety.

How should I serve Strawberry Shortcake?

Serve strawberry shortcake immediately after assembling it for the best texture and flavor. Layer fresh strawberries between biscuit halves and top with whipped cream.

Conclusion

Strawberry shortcake is an irresistible dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various fruits or flavors. Try this recipe today and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade strawberry shortcake!

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