Description
Classic Strawberry Shortcake is a simple yet impressive dessert featuring fluffy baked shortcake biscuits layered with juicy macerated strawberries and light whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines seasonal freshness with a tender, flaky texture, making it a delightful treat that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- Fresh ripe strawberries – 2 cups, washed and sliced
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons (for macerating strawberries)
Shortcake Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cold unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (1 stick), cubed
- Heavy cream – 3/4 cup
Whipped Cream Topping
- Heavy cream – 1 cup, chilled
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar to macerate and let them stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until they release their natural juices, creating a sweet syrup.
- Make the Shortcake Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork to ensure tender, flaky biscuits.
- Bake the Shortcakes: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it to about 1 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Whip the Cream: While shortcakes are baking, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with vanilla extract and sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
- Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake: Slice each warm shortcake horizontally in half. Layer the bottom half with macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Cover with the top half of the biscuit, then add additional strawberries and cream on top if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Mix dough gently to keep shortcakes tender and light.
- Allow strawberries to macerate for a natural sweet syrup.
- Assemble dessert just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg