There’s nothing quite like a classic Strawberry Shortcake to celebrate the flavors of summer. This ultimate version features tender, buttery shortcake layers, juicy macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced: Sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
- Versatile: Great for summer gatherings, holidays, or a sweet treat any time of year.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A timeless dessert that everyone loves.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Shortcake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the shortcake, providing structure.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the shortcake.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the shortcake rise and become fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed): Adds richness and flakiness to the shortcake.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the shortcake a rich texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the shortcake.
For the Strawberry Filling
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- 1 lb fresh strawberries (sliced): The star of the dessert, adding sweetness and freshness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Helps draw out the juices from the strawberries.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry flavor.
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Makes the whipped cream rich and creamy.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the whipped cream
Tips and Tricks
- Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and heavy cream ensure a flaky, tender shortcake.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the dough comes together to avoid a tough texture.
- Chill Your Bowl and Whisk: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before whipping.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the strawberries and shortcake ahead of time, but assemble just before serving to keep the cake from getting soggy.
Variations and Customizations
- Mixed Berries: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a berry medley.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the shortcake dough or whipped cream for a citrusy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the shortcake.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and a vegan whipped topping.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Serve with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.
- Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store assembled shortcake in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Separate Components: Store the shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream separately for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
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2. Can I make individual shortcakes?
Absolutely! Use a biscuit cutter to shape the dough into rounds and bake for 12-15 minutes.
3. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream tastes fresher and is less sweet.
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Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake is a classic, featuring fluffy shortcake layers, macerated fresh strawberries, and a rich whipped cream topping. Perfect for summer celebrations or any occasion, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds with its combination of sweetness, creaminess, and buttery shortcake.
Ingredients
For the Shortcake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for structure)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (helps the cake rise)
- 1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (for richness and flakiness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (adds moisture and tenderness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced (for juicy, fruity layers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the strawberries)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness and enhances flavor)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (for a light, fluffy topping)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (sweetens the cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
- Make the Shortcake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the shortcake is golden brown.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing it in half horizontally.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Shortcake:
- Place the bottom layer of the shortcake on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then top with half of the macerated strawberries.
- Place the top layer of the shortcake over the strawberries.
- Spread another layer of whipped cream on top and garnish with the remaining strawberries.
- Drizzle with the syrup from the macerated strawberries for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the shortcake.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings—this dessert is always a hit!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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