Delicious and Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that is loved by people of all ages. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy whipped cream is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, this strawberry shortcake recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making the perfect strawberry shortcake, from selecting the freshest ingredients to assembling the dessert with finesse.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make strawberry shortcake:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 pounds of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
• 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for the whipped cream)

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making the perfect strawberry shortcake:

Step 1: Preparing the Strawberries

Start by washing the strawberries under cold water and removing the green tops. Slice the strawberries into thin, even pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over the strawberries and gently toss to coat. Set the bowl aside and allow the strawberries to macerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help release their natural juices and enhance their flavor.

Step 2: Making the Shortcake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Next, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Gently knead the dough a few times to ensure it is well combined. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and use a round biscuit cutter to cut out individual shortcakes. Place the shortcakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 3: Whipping the Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can quickly turn into butter. Once the cream is whipped to the desired consistency, refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake

Once the shortcakes have cooled, it’s time to assemble the strawberry shortcake. Take a shortcake and slice it in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a serving plate and spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries over it. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and place the other half of the shortcake on top. Repeat this process for the remaining shortcakes.

Finally, garnish the strawberry shortcakes with a few additional strawberry slices and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Key Takeaways

Now that you have the recipe for a delicious strawberry shortcake, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Macerating the strawberries enhances their natural sweetness.
• Handle the shortcake dough gently to avoid a dense texture.
• Whip the cream just until soft peaks form to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Assemble the strawberry shortcakes just before serving to prevent the shortcakes from becoming soggy.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now create a delectable strawberry shortcake that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple dessert after dinner, this classic treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade strawberry shortcake!