Nothing says summer quite like a classic strawberry shortcake. With its layers of fluffy, buttery biscuits, sweetened whipped cream, and juicy, ripe strawberries, this dessert is a favorite at gatherings and a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving something sweet, this easy strawberry shortcake recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into making this scrumptious dessert!
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing the biscuits)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberries:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Begin by preparing the strawberries. Hull and slice them into small pieces, then place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and toss them gently to coat.
- Set the strawberries aside and let them macerate for about 30 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices, creating a sweet syrup.
Step 2: Make the Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix – you want the dough to remain light and flaky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Using a round biscuit cutter (or a glass), cut out biscuits from the dough. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with a bit of sugar for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.
- Set the whipped cream aside, ready to top your shortcakes!
Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes
- Slice the biscuits in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom for each shortcake.
- Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
- Place the top half of the biscuit on top, creating a sandwich.
- Optionally, add more whipped cream and a few more strawberry slices on top for a beautiful finish.
Serving Tips
- Garnish: For extra flavor and decoration, you can garnish the strawberry shortcake with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the strawberries and whipped cream ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake the biscuits and assemble.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry shortcake. You could also add a touch of lemon zest to the biscuits or whipped cream for a citrusy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry shortcake recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s as good as any bakery’s.
The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and light whipped cream is irresistible, and it’s a treat that everyone will love.
Perfect for picnics, summer parties, or as a sweet ending to a family meal, this strawberry shortcake is sure to become one of your go-to recipes.
Plus, it’s easily customizable—whether you like your shortcake with a bit of citrus, a splash of liqueur, or a drizzle of chocolate, you can tailor it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about strawberry shortcake that’s simply comforting and nostalgic.
It’s a dessert that brings people together and reminds us of the joys of simpler times.
This easy and delicious recipe ensures that you can enjoy a homemade version without any hassle.
Whether you’re treating yourself or serving it to guests, this strawberry shortcake recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds! 🍓🍰
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