Ah, strawberry shortcake - the quintessential summer dessert
That's as sweet as it is satisfying. This classic treat is a staple of warm weather gatherings, picnics, and backyard barbecues. And for good reason! The combination of tender shortcake, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped cream is a match made in heaven.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a busy bee looking for a quick and easy dessert solution, strawberry shortcake is the perfect treat to impress your friends and family. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make!
In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake from scratch, using fresh strawberries, real whipped cream, and a simple shortcake recipe that's sure to become a favorite. So indulge in this sweet treat and make your summer a little bit brighter!
Here are the ingredients you'll need:
Ingredients:
For the shortcake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the strawberries:
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
You'll also need confectioners' sugar for dusting the shortcake.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the batter: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
3. Bake the shortcake: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
4. Prepare the strawberries and whipped cream: For strawberries, Wash, hull, and slice 3 cups of fresh strawberries. Mix with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the strawberries start to release their juice and get sweet and tangy. For whipped cream, Open a can of store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the shortcake: Split the shortcake into individual servings. Place a layer of sweetened strawberries on top of each shortcake, followed by a dollop of whipped cream.
6. Serve and enjoy: Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Here are some helpful tips to make your strawberry shortcake experience even better:
Tips for the Best Shortcake:
1. Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential for the best flavor and texture. Choose sweet and ripe strawberries for the best results.
2. Don't overmix the batter: Mix the shortcake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense shortcake.
3. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, including the eggs and milk, are at room temperature before mixing the batter.
4. Don't overbake: Bake the shortcake until it's lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can make the shortcake dry.
Tips for the Best Whipped Cream:
1. Use cold cream: Chill the heavy cream in the refrigerator before whipping to get the best results.
2. Don't overwhip: Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks, but be careful not to overwhip, which can make the cream too stiff and turn it into butter.
3. Add a little sugar: Add a tablespoon or two of granulated sugar to the whipped cream to balance out the flavor.
Tips for Assembling the Shortcake:
1. Let the shortcake cool completely: Make sure the shortcake is completely cool before assembling the shortcake to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
2. Use a generous amount of strawberries: Don't be shy with the strawberries! Use a generous amount to get the best flavor and texture.
3. Assemble just before serving: Assemble the shortcake just before serving to prevent the whipped cream from melting and the shortcake from getting soggy.
Miscellaneous Tips:
1. Use store-bought shortcake as a shortcut: If you're short on time, use store-bought shortcake to save time and effort.
2. Make ahead of time: You can make the shortcake and whipped cream ahead of time, but assemble the shortcake just before serving.
3. Experiment with flavors: Try adding different flavors like vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream or shortcake batter for a unique twist.
Benefits:
- Fresh and flavorful: Made with fresh strawberries, this dessert is bursting with juicy flavor and sweetness.
- Easy to make: With a simple shortcake recipe and store-bought whipped cream, this dessert is quick to prepare and assemble.
- Perfect for gatherings: Strawberry shortcake is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, and summer parties.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with different flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or use fresh blueberries or raspberries for a unique spin.
- Classic comfort food: This timeless dessert evokes memories of childhood summers and warm weather, making it a comforting treat for all ages.
- Light and refreshing: With a light and airy shortcake and whipped cream, this dessert won't weigh you down, making it perfect for hot summer days.
- Impressive presentation: The layered shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream create a beautiful and Instagram-worthy dessert that's sure to impress!
That's it! Enjoy your delicious strawberry shortcake with minimal effort and time.
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