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Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert combining sweet, juicy strawberries, fluffy homemade shortcake, and light whipped cream. Easy to prepare in under an hour using simple ingredients, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion. This recipe is customizable for various dietary preferences and presents beautifully for memorable desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for dough)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Topping

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for macerating strawberries)

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries into even pieces. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let them sit for about 20 minutes to macerate, drawing out their natural juices and sweetness.
  2. Make the Shortcake Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Gently stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough soft and sticky without making the cake tough.
  4. Bake the Shortcakes: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or shape into rounds gently. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before assembling.
  5. Whip the Cream: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator beforehand. Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, producing a light and airy whipped topping.
  6. Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake: Slice the baked shortcakes horizontally in half. Layer the bottom half with a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries and their syrup, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake over the filling and add more strawberries and cream on top to finish.

Notes

  • Use ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and juiciness.
  • Do not overmix the shortcake dough to keep it light and flaky.
  • Chill bowls and beaters before whipping cream for better stability.
  • Prepare strawberries and shortcakes ahead of time to simplify assembly.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with milk and a splash of lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake, dessert, berries, whipped cream, cake, homemade, easy dessert