Strawberry Shortcake

The first time I tried Strawberry Shortcake, I was enchanted by its simplicity and deliciousness. Growing up, summer meant fresh strawberries, and my family would gather in the kitchen to whip up this classic dessert. The aroma of sweet strawberries combined with freshly baked shortcakes filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia. It felt like the essence of summer captured in a dessert. Each bite was a celebration of flavors—sweet, creamy, and just a hint of tartness from the berries. Whether it was a weekend gathering or a casual weekday treat, Strawberry Shortcake always made the occasion special. I can still remember the laughter that surrounded the table as we dug into the fluffy, buttery shortcakes topped with whipped cream and juicy strawberries. It’s one of those recipes that brings back memories and keeps family traditions alive.

Main Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake

The ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake are what truly elevate this dessert into a realm of deliciousness. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect taste and texture. The key players here are the strawberries, which bring a burst of flavor, and the self-rising flour, forming the base of our tender shortcakes.

• 4 pints strawberries, hulled and halved – The star of this dish! Fresh, ripe strawberries provide sweetness and a beautiful color.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – A splash of citrus enhances the flavor of the strawberries and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – This helps draw out the juices from the strawberries, making a lovely syrup.
• 2 cups self-rising flour – The backbone of our shortcakes, ensuring they rise beautifully and are light and fluffy.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Sweetens the shortcakes and enhances their flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small pieces – Adds richness and flakiness to the shortcakes.
• 3/4 cup whole milk – Brings moisture to the dough, creating a tender texture.
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream – Used to brush on top of the shortcakes for a golden finish.
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar – Adds a delightful crunch to the tops of the baked shortcakes.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream – Essential for the fluffy whipped cream topping.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream, making it even more delicious.

Strawberry Shortcake Instructions

Now comes the fun part! Making Strawberry Shortcake is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your friends and family.

1. Start by adding the strawberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine, making sure the strawberries are well-coated. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours. This resting time allows the berries to release their juices and become wonderfully juicy and flavorful. You can even prepare this step up to twelve hours in advance for more convenience.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. This combination ensures that your shortcakes will be light and fluffy.
4. Now, it’s time to incorporate the cold butter. Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal. You want to see pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
5. Stir in the milk until a very soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Using a scoop or your hands, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in six equal portions. Lightly pat each portion into 3-inch discs. This shaping ensures they bake evenly.
7. Take the heavy whipping cream and lightly brush the tops of the shortcakes. Then, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for that delightful crunch and sparkle.
8. Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown on top. The aroma will be heavenly!
9. Once baked, remove the shortcakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them maintain their texture.
10. While the shortcakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar. Mix on high until stiff peaks form. It’s best to make the whipped cream just before serving for that fresh taste.
11. When you’re ready to serve, slice off the top third of each shortcake. Place the bottom half on dessert plates and top with about 1/3 cup of the prepared berries and juice, followed by a generous spoonful of whipped cream. Then, cover with the tops of the shortcakes.
12. To finish, spoon over more berries and juice, and dollop with additional whipped cream. Garnish each plate with a whole berry and a drizzle of any remaining juice. Your Strawberry Shortcake is now ready to enjoy!

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Shortcake turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store leftover shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you have leftover whipped cream, store it in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: You can freeze the shortcakes before baking. Just shape them and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
• Pairing: Strawberry Shortcake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
• Serving size: Cut the shortcakes into smaller portions for a delightful dessert at gatherings without overwhelming guests.
• Experiment: Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Try adding nuts or different fruits for a personalized touch.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake

Serving Strawberry Shortcake is where you can really showcase your creativity and impress your guests.

• Family Gatherings: Serve Strawberry Shortcake at family reunions or picnics. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to all ages.
• Special Occasions: This dessert is perfect for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries. Dress it up by adding a sprinkle of edible flowers on top for an elegant look.
• Seasonal Events: In spring, pair Strawberry Shortcake with light salads and refreshing beverages for a lovely brunch.
• Outdoor Events: This dessert is ideal for barbecues or outdoor parties. Serve it with a side of lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing treat.
• Personal Touch: Offer toppings like chocolate sauce, nuts, or additional fruit on the side, allowing guests to customize their servings.
• Storage Notes: If you have leftovers, store the components separately—shortcakes, whipped cream, and strawberries—to maintain freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that embodies the joy of summer through its fresh flavors and simple preparation. Its ability to evoke cherished memories makes it even more special. I encourage you to try making this recipe for your next gathering or simply to treat yourself. It’s a dessert that brings people together and creates smiles with every bite.

Strawberry Shortcake

The ultimate comfort food for summer gatherings! This Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful blend of sweet strawberries, fluffy shortcakes, and whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion, it's an easy weeknight dessert that will surely impress your friends and family!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 4 pints Strawberries hulled and halved
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice fresh
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 2 cups Self-rising flour
• 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter very cold and cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup Whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons Coarse sugar
• 2 cups Heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar

Instructions

 

• Add strawberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Cover and rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until the berries are juicy. You can do this up to 12 hours in advance.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and kosher salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
• Add in the cold cubed butter, and using a pastry blender or your fingers, rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
• Stir in the milk until a very soft dough is formed. Do not overwork.
• Drop the dough in 6 equal portions onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly pat the dough into 3-inch discs.
• Lightly brush the tops with the heavy whipping cream and sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar.
• Bake the shortcakes in the center of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
• Add heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar to the bowl of the stand mixer. Mix together on high until stiff peaks form. Make the whipped cream right before serving.
• Slice off the top third of each shortcake and place the bottoms on six dessert plates and top with 1/3 cup of the prepared berries and juice, plus a spoonful of whipped cream. Cover with the top. Spoon over more berries and juice, then dollop with whipped cream. Garnish each with a whole berry and drizzle with any remaining juice.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the shortcakes before baking by shaping them and freezing on a baking sheet.
• Tip 3: This dessert pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh mint.
• Tip 4: Cut the shortcakes into smaller portions for a delightful dessert at gatherings.
• Tip 5: Feel free to get creative with toppings like nuts or different fruits.

Keyword easy shortcake, fresh strawberries, Strawberry Dessert, summer recipes

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!