Classic Strawberry Shortcake a Taste of Summer

Classic Strawberry Shortcake A Taste of Summer Bliss
By Lila Beaumont

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had one of those days where only a hug in dessert form will do? Honestly, sometimes I crave a dessert that reminds me of childhood summers.

This strawberry shortcake recipe easy is exactly that! It's bursting with sweet strawberries and fluffy goodness.

Brief Overview

Strawberry shortcake is an American classic. It's been gracing picnic tables for generations. This easy version takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. You'll get six perfect servings, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

This fresh strawberry recipe is naturally packed with vitamin C from the berries. It’s the perfect dessert for a sunny afternoon tea party.

What makes this recipe special? It's simple, comforting and uses the best of summer’s bounty.

What You'll Need for Your Berry Best Dessert

Ready to get started with the best shortcake biscuits ? First let's gather our ingredients. You need fresh strawberries, flour, butter, and cream.

The full list is below. Make sure your butter and cream are ice cold !

Let's Talk About the Strawberries

The heart of any good strawberry shortcake is, well, the strawberries! Macerating them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice is key.

It draws out their natural sweetness. This creates a lovely syrupy sauce. Don't skip this step, trust me! It makes all the difference for amazing strawberry dessert ideas .

I once forgot the lemon juice and the strawberries tasted flat, never again.

Getting Started with the Shortcake

We need a perfectly crumbly base, and a little technique. To make the easy strawberry dessert you'll need the dry and wet ingredients.

Don't overmix. Overmixing leads to tough shortcakes. We want them light and fluffy, you know? Like little clouds of deliciousness.

Speaking of substitutions, if you don't have heavy cream, don't use milk on the recipe as it will effect the taste.

Use all-purpose flour instead of plain flour and cornstarch.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Ready to whip up some seriously good strawberry shortcake ? This recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up.

And trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen mishaps. Let's get started!

Main Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Dessert

  • Fresh Strawberries: 1 kg (2 pounds) , hulled and sliced. Look for bright red, fragrant berries. Trust me, quality matters!
  • Granulated Sugar: 50 g (1/4 cup) . For the strawberries, just to sweeten them up a bit.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp . Adds a zing and keeps the berries from getting too mushy.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 250 g (2 cups) , plus extra for dusting.
  • Granulated Sugar (again!): 2 tbsp . For the shortcakes themselves.
  • Baking Powder: 1 tbsp . This is what gives those shortcakes their lift.
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp . Enhances the other flavors, you know?
  • Unsalted Butter: 115 g (1/2 cup or 1 stick) , cold and cubed. Super important that it's cold !
  • Heavy Cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup) , cold.
  • Large Egg: 1, lightly beaten. For brushing the shortcakes before baking. Milk: 2 tbsp .
  • Heavy Cream (yep, more!): 480 ml (2 cups) , cold. For the homemade whipped cream recipe.
  • Powdered Sugar: 40 g (1/4 cup) . Sweetens the whipped cream perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp . Because vanilla makes everything better.

Seasoning Notes for Summer Dessert Recipes

We're keeping it pretty simple here. For me, the strawberries really steal the show. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the shortcake batter for a little warmth.

Or, for a strawberry shortcake variations , try a little almond extract. But honestly, the basic recipe is amazing as is.

Equipment Needed for Baking with Strawberries

  • Large Bowl: For macerating the berries and mixing the dry ingredients.
  • Small Bowl: For the lemon juice and other bits.
  • Baking Sheet: A must!
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To prevent sticking.
  • Pastry Blender or Food Processor: Optional, but makes cutting in the butter easier. I use my hands, personally.
  • Electric Mixer: For the whipped cream. Unless you're a total beast with a whisk.
  • Oven: To 200° C ( 400° F)

Honestly, that's it. Nothing too fancy needed to make this classic american desserts . This strawberry shortcake recipe easy is totally doable, even if you're not a pro baker.

Cooking Method: Baking the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good strawberry shortcake ? It’s like sunshine on a plate. I remember my grandma making it every summer.

This strawberry shortcake recipe easy will make you think of her. The smell alone brings back so many memories! Let’s bake!

Prep Steps: Get Organized!

First, mise en place is key. Slice those berries, chill the butter, and measure your ingredients. Trust me, it makes everything smoother.

For time saving organization tips , I like to prep the strawberries first and let them macerate while I'm working on the shortcakes.

And remember, safety reminders watch those fingers when slicing strawberries!

step-by-step Process: Easy as Pie (well, almost!)

  1. Macerate the Strawberries: Mix sliced strawberries with 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let sit for at least 20 minutes .
  2. Preheat: Set that oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Line a baking sheet.
  3. Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 250 g (2 cups) flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  4. Cut in Butter: Cut in 115 g (1/2 cup) cold, cubed butter until crumbly.
  5. Add Cream: Gently stir in 120 ml (1/2 cup) cold heavy cream. Do not overmix!
  6. Form Shortcakes: Pat the dough to about 2cm (3/4 inch) thickness and cut out rounds.
  7. Bake: Brush with egg, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 15- 20 minutes , until golden brown.
  8. Whip Cream: Beat 480 ml (2 cups) heavy cream, 40 g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  9. Assemble: Split shortcakes, add strawberries, and top with whipped cream.
  10. Serve Immediately: Eat and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Strawberry Dessert Ideas !

Here are some expert techniques . Don’t overmix that dough! Overmixing is a common mistake to avoid. You'll get tough biscuits if you do.

For a little something special, try adding lemon zest to the shortcake dough. Or try raspberries for fresh strawberry recipes !

Honestly, Strawberry Shortcake is the bomb! The perfect summer dessert recipes . And now you have a strawberry shortcake recipe easy to make it!.

Trust me, it's a winner every time. The secret to the best shortcake biscuits ? Cold ingredients!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Strawberry Shortcake

Right then, let's chat about making this strawberry shortcake recipe easy as pie, eh? Honestly, there's a knack to getting it just right.

And a few simple tips that can elevate your strawberry shortcake game from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, this is divine!".

Let's dive in, shall we?

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look the Bee's Knees

Presentation matters, even with a simple dessert like this classic american dessert . Instead of just plopping everything on a plate, think layers.

Start with the shortcake, add a generous spoonful of those gorgeous macerated strawberries, then a cloud of whipped cream. A sprig of mint? Why not! For a bit of posh, serve with a small jug of extra strawberry juice and a glass of something bubbly.

Prosecco, anyone? This gives people a chance to customize their dessert, you know?

On the side, maybe some vanilla ice cream or a tangy lemon curd. Lemon curd cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

This strawberry dessert ideas is about more than just taste. It's about the whole experience.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh as a Daisy

Listen, strawberry shortcake is best devoured immediately. But life happens, right? If you've got leftovers, store the shortcakes separately from the strawberries and whipped cream.

The shortcakes will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. The strawberries should be refrigerated, and the whipped cream will last a day in the fridge.

Freezing? Only the shortcakes are good for freezing, wrap them well. But be warned, the texture might change a bit.

Reheat the shortcakes gently in the oven or microwave. Don't even think about freezing the strawberries or whipped cream! It will ruin your strawberry dessert ideas .

Variations: Putting Your Own Stamp On It

Fancy a twist? For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the shortcakes. Just be extra careful not to overmix the dough.

Want to be a bit extra? Add lemon zest for a brighter flavour or use different berries, raspberries or blueberries go very well with fresh strawberry recipes .

Need a dairy-free strawberry shortcake ? Use plant based butter and coconut cream. This makes this a recipe more accessible for everyone and can be one of the best summer dessert recipes .

You can use milk but the taste wont be as tasty as heavy cream. You can use plain flour and cornstarch mix.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. But it's got strawberries, right? Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

So, while it's a treat, it's a treat with a few benefits! Just remember to enjoy in moderation.

And there you have it. Everything you need to tweak this recipe and make it totally yours. So, go on, get baking! You got this and make this strawberry shortcake truly easy !

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my strawberry shortcakes tough? I want them light and fluffy like they serve at Wimbledon!

Tough shortcakes are usually the result of overmixing the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a denser texture. Be gentle when combining the ingredients, and mix only until just combined a few streaks of flour are okay. Also, make sure your butter is very cold before you start!

Can I make strawberry shortcake ahead of time? How do I store it?

You can definitely prep elements in advance! Bake the shortcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Macerate the strawberries a few hours beforehand and keep them refrigerated. It's best to whip the cream just before serving, as it tends to deflate over time.

Assembled strawberry shortcake is best eaten immediately, as the shortcakes can get soggy.

What else can I use besides whipped cream on my strawberry shortcake?

While whipped cream is the classic topping, feel free to get creative! A scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonderfully, or you could try a dollop of mascarpone cheese sweetened with a little honey. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt with a touch of vanilla extract is delicious.

If you want a bit more of a tang, a good quality crème fraîche is spot on.

Can I adapt this strawberry shortcake recipe to be gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be extra careful not to overmix the dough, as gluten-free flours can become gummy more easily. You might also need to add a bit more liquid (a tablespoon or two of milk) if the dough seems too dry.

Remember that baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them in the oven.

What are some fun variations I can try with this classic strawberry shortcake?

Get those creative juices flowing! Try adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the shortcake dough for a citrusy twist. You could also experiment with different extracts in the whipped cream almond or vanilla bean paste are delicious.

For a more decadent version, brush the shortcakes with melted butter before baking. Don't be afraid to swap the Strawberries for other fresh berries in season!

Is there a way to make this strawberry shortcake healthier?

You can definitely make some tweaks to lighten it up! Use less sugar in the shortcakes and whipped cream, and opt for a lower fat whipped topping or Greek yogurt. Whole wheat flour can replace some of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.

The natural sweetness of the strawberries really shines through, so you might not even miss the extra sugar!

Classic Strawberry Shortcake A Taste Of Summer

Classic Strawberry Shortcake A Taste of Summer Bliss Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:25 Mins
Cooking time:20 Mins
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450
Fat30g
Fiber0g

Recipe Info:

CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican

Share, Rating and Comments: