Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Classic Summer Delight

Strawberry Shortcake is a timeless dessert that evokes the taste of summer in every bite. With its buttery shortcakes, luscious strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual family gathering, this Strawberry Shortcake recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake

Creating the perfect Strawberry Shortcake starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 2/3 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

the Strawberries:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)

the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right kitchen tools will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a list:

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Whisk and spatula

• Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting butter into flour)

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

• Cooling rack

• Knife and cutting board

• Electric mixer or hand whisk (for whipped cream)

• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake

Follow these steps to create a perfectly layered, melt-in-your-mouth Strawberry Shortcake.

1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Wash and hull the strawberries.

2. Slice the strawberries and place them in a medium bowl.

3. Sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries and add the lemon juice if using.

4. Mix gently and let sit for at least 20–30 minutes to macerate. This will bring out the natural juices and sweetness.

2: Make the Shortcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortcakes tender.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times.

6. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and use a round biscuit cutter to cut out individual shortcakes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3: Bake the Shortcakes

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool slightly before assembling.

4: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

3. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will become grainy.

5: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake

1. Slice each shortcake in half horizontally.

2. Place the bottom half on a serving plate.

3. Spoon a generous layer of macerated strawberries over the shortcake.

4. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.

5. Place the top half of the shortcake over the whipped cream.

6. Add more strawberries and a final dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

1. Choose ripe strawberries: The sweetness and flavor of fresh strawberries make a huge difference.

2. Keep the butter cold: Cold butter ensures tender, flaky shortcakes.

3. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make the shortcakes tough.

4. Make ahead: You can prepare the strawberries and shortcakes a few hours in advance, then assemble just before serving.

5. Variations: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the shortcake dough for extra flavor.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Sugars: 25 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fiber: 2 g

This is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, but it’s worth every bite!

Why Strawberry Shortcake is the Perfect Dessert

The beauty of Strawberry Shortcake lies in its simplicity. Each component—the buttery shortcake, the juicy strawberries, and the light whipped cream—complements the others perfectly. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience, evoking the warm feeling of summer and the joy of homemade treats.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that is both classic and irresistible, this Strawberry Shortcake recipe is your ultimate solution. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a little love in preparation, you can create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this strawberry shortcake will leave a lasting impression.

Don’t wait—grab your fresh strawberries, mix up your buttery shortcakes, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness of homemade Strawberry Shortcake today!