Strawberry Shortcake

There’s nothing better than homemade strawberry shortcake during strawberry season! This classic dessert recipe is surprisingly simple to make, featuring homemade biscuits, fresh whipped cream, and juicy strawberries. Perfect for spring and summer entertaining, each part can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions. The delightful combination of flavors and textures truly makes this dessert stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, even for beginner bakers.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe strawberries adds a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare components in advance, allowing you to enjoy your company without stress.
• Versatile Serving: Ideal for picnics, parties, or a sweet ending to any meal.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.

Tools and Preparation

To make your strawberry shortcake experience seamless, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These tools ensure precision and efficiency in your baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Vital for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect results.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the biscuits to golden perfection.

Ingredients

For the Strawberries

• 7 cups fresh sliced strawberries (2 pounds strawberries)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Biscuits

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (frozen for 30 minutes)
• ¾ cup cold heavy whipping cream (plus more for brushing tops of biscuits)
• ¾ cup cold whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Turbinado sugar (coarse sugar), optional

For the Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by tossing the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes. This will help draw out their natural juices, making them sweeter and more flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the frozen butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the cold heavy whipping cream and milk until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
2. Pat into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with extra heavy cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, beat together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake

Once everything is ready:
1. Slice the baked biscuits in half horizontally.
2. Layer with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream on top.
3. Cap with the biscuit top and enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake

Serving strawberry shortcake is an opportunity to impress your guests with a delightful presentation. This classic dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience.

Classic Style

• Serve individual portions of strawberry shortcake on dessert plates, layering the biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream for a traditional look.

In a Trifle Dish

• Layer the ingredients in a large trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece. Alternate layers of biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream for visual appeal.

Mini Shortcakes

• Create bite-sized versions using small biscuit rounds topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Perfect for parties or gatherings!

With Fresh Mint

• Garnish each serving with fresh mint leaves to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.

Drizzled with Honey

• Add a drizzle of honey on top of the whipped cream for extra sweetness and complexity of flavor.

On a Bed of Spinach

• For an unexpected twist, serve strawberry shortcake over a bed of fresh spinach, adding contrast and freshness to the dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Creating the perfect strawberry shortcake involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dessert game.

• Use fresh strawberries: Always opt for ripe, sweet strawberries as they will provide the best flavor and juiciness.
• Chill your ingredients: Keep your butter and cream cold for flakier biscuits and lighter whipped cream.
• Don’t overmix: When making the biscuit dough, mix just until combined to ensure tender texture.
• Brush with cream: A quick brush of cold heavy whipping cream on top of biscuits before baking adds extra moisture and richness.
• Taste as you go: Adjust sugar levels based on your strawberries’ sweetness; taste both the berry mixture and whipped cream to find your ideal balance.
• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your strawberry shortcake right after assembling it to ensure freshness in every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake

Pairing side dishes with strawberry shortcake can enhance your meal and provide variety. Here are some delightful options that complement this sweet treat well.

1. Lemonade: A refreshing drink that balances the sweetness of the cake while providing a zesty kick.
2. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits creates a light side that contrasts nicely with rich dessert flavors.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence when served alongside warm biscuit layers.
4. Cucumber Salad: Lightly seasoned cucumber salad offers crisp freshness that pairs beautifully with rich strawberry shortcake.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to sweet desserts.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad: This nutritious option adds texture while remaining light enough to not overpower dessert flavors.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Slightly sweet roasted vegetables can balance out the overall meal experience while keeping it wholesome.
8. Pasta Primavera: A vibrant pasta dish loaded with vegetables makes for a colorful addition that contrasts with dessert’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry shortcake is fun, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly underestimating the importance of fresh strawberries: Using strawberries that are not ripe or in season can affect flavor. Always choose sweet, juicy strawberries for the best taste.
• Boldly skipping the chilling step for butter: If you don’t chill your butter before making the biscuits, they may turn out dense instead of fluffy. Make sure to freeze it for at least 30 minutes.
• Boldly overmixing the biscuit dough: Overmixing leads to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients come together to keep them light and flaky.
• Boldly ignoring the sugar content in strawberries: Not adding enough sugar to the strawberries can make them bland. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your berries.
• Boldly overlooking the whipped cream: Store-bought whipped cream lacks freshness. Make your own for a richer flavor and better texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry shortcake components separately in airtight containers.
• Fresh strawberries can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Homemade biscuits will stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored properly.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake

• Freeze individual components separately for best results.
• Biscuits can be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Strawberries should be frozen on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, lasting about 6 months.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake

• Boldly using an oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm biscuits for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Boldly opting for a microwave: Heat biscuits on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds, but avoid overheating as they can become tough.
• Boldly reheating on stovetop: Warm biscuits in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make strawberry shortcake from scratch?

Making strawberry shortcake from scratch involves baking homemade biscuits, macerating fresh strawberries with sugar, and whipping cream. Follow our recipe for detailed steps.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my strawberry shortcake?

While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen ones if necessary. Just be aware they may release more moisture, affecting texture.

What variations can I try with strawberry shortcake?

You can customize strawberry shortcake by adding different fruits like raspberries or peaches or using flavored whipped cream such as lemon or almond.

Is strawberry shortcake suitable for special diets?

Yes! You can modify this recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour or even make it dairy-free by substituting plant-based options.

Conclusion

Homemade strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity allows you to customize it with your favorite fruits and flavors. Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic treat that celebrates the sweetness of summer!

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