Skip to content
Home » Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake





Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Description

This Perfect Strawberry Shortcake recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer. It combines tender, buttery biscuits with sweet, juicy strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes this dessert a perennial favorite. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

  • 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
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Extra sugar for sprinkling

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Perfect Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

  1. Slice the Strawberries:
    • Hull and slice the fresh strawberries.
    • Place them in a large bowl.
  2. Macerate the Strawberries:
    • Sprinkle the granulated sugar and lemon juice over the sliced strawberries.
    • Toss gently to combine.
    • Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will draw out the juices, creating a sweet syrup.

Step 2: Make the Biscuits

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the Butter:
    • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
    • Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract.
    • Stir gently until the dough begins to come together. Do not overmix.
  5. Form the Biscuits:
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
    • Knead the dough gently a few times until it holds together.
    • Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
  6. Cut the Biscuits:
    • Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits.
    • Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Brush and Bake:
    • Brush the tops of the biscuits with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
    • Allow the biscuits to cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream

  1. Chill the Mixing Bowl:
    • For best results, chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before making the whipped cream.
  2. Whip the Cream:
    • Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl.
    • Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  3. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
    • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
    • Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake

  1. Split the Biscuits:
    • Carefully split each biscuit in half horizontally.
  2. Layer the Strawberries:
    • Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and their juices onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
  3. Add Whipped Cream:
    • Top the strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream.
  4. Top and Serve:
    • Place the top half of the biscuit over the whipped cream.
    • Add an extra spoonful of strawberries and a small dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.
    • Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations for Strawberry Shortcake

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

  • Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones provide the best texture and taste.
  • Maceration Time: Allow the strawberries to macerate for at least 30 minutes. This process enhances their natural sweetness and creates a delicious syrup.
  • Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold when incorporating it into the flour. This helps create flaky, tender biscuits.
  • Chilled Equipment: Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream helps achieve better volume and texture.

Variations – Strawberry Shortcake

  • Berry Medley Shortcake:
    • Use a mix of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries along with strawberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
    • This variation adds a delightful burst of different berry flavors.
  • Lemon Strawberry Shortcake:
    • Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the biscuit dough and a bit of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a zesty kick.
    • The lemon enhances the fresh flavor of the strawberries.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake:
    • Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled shortcakes or add chocolate chips to the biscuit dough.
    • This variation adds a rich, indulgent touch.
  • Almond Strawberry Shortcake:
    • Substitute 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour and add a few drops of almond extract to the whipped cream.
    • The almond flavor pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake:
    • Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the biscuits.
    • Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 400mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Strawberry Shortcake

Origins and Popularity

Strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The term “shortcake” comes from an old English cooking term referring to a type of crumbly cake made with butter. The dessert gained popularity in the United States in the mid-1800s, especially as strawberries became more widely available.

Cultural Significance – Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake has become synonymous with spring and summer in many parts of the world, especially in the United States. It is often served during holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, as well as at picnics and family gatherings. The dessert symbolizes the arrival of warm weather and the bounty of fresh fruits.

Interesting Facts

  • Strawberry Festivals: Many towns across the United States host strawberry festivals in late spring and early summer, where strawberry shortcake is often a star attraction. These festivals celebrate the strawberry harvest and often include a variety of strawberry-themed foods and activities.
  • Varied Recipes: While the traditional version features biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream, there are countless variations, including those using sponge cake or pound cake instead of biscuits.
  • Global Variations: Strawberry shortcake has inspired similar desserts around the world, such as the Japanese version, which often features fluffy sponge cake layers, fresh strawberries, and sweetened whipped cream.

The Strawberry Connection

Strawberries are native to North and South America and have been enjoyed by indigenous peoples for centuries. The modern strawberry, as we know it, was developed in France in the 18th century from hybridization of two different wild species. Their bright red color, juicy texture, and sweet flavor make them a perfect fruit for desserts.

Modern Takes on Strawberry Shortcake

With the rise of food innovation, strawberry shortcake has seen numerous creative adaptations. From vegan and gluten-free versions to those incorporating exotic fruits or unique toppings, this dessert continues to evolve. It remains a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike for its versatility and delightful combination of flavors and textures.