Description
Sumptuous strawberry shortcake beckons dessert enthusiasts with its classic charm and irresistible layers of sweetness. Tender biscuits, fresh berries, and billowy whipped cream combine into a delightful American classic that will charm guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
Shortcake Base Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Cream and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425F (220C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal baking surface.
- Prepare fresh strawberries by washing and slicing them, then generously coat with sugar and allow to macerate for 15 minutes to release natural juices.
- Create the shortcake base by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using a cutting technique until the texture resembles rough, uneven crumbs.
- Gently fold heavy cream into the crumbly mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain a delicate dough consistency.
- Shape the dough into rounded portions directly on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent size for even baking.
- Bake the shortcake rounds in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior that indicates perfect doneness.
- While biscuits are cooling, whip heavy cream with a touch of vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks form.
- Carefully slice the cooled biscuits in half horizontally, creating layers for assembly.
- Construct the shortcake by layering macerated strawberries and freshly whipped cream between biscuit halves, serving immediately to preserve texture and freshness.
Notes
- Chilling butter beforehand ensures flakier, more tender shortcake biscuits with a delicate crumbly texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough combine more smoothly and prevent overmixing, which can make biscuits tough.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and taste.
- Fresh, seasonal strawberries provide the best flavor, but frozen can work in off-season with slight adjustment to sugar maceration time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg