Strawberry shortcake is the quintessential dessert for summer gatherings and celebrations. With its layers of fluffy cake, sweet ripe strawberries, and rich whipped cream, it’s a treat that’s sure to delight everyone. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows the juicy strawberries to shine, making it a true classic that never goes out of style.
Imagine biting into a light, airy biscuit that crumbles beautifully, followed by the burst of sweetness from the strawberries. Topped off with fresh whipped cream, this strawberry shortcake is a delicious way to showcase seasonal fruit. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a family gathering, it’s the perfect dessert to impress your guests.
Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
This classic strawberry shortcake showcases tender, buttery biscuits that serve as a delightful base for sweet, juicy strawberries and rich whipped cream. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying experience in every bite, merging the sweetness of the strawberries with the creamy texture of the whipped cream.
The vibrant red strawberries bring a burst of freshness, while the biscuits provide a light and airy contrast. Each layer complements the others, making this dessert an inviting option for any occasion, be it a casual family gathering or an elegant summer celebration.
Preparation of the Strawberries
To elevate the flavor of your strawberry shortcake, start by preparing the strawberries. Begin by slicing the fresh strawberries, then mix them with sugar in a bowl. This simple step allows the berries to sit, releasing their natural juices and enhancing their sweetness.
Letting the strawberries marinate for about 30 minutes is essential, as it transforms them into a luscious, syrupy topping that will beautifully complement the biscuits. The vibrant color and juicy texture of the strawberries will make your dessert visually appealing and delicious.
Creating Fluffy Biscuits
The heart of any delightful strawberry shortcake lies in its biscuits. Begin by preheating the oven to ensure a warm baking environment. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to create a dry mixture.
Next, introduce cold, cubed butter into the mix. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial, as it ensures the biscuits will be light and flaky once baked.
After incorporating the butter, gently stir in heavy cream until the mixture is just combined. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to denser biscuits. The dough should be soft and manageable, ready to be shaped into rounds.
Baking the Biscuits
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Flatten it into a rectangle, about an inch thick, and cut out individual rounds using a biscuit cutter. Place these rounds on a baking sheet and allow them to rise beautifully in the oven.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they achieve a golden brown hue. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for assembling your strawberry shortcake.
Whipping Up the Cream
The final layer of this dessert is a light and airy whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, beat together heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This whipped cream adds an inviting sweetness and a creamy texture that ties all the elements together.
Be careful not to over-whip, as you want a smooth and spreadable consistency. The fluffy cream will serve as a delightful topping, creating a beautiful contrast against the vibrant strawberries and fluffy biscuits.
Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake
Once all components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the strawberry shortcake. Begin by slicing the baked biscuits in half horizontally. On the bottom half, layer a generous portion of the marinated strawberries.
Add a hearty dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, followed by placing the top half of the biscuit. For an extra touch, feel free to add more strawberries and whipped cream on top. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint for an appealing presentation.
Serve your beautifully assembled strawberry shortcake immediately, allowing your guests to indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures that characterize this beloved dessert.
Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
This classic strawberry shortcake is made with tender, buttery biscuits that provide a perfect base for the juicy strawberries and whipped cream. The balance of flavors creates a delightful experience with every bite, combining sweet and creamy textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped cream)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar. Mix well and let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.
- Make the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream until just combined.
- Shape and Bake: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble: Cut the biscuits in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with strawberries, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, and place the top half of the biscuit on top. Finish with more strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your strawberry shortcake immediately, savoring the sweet, fruity flavors and the light texture of the biscuits.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g