Description
A classic American dessert featuring tender homemade shortcakes paired with fresh, juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. This Strawberry Shortcake recipe is simple to prepare, perfect for showcasing fresh strawberries in a delightful, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
Shortcake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (additional, for whipping)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for whipping cream)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the shortcakes.
- Prepare Strawberries: Rinse the fresh strawberries thoroughly and slice them into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside for topping.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into small pieces and incorporate it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup heavy cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Slowly add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Form and Bake Shortcakes: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the shortcakes turn golden brown on top.
- Whip Cream: While the shortcakes bake, whip the additional 1/2 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until soft peaks form, creating a sweet, fluffy whipped cream.
- Assemble and Serve: Allow the shortcakes to cool slightly. Serve each warm shortcake topped generously with the sliced strawberries and a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Notes
- For best flavor, use the freshest strawberries in season.
- Chilling the butter ensures a flaky, tender shortcake texture.
- You can macerate the strawberries with a little sugar for extra sweetness and juice.
- Adjust sugar in whipped cream to taste.
- Shortcakes are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.