Description
Delightful classic strawberry shortcake spotlights summer’s sweetest berries nestled between buttery biscuits and clouds of whipped cream. Sweet strawberries and golden shortcake layers promise pure dessert bliss that will transport you straight to grandmother’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅔ cup whole milk
Sweeteners and Sugars:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for biscuits)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
Flavor Enhancers and Binding Agents:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for biscuits)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing tops)
Instructions
- Marinate fresh strawberries with sugar in a mixing bowl, allowing them to rest and release natural syrup for approximately 30 minutes at ambient temperature.
- Preheat kitchen oven to 425F (220C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Create biscuit dough by combining dry ingredients in a large mixing vessel, then incorporate cold butter using fingertips or pastry tool until texture resembles coarse sandy granules.
- Gently introduce milk and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring minimally to maintain tender consistency.
- Transfer dough onto lightly floured surface and delicately shape into one-inch thickness.
- Carefully cut six circular biscuit shapes using round cutter or drinking glass.
- Position biscuit rounds onto prepared baking sheet, then brush exposed surfaces with beaten egg and optionally sprinkle with crystallized sugar.
- Bake golden pastry rounds for 12-15 minutes until edges turn warm amber color and surface appears crisp.
- While biscuits cool, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla in chilled mixing bowl until soft peaks develop.
- Slice cooled biscuits horizontally and layer with macerated strawberries and luxurious whipped cream.
- Crown each shortcake with additional cream and fresh berries, then serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and temperature.
Notes
- Macerate strawberries ahead of time to intensify their natural sweetness and create a syrupy juice that enhances the overall dessert flavor.
- Use cold butter and handle biscuit dough minimally to ensure tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries at peak season for the most vibrant and intense fruit flavor.
- Consider alternative flour options like whole wheat or gluten-free blends to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the shortcake’s delicate structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg