This easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a delightful summer dessert that brings the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the lightness of buttery shortcakes together in perfect harmony. It’s ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or simply when you’re craving something sweet. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the vibrant flavor it offers, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time, perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Customizable Layers: You can adjust the amount of strawberries and whipped cream to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a holiday gathering, this dessert will impress everyone.
- Light and Fluffy: The buttery shortcakes are light and airy, balancing perfectly with juicy strawberries.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of this strawberry shortcake recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Hand mixer
- Pastry cutter (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your shortcakes evenly.
- Hand mixer: Helps achieve fluffy whipped cream easily, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients
This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is light, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a quick summer dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients:
– 1 and ½ pounds fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
– ⅔ cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Slice the strawberries and place them in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup granulated sugar over the strawberries.
- Stir gently and set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow juices to form.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Step 3: Make the Shortcake Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter pieces to this mixture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Pour in whole milk and vanilla extract.
- Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Shortcakes
- Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming six shortcakes.
- Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until tops are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, pour in cold heavy whipping cream.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Beat with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
Step 7: Assemble Your Dessert
- Split each shortcake in half using a fork or your hands.
- Spoon strawberries along with their juices onto the bottom half of each shortcake.
- Add a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
- Place the top half over the cream; add more strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Step 8: Serve!
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful strawberry shortcake!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to impress your family and friends.
Classic Layered Style
- Serve the shortcake layered with strawberries and whipped cream for a traditional presentation.
Individual Cups
- For a fun twist, serve the strawberry shortcake in individual cups. Layer the cake, strawberries, and cream for easy eating.
With Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top for an extra creamy treat.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream for a decadent touch.
Fresh Mint Garnish
- Top each serving with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Variation with Other Fruits
- Incorporate other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake.
How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
To make your strawberry shortcake even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.
Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best flavor. Look for bright red berries with no bruises.
Chill your equipment: For whipped cream that holds its shape, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.
Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the shortcakes tender.
Experiment with flavors: Enhance your whipped cream by adding extracts like almond or citrus zest for added depth.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your strawberry shortcake right after assembling it.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Strawberry shortcake pairs beautifully with several side dishes that can complement its sweetness. Here are some excellent options.
Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich dessert.
Lemonade – A cold glass of lemonade adds a zesty touch that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Iced Tea – Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a classic choice that refreshes the palate.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – This fruity dessert offers a delightful flavor combination alongside strawberry shortcake.
Chocolate Fondue – Dip fresh fruit pieces into chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can add savory notes to counterbalance the sweetness of the cake.
Grilled Peaches – Grilled peaches bring out their natural sweetness and pair well with whipped cream.
Cookies – Serve some light cookies on the side for additional crunch and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect strawberry shortcake can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly skipping the maceration – Not allowing the strawberries to sit with sugar can lead to a dry dish. Always let them rest for at least 30 minutes to release their juices.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make your shortcakes tough. Stir just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Using warm butter – If your butter is not cold enough, it won’t create those flaky layers. Ensure it’s chilled before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Ignoring baking time – Baking for too long or too little can ruin your shortcakes. Keep an eye on them and remove them when golden brown.
- Forgetting to chill the cream – Whipping cream that’s not cold enough won’t hold its shape. Always use cold heavy whipping cream for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover strawberry shortcake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Wrap individual shortcakes tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds; check and add more time if necessary.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious strawberry shortcake recipe.
How can I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?
You can add different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or incorporate lemon zest into the dough for added flavor.
Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What is the best way to serve Strawberry Shortcake?
Serve immediately after assembly for optimal freshness. You can also offer extra strawberries and whipped cream on the side.
How long does it take to prepare this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe?
The total time is around 35-40 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry shortcake recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering or just because you crave something sweet, it’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize with different fruits or flavors and enjoy this delightful treat any time!
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate summer dessert with our easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. This delightful treat combines fresh, juicy strawberries with light and airy shortcakes, layered with fluffy whipped cream for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe shines with its simplicity and vibrant taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ pounds fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for dough)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for dough)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by slicing them and mixing with ¼ cup sugar; let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt; add cold butter and blend until crumbly.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Assemble by splitting shortcakes in half, layering with strawberries and whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shortcake (approx. 130g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
